arXiv subjects

Claudia Felser

Publications and source records attributed to Claudia Felser.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2025

Exploring non-collinear magnetic ground states in tetragonal Mn$_2$-based Heusler compounds

Heusler compounds constitute a large family of intermetallic materials notable for their wide variety of properties such as magnetism, multi-ferroicity, nontrivial band topology, superconductivity and so on. Among their magnetic properties one finds a tremendous variety of states from simple ferromagnetism to skyrmion crystals. In most Mn$_2$-based Heuslers the magnetism is typically collinear. An exception is Mn$_2$RhSn in which an unusual ground state with magnetic canting and a temperature-induced spin re-orientation into the collinear ferrimagnetic phase has been reported from experiments. In this work, we employ first-principles calculations and mean field theory to provide a simple account of the unusual phase diagram in this magnet. We also highlight Weyl points in the computed band structure of \mrs\ and the resulting Fermi arcs.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Theory of Superconductivity in LaRu$_3$Si$_2$ and Predictions of New Kagome Flat Band Superconductors

We present a comprehensive investigation of the flat-band kagome superconductor LaRu$_3$Si$_2$, which has recently been reported to host charge density wave (CDW) order above room temperature ($T_{CDW} \simeq 400$ K). The stable crystal structure above the CDW transition is identified via soft phonon condensation and confirmed to be harmonically stable through ab initio calculations, consistent with recent X-ray diffraction refinements. The electron-phonon coupling (EPC) in LaRu$_3$Si$_2$ is found to be mode-selective, primarily driven by strong interactions between Ru-$B_{3u}$ phonons (local $x$-direction, pointing toward the hexagon center) and Ru-$A_g$ electrons (local $d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital) within the kagome lattice. Using a spring-ball model, we identify this mode-selective EPC as a universal feature of kagome materials. Employing the newly developed Gaussian approximation of the hopping parameters, we derive an analytical expression for the EPC and demonstrate that superconductivity in LaRu$_3$Si$_2$ is mostly driven by the coupling between the kagome $B_{3u}$ phonons and the $A_g$ electrons. The impact of doping is also investigated, revealing that light hole doping (approximately one hole per unit cell) significantly enhances the superconducting critical temperature $T_c$ by 50%, whereas heavy doping induces structural instability and ferromagnetism. Furthermore, high-throughput screening identifies 3063 stable 1:3:2 kagome materials, of which 428 are predicted to exhibit superconductivity with $T_c > 1$ K, and the highest $T_c$ reaching 15 K. These findings establish LaRu$_3$Si$_2$ and related materials as promising platforms for exploring the interplay among kagome flat bands, EPC, and superconductivity. Additionally, they may offer valuable insights into potential limitations on the $T_c$ of flat-band superconductivity in real materials.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2025

Concurrent Multifractality and Anomalous Hall Response in the Nodal Line Semimetal Fe$_3$GeTe$_2$ Near Localization

Topological states of matter exhibit unique protection against scattering by disorder. Different topological classes exhibit distinct forms and degrees of protection. Here, we investigate the response of the ferromagnetic nodal line semimetal Fe$_3$GeTe$_2$ to disorder and electronic interactions. By combining global magneto-transport with atomic-scale scanning tunneling spectroscopy we find a simultaneous onset of diverse phenomena below a common temperature scale of about 15 K: A crossover from metallic to insulating temperature dependence of the longitudinal resistivity, saturation of the anomalous Hall conductivity to its maximal value, formation of a sharp zero-bias dip in the tunneling density of state, and emergence of multi-fractal structure of the electronic wavefunction peaking at the Fermi energy. These concurrent observations reflect the emergence of a novel energy scale possibly related to the opening of a gap in the nodal line band of Fe$_3$GeTe$_2$. Our study provides overarching insight into the role of disorder, electronic interactions and Berry curvature in setting the micro- and macro-scale responses of topological semimetals.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Orientation Dependent Resistivity Scaling in Mesoscopic NbP Crystals

The scaling of Si transistor technology has resulted in a remarkable improvement in the performance of integrated circuits over the last decades. However, scaled transistors also require reduced electrical interconnect dimensions, which lead to greater losses and power dissipation at circuit level. This is mainly caused by enhanced surface scattering of charge carriers in copper interconnect wires at dimensions below 30 nm. A promising approach to mitigate this issue is to use directional conductors, i.e. materials with anisotropic Fermi surface, where proper alignment of crystalline orientation and transport direction can minimize surface scattering. In this work, we perform a resistivity scaling study of the anisotropic semimetal NbP as a function of crystalline orientation. We use here focused ion beam to pattern and scale down NbP crystallites to dimensions comparable to the electron scattering length at cryogenic temperatures. The experimental transport properties are correlated with the Fermi surface characteristics through a theoretical model, thus identifying the physical mechanisms that influence the resistivity scaling of anisotropic conductors. Our methodology provides an effective approach for early evaluation of anisotropic materials as future ultra-scalable interconnects, even when they are unavailable as epitaxial films.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2025

Spin-forbidden excitations in the magneto-optical spectra of CrI$_3$ tuned by covalency

Spin-forbidden ($ΔS \neq 0$) multiplet excitations and their coupling to magnetic properties are of increasing importance for magneto-optical studies of correlated materials. Nonetheless, the mechanisms for optically brightening these transitions and their generality remain poorly understood. Here, we report magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy on the van der Waals (vdW) ferromagnet (FM) CrI$_3$. Previously unreported spin-forbidden ($ΔS = 1$) ${}^4A_{2\mathrm{g}} \to{}^2E_\mathrm{g}/{}^2T_{1\mathrm{g}}$ Cr${}^{3+}$ $dd$ excitations are observed near the ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) excitation threshold. The assignment of these excitations and their Cr$^{3+}$ multiplet character is established through complementary Cr $L_3$-edge resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) measurements along with charge transfer multiplet (CTM) calculations and chemical trends in the chromium trihalide series (CrX$_3$, X = Cl, Br, I). We utilize the high sensitivity of MCD spectroscopy to study the thickness dependent optical response. The spin-forbidden excitations remain robust down to the monolayer limit and exhibit a significant magnetic field tunability across the antiferromagnetic to FM transition in few-layer samples. This behavior is associated to changes in the metal-ligand covalency with magnetic state, as supported by our CTM analysis. Our results clarify the magneto-optical response of CrI$_3$ and identify covalency as a central mechanism for the brightening and field-tunability of spin-forbidden multiplet excitations.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

How to Measure and Model Light-Induced Spin Transfer

Femtosecond laser light can transfer spin angular momentum between magnetic subspecies that exhibit hybridized valence bands within an alloy or compound, and represents the fastest route for manipulating the magnetization of a material. To date, ultrafast spin transfer has predominantly been explained in terms of the initial and final states available for laser excitation. Here, by comparing the measured and calculated dynamics across the entire $M$-edges of two very similar Heusler compounds, $Co_2MnGa$ and $Co_2MnGe$ as well as a sample of elemental Co, we find that simply accounting for the initial and final electron states available for laser excitation cannot alone explain the experimental observations. The influence of spin lifetimes must also be included, due to the shifting of the Fermi level upon replacing Ga with Ge, or the presence of crystalline disorder. This explains why the ordered $L2_1$ phase of $Co_2MnGa$ demonstrates strong laser-induced magnetic signal enhancements across the entire Co-edge, while similar enhancements were not observed in partially disordered $Co_2MnGe$. Although intra-site spin-transfers were expected in the minority channel in pure Co due to the presence of many more available states in the minority channel above the Fermi level, no such signal was observed due to very short few-femtosecond spin lifetimes in a metal. Finally, we identify key regions in the magnetic asymmetry where a transiently enhanced signal could be misinterpreted as a light-induced spin-transfer signature.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Spectroscopic origin of giant anomalous Hall effect in an interwoven magnetic kagome metal

The discovery of a giant anomalous Hall effect (AHE) and its novel mechanism holds significant promise for advancing both fundamental research and practical applications. Magnetic kagome lattice materials are uniquely suited for studying the AHE due to their interplay between electronic structure, topology, and magnetism. However, the geometric frustration inherent in kagome lattices often limits the configuration and tunability of magnetic order. Here, we present a new design strategy for kagome-lattice materials with emergent magnetism, exemplified by the magnetic kagome metal TbTi$_3$Bi$_4$, which features interwoven magnetic Tb zigzag chains and non-magnetic Ti kagome bilayers. This material exhibits a record-high anomalous Hall conductivity (AHC) of 10$^5$ $Ω^{-1}$ cm$^{-1}$. Spectroscopy measurements reveal a large band folding gap observed via angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, coexisting spin-density-wave (SDW) order detected through spin-polarized scanning tunneling spectroscopy, and a spiral magnetic order with large magnetic moments identified by neutron diffraction. These findings highlight a strong electron-magnetic coupling between itinerant charges and ordered magnetic moments, offering a spectroscopic explanation for the giant AHC in TbTi$_3$Bi$_4$. This work establishes a pathway for innovative material design strategies, unlocking new possibilities for future exploration and applications in quantum and spintronic technologies.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Evidence for reduced periodic lattice distortion within the Sb-terminated surface layer of the kagome metal CsV$_3$Sb$_5$

The discovery of the kagome metal CsV$_3$Sb$_5$ sparked broad interest, due to the coexistence of a charge density wave (CDW) phase and possible unconventional superconductivity in the material. In this study, we use low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) with a $μ$m-sized electron beam to explore the periodic lattice distortion at the antimony-terminated surface in the CDW phase. We recorded high-quality backscattering diffraction patterns in ultrahigh vacuum from multiple cleaved samples. Unexpectedly, we did not find superstructure reflexes at intensity levels predicted from dynamical LEED calculations for the reported $2 \times 2 \times 2$ bulk structure. Our results suggest that in CsV$_3$Sb$_5$ the periodic lattice distortion accompanying the CDW is less pronounced at Sb-terminated surfaces than in the bulk.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

A New Moiré Platform Based on M-Point Twisting

We introduce a new class of moiré systems and materials based on monolayers with triangular lattices and low-energy states at the M points of the Brillouin zone. These M-point moiré materials are fundamentally distinct from those derived from $Γ$- or K-point monolayers, featuring three time-reversal-preserving valleys related by three-fold rotational symmetry. We propose twisted bilayers of experimentally exfoliable 1T-SnSe$_2$ and 1T-ZrS$_2$ as realizations of this new class. Using extensive ab initio simulations, we develop quantitative continuum models and analytically show that the corresponding M-point moiré Hamiltonians exhibit emergent momentum-space non-symmorphic symmetries and a kagome plane-wave lattice in momentum space. This represents the first experimentally viable realization of a projective representation of crystalline space groups in a non-magnetic system. With interactions, these materials represent six-flavor Hubbard simulators with Mott physics, as can be seen by their flat Wilson loops. Furthermore, the presence of a non-symmorphic momentum-space in-plane mirror symmetry makes some of the M-point moiré Hamiltonians quasi-one-dimensional in each valley, suggesting the possibility of realizing Luttinger liquid physics. We predict the twist angles at which a series of (conduction) flat bands appear, provide a faithful continuum Hamiltonian, analyze its topology and charge density and briefly discuss several aspects of the physics of this new platform.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Spin Hall and Edelstein Effects in Novel Chiral Noncollinear Altermagnets

Altermagnets are a newly discovered class of magnetic phases that combine the spin polarization behavior of ferromagnetic band structures with the vanishing net magnetization characteristic of antiferromagnets. Initially proposed for collinear magnets, the concept has since been extended to include certain non-collinear structures. A recent development in Landau theory for collinear altermagnets incorporates spin-space symmetries, providing a robust framework for identifying this class of materials. Here we expand on that theory to identify altermagnetic multipolar order parameters in non-collinear chiral materials. We demonstrate that the interplay between non-collinear altermagnetism and chirality allows for spatially odd multipole components, leading to non-trivial spin textures on Fermi surfaces and unexpected transport phenomena, even in the absence of SOC. This makes such chiral altermagnets fundamentally different from the well-known SOC-driven Rashba-Edelstein and spin Hall effects used for 2D spintronics. Choosing the chiral topological magnetic material Mn$_3$IrSi as a case study, we apply toy models and first-principles calculations to predict experimental signatures, such as large spin-Hall and Edelstein effects, that have not been previously observed in altermagnets. These findings pave the way for a new realm of spintronics applications based on spin-transport properties of chiral altermagnets.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Quantized nonlinear Hall effect from chiral monopole

Nonlinear Hall effect arises in materials without inversion symmetry, and the intrinsic contribution is typically from Berry curvature dipole of non-universal Fermi pockets. Here we propose that nonlinear Hall effect can reach quantization in chiral Weyl semimetals without mirror symmetries. The energy shift between a pair of Weyl nodes leads to chirally asymmetric intra-node relaxation, and the net trace of nonlinear Hall conductivity is thus quantized in units of $e^3/\hbar^2$ and determined by sum of monopole charge weighted by the transport relaxation time. Our theory also applies to mirror symmetric Weyl/Dirac semimetals with chiral anomaly. Additionally, besides DC transport probes, we anticipate that nonlinear circular dichroism measurements could detect chiral asymmetry-induced currents.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Momentum-Resolved Fingerprint of Mottness in Layer-Dimerized Nb$_3$Br$_8$

In a well-ordered crystalline solid, insulating behaviour can arise from two mechanisms: electrons can either scatter off a periodic potential, thus forming band gaps that can lead to a band insulator, or they localize due to strong interactions, resulting in a Mott insulator. For an even number of electrons per unit cell, either band- or Mott-insulators can theoretically occur. However, unambiguously identifying an unconventional Mott-insulator with an even number of electrons experimentally has remained a longstanding challenge due to the lack of a momentum-resolved fingerprint. This challenge has recently become pressing for the layer dimerized van der Waals compound Nb$_3$Br$_8$, which exhibits a puzzling magnetic field-free diode effect when used as a weak link in Josephson junctions, but has previously been considered to be a band-insulator. In this work, we present a unique momentum-resolved signature of a Mott-insulating phase in the spectral function of Nb$_3$Br$_8$: the top of the highest occupied band along the out-of-plane dimerization direction $k_z$ has a momentum space separation of $Δk_z=2π/d$, whereas the valence band maximum of a band insulator would be separated by less than $Δk_z=π/d$, where $d$ is the average spacing between the layers. As the strong electron correlations inherent in Mott insulators can lead to unconventional superconductivity, identifying Nb$_3$Br$_8$ as an unconventional Mott-insulator is crucial for understanding its apparent time-reversal symmetry breaking Josephson diode effect. Moreover, the momentum-resolved signature employed here could be used to detect quantum phase transition between band- and Mott-insulating phases in van der Waals heterostructures, where interlayer interactions and correlations can be easily tuned to drive such transition.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

In-situ monitoring the magnetotransport signature of topological transitions in the chiral magnet Mn$_{1.4}$PtSn

Emerging magnetic fields related to the presence of topologically protected spin textures such as skyrmions are expected to give rise to additional, topology-related contributions to the Hall effect. In order to doubtlessly identify this so-called topological Hall effect, it is crucial to disentangle such contributions from the anomalous Hall effect. This necessitates a direct correlation of the transversal Hall voltage with the underlying magnetic textures. We utilize a novel measurement platform that allows to acquire high-resolution Lorentz transmission electron microscopy images of magnetic textures as a function of an external magnetic field and to concurrently measure the (anomalous) Hall voltage in-situ in the microscope on one and the same specimen. We use this approach to investigate the transport signatures of the chiral soliton lattice and antiskyrmions in Mn$_{1.4}$PtSn. Notably, the observed textures allow to fully understand the measured Hall voltage without the need of any additional contributions due to a topological Hall effect, and the field-controlled formation and annihilation of anstiskyrmions are found to have no effect on the measurend Hall voltage.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Pomeranchuk Instability Induced by an Emergent Higher-Order van Hove Singularity on the Distorted Kagome Surface of Co$_3$Sn$_2$S$_2$

Materials hosting flat bands at the vicinity of the Fermi level promote exotic symmetry broken states. Common to many of these are van Hove singularities at saddle points of the dispersion or even higher-order van Hove singularities where the dispersion is flattened further. The band structure of kagome metals hosts both a flat band and two regular saddle points flanking a Dirac node. We investigate the kagome ferromagnetic metal Co$_3$Sn$_2$S$_2$ using scanning tunneling spectroscopy. We identify a new mechanism by which a triangular distortion on its kagome Co$_3$Sn surface termination considerably flattens the saddle point dispersion, and induces an isolated higher-order van Hove singularity (HOvHS) with algebraically divergent density of states pinned to the Fermi energy. The distortion-induced HOvHS precipitates a Pomeranchuk instability of the Fermi surface, resulting in the formation of a series of nematic electronic states. We visualize the nematic order across an energy shell of about 100 meV in both real-, reciprocal-, and momentum-spaces, as a cascade of wavefunction distributions which spontaneously break the remaining rotational symmetry of the underlying distorted kagome lattice, without generating any additional translational symmetry breaking. It signifies the spontaneous removal of a subset of saddle points from the Fermi energy to lower energies. By tracking the electronic wavefunction structure across the deformed Fermi surface we further identify a charge pumping-like evolution of the wavefunction center of mass. The mechanism we find for the generation of higher-order saddle points under a kagome distortion may be common to other kagome materials, and potentially other lattice structures, suggesting a generic new avenue for inducing unconventional electronic instabilities towards exotic states of matter.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Observation of Phonon Angular Momentum

Angular momentum (AM), a fundamental concept describing the rotation of an object about an axis, profoundly influences all branches of physics. In condensed matter, AM is intimately related to the emergence of topological quantum states, including chiral superconductivity and quantum spin liquids, and various chiral quasiparticles. Recently, it has been predicted that microscopic lattice excitations, known as phonons, can carry finite AM with remarkable macroscopic physical consequences. However, the direct observation of phonon-AM has not been achieved. In this letter, we report the experimental discovery of phonon-AM in the chiral crystal Tellurium. We show that due to AM conservation, applying a time-reversal symmetry breaking thermal gradient along the chiral axis of single crystal Te results in a macroscopic mechanical torque, $τ$, that can be observed using a cantilever-based device. We establish that the mechanical torques change sign by flipping the thermal gradient and disappear in polycrystalline samples that lack a preferred chirality. Based on our experimental settings, we estimate $τ\sim10^{-11}$N$\cdot$m, in agreement with theoretical calculations. Our results uncover phonon-AM and pave the way for phonon-AM enabled quantum states for microelectronic applications.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Scaling the topological transport based on an effective Weyl model

Magnetic topological semimetals are increasingly fueling interests in exotic electronic-thermal physics including thermoelectrics and spintronics. To control the transports of topological carriers in such materials becomes a central issue. However, the topological bands in real materials are normally intricate, leaving obstacles to understand the transports in a physically clear way. Parallel to the renowned effective two-band model in magnetic field scale for semiconductors, here, an effective Weyl-band model in temperature scale was developed with pure Weyl state and a few meaningful parameters for topological semimetals. Based on the model, a universal scaling was established and subsequently verified by reported experimental transports. The essential sign regularity of anomalous Hall and Nernst transports was revealed with connection to chiralities of Weyl nodes and carrier types. Upon a double-Weyl model, a concept of Berry-curvature ferrimagnetic structure, as an analogy to the real-space magnetic structure, was further proposed and well described the emerging sign reversal of Nernst thermoelectric transports in temperature scale. Our study offers a convenient tool for scaling the Weyl-fermion-related transport physics, and promotes the modulations and applications of magnetic topological materials in future topological quantum devices.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Pressure-induced superconductivity in monoclinic RhBi$_2$

RhBi$_2$ is a polymorphic system that exhibits two distinct phases. RhBi$_2$ in the triclinic phase has been identified as a weak topological insulator with a van Hove singularity point close to the Fermi energy. Thus, triclinic RhBi$_2$ is expected to exhibit exotic quantum properties under strain or pressure. In this study, we report on the emergence of superconductivity in the monoclinic RhBi$_2$ under external pressures. The electrical resistivity behavior of the monoclinic RhBi$_2$ single crystal is studied at a wide range of applied external pressures up to 40 GPa. We observe a pressure-induced superconductivity with a dome-shaped dependence of the critical temperature on pressure at pressures above 10 GPa. A maximum critical temperature ($T_\mathrm{c}$) value of $T_\mathrm{c}$ = 5.1 K is reached at the pressure of 16.1 GPa. Furthermore, we performed detailed ab initio calculations to understand the electronic band structures of monoclinic RhBi$_2$ under varying pressures. The combination of topology and pressure-induced superconductivity in the RhBi$_2$ polymorphic system may provide us with a new promising material platform to investigate topological superconductivity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2024

Superconductivity in ternary pyrite-type compound IrBi$_{1-x}$Te$_{1+x}$ ($x \approx 0.2$) at ambient and high pressure

We report superconductivity in the ternary compound IrBi$_{0.8}$Te$_{1.2}$ with critical temperature 1.7 K. The replacement of Bi by Te leads to the metallic conductivity in contrast to the semiconducting parent compound IrBiTe. The superconductivity can be further enhanced by application of external pressure. $T_c$ demonstrates dome-shaped dependence on pressure with a maximum value of 2.6 K at 26.5 GPa. Pressure effects on electronic properties and lattice dynamic of IrBi$_{0.8}$Te$_{1.2}$ were studied by pressure dependent electrical resistivity, Hall effect and Raman spectroscopy measurements.

cond-mat.supr-con↗