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Elbio Dagotto

Publications and source records attributed to Elbio Dagotto.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Tutorial: Extracting entanglement signatures from neutron spectroscopy

This tutorial is a pedagogical introduction to recent methods of computing quantum spin entanglement witnesses from spectroscopy, with a special focus on neutron scattering on quantum spin systems. We offer a brief introduction to the concepts and equations, define a data analysis protocol, and discuss the interpretation of three entanglement witnesses: one-tangle, two-tangle, and Quantum Fisher Information. We also discuss practical experimental considerations, and give three examples of extracting entanglement witnesses from experimental data: Copper Nitrate, KCuF3, and NiPS3.

cond-mat.str-el↗

Prediction of $s^\pm$-wave superconductivity enhanced by electronic doping in trilayer nickelates La$_4$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$ under pressure

Motivated by the recently reported signatures of superconductivity in trilayer La$_4$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$ under pressure, we comprehensively study this system using {\it ab initio} and random-phase approximation techniques. Without electronic interactions, the Ni $d_{3z^2-r^2}$ orbitals show a bonding-antibonding and nonbonding splitting behavior via the O $p_z$ orbitals inducing a ``trimer'' lattice in La$_4$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$, analogous to the dimers of La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_{7}$. The Fermi surface consists of three electron sheets with mixed $e_g$ orbitals, and a hole and an electron pocket made up of the $d_{3z^2-r^2}$ orbital, suggesting a Ni two-orbital minimum model. In addition, we find that superconducting pairing is induced in the $s^{\pm}$-wave channel due to partial nesting between the {\bf M}=$(π, π)$ centered pockets and portions of the Fermi surface centered at the {\bf $Γ$}=$(0, 0)$ point. With changing electronic density $n$, the $s^\pm$ instability remains leading and its pairing strength shows a dome-like behavior with a maximum around $n = 4.2$ ($\sim 6.7\%$ electron doping). The superconducting instability disappears at the same electronic density as that in the new 1313 stacking La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$, correlated with the vanishing of the hole pocket that arises from the trilayer sublattice, suggesting that the high-$T_c$ superconductivity of La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ may $not$ originate from a trilayer- and single-layer structure. Furthermore, we predict an interesting spin-density-wave state in La$_4$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$ with an in-plane ($π$, $π$) order and antiferromagnetic coupling between the top and bottom Ni layers, while the middle layer has spin zero.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Non-trivial fusion of Majorana zero modes in interacting quantum-dot arrays

Motivated by recent experimental reports of Majorana zero modes (MZMs) in quantum-dot systems at the ``sweet spot'', where the electronic hopping $t_h$ is equal to the superconducting coupling $Δ$, we study the time-dependent spectroscopy corresponding to the non-trivial fusion of MZMs. The expression non-trivial refers to the fusion of Majoranas from different original pairs of MZMs, each with well-defined parities. For the first time, we employ an experimentally accessible time-dependent real-space local density-of-states (LDOS) method to investigate the non-trivial MZMs fusion outcomes in canonical chains and in a Y-shape array of interacting electrons. In the case of quantum-dot chains where two pairs of MZMs are initially disconnected, after fusion we find equal-height peaks in the electron and hole components of the LDOS, signaling non-trivial fusion into both the vacuum $I$ and fermion $Ψ$ channels with equal weight. For $π$-junction quantum-dot chains, where the superconducting phase has opposite signs on the left and right portions of the chain, after the non-trivial fusion, we observed the formation of an exotic two-site MZM near the center of the chain, coexisting with another single-site MZM. Furthermore, we also studied the fusion of three MZMs in the Y-shape geometry. In this case, after the fusion we observed the novel formation of another exotic multi-site MZM, with properties depending on the connection and geometry of the central region of the Y-shape quantum-dot array.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Luther-Emery liquid and dominant singlet superconductivity in the hole-doped Haldane spin-1 chain

We investigate the pairing tendencies in the hole-doped Haldane spin-1 chain. To allow for doping, we extend the original spin chain Hamiltonian into a fermionic model involving a two-orbital Hubbard chain at intermediate or strong repulsive interaction strengths $U$, and for degenerate orbitals. At half-filling and large $U$, the ferromagnetic Hund's coupling, $J_\mathrm{H}$, generates effective spin-$1$ moments, with antiferromagnetic correlations between sites. Using large-scale density matrix renormalization group calculations, we study accurately the system's behavior under light hole-doping. For $U=1.6$ in units of the non-interacting bandwidth and for $J_\mathrm{H}/U\gtrsim 0.275$ we find that singlet pairing dominates the long-distance physics, establishing this system as a promising platform for repulsively mediated superconductivity. We provide concrete examples of materials that could realize the physics described here. We also provide evidence that the system approaches a Luther-Emery liquid state at large system sizes, reminiscent of the behavior of doped one-orbital two-leg ladders at weak coupling, which also have superconducting tendencies. The numerically calculated central charge approaches one in the thermodynamic limit, indicating a single gapless mode as is expected for the Luther-Emery state. Exponents characterizing the power-law decays of singlet pair-pair and charge density-density correlations are determined, and found to approximately satisfy the Luther-Emery identity.

cond-mat.str-el↗

Reconstructing the spatial structure of quantum correlations in materials

Quantum correlations are a fundamental property of quantum many-body states. Yet they remain experimentally elusive, hindering certification of genuine quantum behavior, especially in quantum materials. Here we show that the momentum-dependent dynamical susceptibility measured via inelastic neutron scattering enables the systematic reconstruction of a general family of quantum correlation functions, which express the degree of quantum coherence in the fluctuations of two spins at arbitrary mutual distance. Using neutron scattering data on the compound KCuF$_3$ $\unicode{x2014}$ a system of weakly coupled $S=1/2$ Heisenberg chains $\unicode{x2014}$ and of numerically exact quantum Monte Carlo data, we show that quantum correlations possess a radically different spatial structure with respect to conventional correlations. Indeed, they exhibit a new emergent length scale $\unicode{x2014}$ the quantum coherence length $\unicode{x2014}$ which is finite at any finite temperature (including when long-range magnetic order develops). Moreover, we show theoretically that coupled Heisenberg spin chains exhibit a form of quantum monogamy, with a trade-off between quantum correlations along and transverse to the spin chains. These results highlight real-space quantum correlators as an informative, model-independent means of probing the underlying quantum state of real quantum materials.

cond-mat.str-el↗

Electronic structure, self-doping, and superconducting instability in the alternating single-layer trilayer stacking nickelates La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$

Motivated by the recently proposed alternating single-layer trilayer stacking structure for the nickelate La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$, we comprehensively study this system using {\it ab initio} and random-phase approximation techniques. Our analysis unveils similarities between this novel La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ structure and other Ruddlesden-Popper nickelate superconductors, such as a similar charge-transfer gap value and orbital-selective behavior of the $e_g$ orbitals. However, different from other Ruddlesden-Popper nickelate superconductors, we do not observe any obvious reconstruction of the Fermi surface from ambient conditions (Cmmm phase) to high pressures (P4/mmm phase). Pressure primarily increases the bandwidths of the Ni $e_g$ bands, suggesting an enhancement of the itinerant properties of those $e_g$ states. Furthermore, the $d_{3z^2-r^2}$ orbital also has a layer-selective behavior because the antibonding-bonding-nonbonding splitting can only be obtained in the trilayer. In addition, we observe a "self-doping" effect from the trilayer to the single-layer sublattices and this effect will be enhanced by overall electron doping. Moreover, we find a leading $d_{x^2-y^2}$-wave pairing state that is restricted to the single-layer. Because the effective coupling between the single layers is very weak -- due to the non-superconducting trilayer in between -- this suggests that the superconducting transition temperature $T_c$ in this structure should be much lower than in the bilayer structure.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Magnetic Correlations and Pairing Tendencies of the Hybrid Stacking Nickelate Superlattice La$_7$Ni$_5$O$_{17}$ (La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$/La$_4$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$) under Pressure

Motivated by the recent rapid progress in high-$T_c$ nickelate superconductors, we comprehensively study the physical properties of the alternating bilayer trilayer stacking nickelate La$_7$Ni$_5$O$_{17}$. The high-symmetry phase of this material, without the tilting of oxygen octahedra, is not stable at ambient conditions but becomes stable under high pressure, where a small hole pocket $γ_0$, composed of the $d_{3z^2-r^2}$ states in the trilayer sublattice, appears. This pocket was identified in our previous work for trilayer La$_4$Ni$_3$O$_{10}$ as important to develop superconductivity. Moreover, using random-phase approximation calculations, we find a leading $s^\pm$ pairing state for the high-symmetry phase under pressure with similar pairing strength as that obtained previously for the bilayer La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ compound, suggesting a similar or higher superconducting transition temperature $T_c$. In addition, we find that the dominant magnetic fluctuations in the system driving this pairing state have antiferromagnetic structure both in-plane and between the planes of the top and bottom trilayer and bilayer sublattices, while the middle trilayer is magnetically decoupled.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Magnetic phase diagram of a two-orbital model for bilayer nickelates varying doping

Motivated by the recently discovered high-$T_c$ bilayer nickelate superconductor La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$, we comprehensively research a bilayer $2\times2\times2$ cluster for different electronic densities $n$ by using the Lanczos method. We also employ the random-phase approximation to quantify the first magnetic instability with increasing Hubbard coupling strength, also varying $n$. Based on the spin structure factor $S(q)$, we have obtained a rich magnetic phase diagram in the plane defined by $n$ and $U/W$, at fixed Hund coupling. We have observed numerous states, such as A-AFM, Stripes, G-AFM, and C-AFM. For half-filling $n=2$ (two electrons per Ni site, corresponding to $N$ = 16 electrons), the canonical superexchange interaction leads to a robust G-AFM state $(π,π,π)$ with antiferromagnetic couplings in plane and between layers. By increasing or decreasing electronic densities, ferromagnetic tendencies emerge from the ``half-empty'' and ``half-full'' mechanisms, leading to many other interesting magnetic tendencies. In addition, the spin-spin correlations become weaker both in the hole or electron doping regions compared with half-filling. At $n = 1.5$ (or $N=12$), density corresponding to La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$, we obtained the ``Stripe 2'' ground state (antiferromagnetic coupling in one in-plane direction, ferromagnetic coupling in the other, and antiferromagnetic coupling along the $z$-axis) in the $2\times2\times2$ cluster. In addition, we obtained a much stronger AFM coupling along the $z$-axis than the magnetic coupling in the $xy$ plane. The random-phase approximation calculations with varying $n$ give very similar results as Lanczos. Meanwhile, a state with $q/π= (0.6, 0.6, 1)$ close to the E-phase wavevector is found in our RPA calculations by slightly reducing the filling to $n=1.25$, possibly responsible for the E-phase SDW recently observed in experiments.

cond-mat.str-el↗

Dynamics and Fusion of Majorana Zero Modes in Quantum-dot based Interacting Kitaev Chains

Motivated by the recent experimental realization of a minimal Kitaev chain in quantum dot systems, we present our theoretical findings on the dynamics and fusion of MZMs at or near the $``$sweet spot" $t_h = Δ$ (where the fermionic hopping $t_h$ and superconducting coupling $Δ$ are equal). We investigated the dynamics and fusion of MZMs using time-dependent real-space local density-of-states methods. The movement of Majoranas and the detection of fusion channels are crucial for topological quantum computations. Additionally, we discuss our recent discovery of exotic $``$multi-site" MZMs in $Y$-shaped Kitaev wires, which is important for the potential braiding of Majoranas in $Y$-junctions formed from arrays of quantum dots. Finally, we present results on "non-trivial" fusion using canonical Kitaev wires at the sweet spot.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Crystalline-Symmetry-Protected Majorana Modes in Coupled Quantum Dots

We propose a minimalist architecture for achieving various crystalline-symmetry-protected Majorana modes in an array of coupled quantum dots. Our framework is motivated by the recent experimental demonstrations of two-site and three-site artificial Kitaev chains in a similar setup. We find that introducing a $π$-phase domain wall in the Kitaev chain leads to a pair of mirror-protected Majorana zero modes located at or near the junction. Joining two $π$-junctions into a closed loop, we can simulate two distinct classes of two-dimensional higher-order topological superconducting phases, both carrying symmetry-protected Majorana modes around the sample corners. As an extension of the $π$-junction, we further consider a general vertex structure where $n$ Kitaev chains meet, i.e., a Kitaev $n$-vertex. We prove that such an $n$-vertex, if respecting a dihedral symmetry group $D_n$, necessarily carries $n$ vertex-bound Majorana modes protected by the $D_n$ symmetry. Resilience of the junction and vertex Majorana bound states against disorder and correlation effects is also discussed. Our architecture paves the way for designing, constructing, and exploring a wide variety of artificial topological crystalline phases in experiments.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Witnessing Entanglement and Quantum Correlations in Condensed Matter: A Review

The detection and certification of entanglement and quantum correlations in materials is of fundamental and far-reaching importance, and has seen significant recent progress. It impacts both our understanding of the basic science of quantum many-body phenomena as well as the identification of systems suitable for novel technologies. Frameworks suitable to condensed matter that connect measurements to entanglement and coherence have been developed in the context of quantum information theory. These take the form of entanglement witnesses and quantum correlation measures. The underlying theory of these quantities, their relation to condensed matter experimental techniques, and their application to real materials are comprehensively reviewed. In addition, their usage in e.g. protocols, the relative advantages and disadvantages of witnesses and measures, and future prospects in, e.g., correlated electrons, entanglement dynamics, and entangled spectroscopic probes, are presented. Consideration is given to the interdisciplinary nature of this emerging research and substantial ongoing progress by providing an accessible and practical treatment from fundamentals to application. Particular emphasis is placed on quantities accessible to collective measurements, including by susceptibility and spectroscopic techniques. This includes the magnetic susceptibility witness, one-tangle, concurrence and two-tangle, two-site quantum discord, and quantum coherence measures such as the quantum Fisher information.

quant-ph↗

Block Mott insulating state induced by next-nearest neighbor hopping in the S = 3/2 zigzag chain BaCoTe2O7

Quasi-one-dimensional correlated electronic multi-orbital systems with either ladder or chain geometries continue attracting considerable interest due to their complex electronic phases arising from the interplay of the hopping matrix, the crystal-fields splitting, the electronic correlations, and strong quantum fluctuations. Recently, the intriguing cobalt zigzag chain system BaCoTe$_2$O$_7$, with electronic density $n = 7$, was prepared experimentally. Here, we systematically study the electronic and magnetic properties of this quasi-one-dimensional compound from the theory perspective. Based on first-principles density functional theory calculations, strongly anisotropic one-dimensional electronic Co $3d$ bands were found near the Fermi level. By evaluating the relevant hopping amplitudes, we provide the magnitude and origin of the nearest-neighbor (NN) and next nearest-neighbor (NNN) hopping matrices in BaCoTe$_2$O$_7$. With this information, we constructed a three-orbital electronic Hubbard model for this zigzag chain system, and studied two cases: with only a NN hopping matrix, and with NN plus NNN hopping matrices. Introducing the Hubbard and Hund couplings and studying the model via the density matrix renormalization group method, we constructed the ground-state phase diagram. A robust staggered antiferromagnetic (AFM) region was found when only the NN hopping matrix in the chain direction was employed. However, for the realistic case where the NNN hopping matrix is also included, the dominant state becomes instead a block AFM order, in agreement with experiments. The system displays Mott insulator characteristics with three half-filled orbitals, when the block AFM order is stable. Our results for BaCoTe$_2$O$_7$ provide guidance to experimentalists and theorists working on this zigzag one-dimensional chain and related materials.

cond-mat.str-el↗

Structural phase transition, $s_{\pm}$-wave pairing and magnetic stripe order in the bilayered nickelate superconductor La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ under pressure

Motivated by the recently discovered high-$T_c$ superconductor La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$, we comprehensively study this system using density functional theory and random phase approximation calculations. At low pressures, the Amam phase is stable, containing the Y$^{2-}$ mode distortion from the Fmmm phase, while the Fmmm phase is unstable. Because of small differences in enthalpy and a considerable Y$^{2-}$ mode amplitude, the two phases may coexist in the range between 10.6 and 14 GPa, beyond which the Fmmm phase dominates. In addition, the magnetic stripe-type spin order with wavevector ($π$, 0) was stable at the intermediate region. Pairing is induced in the $s_{\pm}$-wave channel due to partial nesting between the {\bf M}=$(π, π)$ centered pockets and portions of the Fermi surface centered at the {\bf X}=$(π, 0)$ and {\bf Y}=$(0, π)$ points. This resembles results for iron-based superconductors but has a fundamental difference with iron pnictides and selenides. Moreover, our present efforts also suggest that La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ is qualitatively different from infinite-layer nickelates and cuprate superconductors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Electronic structure, dimer physics, orbital-selective behavior, and magnetic tendencies in the bilayer nickelate superconductor La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ under pressure

Motivated by the recently reported high-temperature superconductivity in the bilayer La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ (LNO) under pressure, here we comprehensively study this system using {\it ab initio} techniques. The Ni $3d$ orbitals have a large bandwidth at ambient pressure, increasing by $\sim 22\%$ at 29.5 Gpa. Without electronic interactions, the Ni $d_{3z^2-r^2}$ orbitals form a bonding-antibonding molecular orbital state via the O $p_z$ inducing a ``dimer'' lattice in the LNO bilayers. The Fermi surface consists of two-electron sheets with mixed $e_g$ orbitals and a hole pocket defined by the $d_{3z^2-r^2}$ orbital, suggesting a Ni two-orbital minimum model. Different from the infinite-layer nickelate, we obtained a large {\it interorbital} hopping between $d_{3z^2-r^2}$ and $d_{x^2-y^2}$ states in LNO, caused by the ligand ``bridge'' of in-plane O $p_x$ or $p_y$ orbitals connecting those two orbitals, inducing $d-p$ $σ$-bonding characteristics. The competition between the intraorbital and interorbital hoppings leads to an interesting dominant spin stripe ($π$, 0) order because of bond ferromagnetic tendencies via the recently discussed ``half-empty'' mechanism.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Trends in electronic structures and $s_{\pm}$-wave pairing for the rare-earth series in bilayer nickelate superconductor $R_ 3$Ni$_2$O$_7$

The recent discovery of pressure-induced superconductivity in the bilayer La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ (LNO) has opened a new platform for the study of unconventional superconductors. In this publication, we investigate theoretically the whole family of bilayer 327-type nickelates $R_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ ($R$ = Rare-earth elements) under pressure. From La to Lu, the lattice constants and volume decrease, leading to enhanced in-plane and out-of-plane hoppings, resulting in an effectively reduced electronic correlation $U/W$. Furthermore, the Ni's $t_{2g}$ states shift away from the $e_g$ states, while the crystal-field splitting between $d_{3z^2-r^2}$ and $d_{x^2-y^2}$ is almost unchanged. In addition, six candidates were found to become stable in the Fmmm phase, with increasing values of critical pressure as the atomic number increased. Similar to the case of LNO, the $s_{\pm}$-wave pairing tendency dominates in all candidates, due to the nesting between the {\bf M}=$(π,π)$ and the {\bf X}=$(π,0)$ and {\bf Y}=$(0,π)$ points in the Brillouin zone. Then, $T_c$ is expected to decrease as the radius of rare-earth (RE) ions decreases. Our results suggest that LNO is already the "optimal" candidate, with Ce a close competitor, among the whole RE bilayer nickelates, and to increase $T_c$ we suggest to grow on special substrates with larger in-plane lattice spacings.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Electronic structure, magnetic correlations, and superconducting pairing in the reduced Ruddlesden-Popper bilayer La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_6$ under pressure: different role of $d_{3z^2-r^2}$ orbital compared with La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$

The recent discovery of superconductivity in bilayer La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_7$ (327-LNO) under pressure stimulated much interest in layered nickelates. However, superconductivity was not found in another bilayer nickelate system, La$_3$Ni$_2$O$_6$ (326-LNO), even under pressure. Using density functional theory and the random phase approximation (RPA), we systematically investigate 326-LNO under pressure. The large crystal-field splitting between the $e_g$ orbitals caused by the missing apical oxygen moves the $d_{3z^2-r^2}$ orbital farther away from the Fermi level, implying that the $d_{3z^2-r^2}$ orbital plays a less important role in 326-LNO than in 327-LNO. This also results in a smaller bandwidth for the $d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital and a reduced energy gap for the bonding-antibonding splitting of the $d_{3z^2-r^2}$ orbital in 326-LNO, as compared to 327-LNO. Moreover, the in-plane hybridization between the $d_{x^2-y^2}$ and $d_{3z^2-r^2}$ orbitals is found to be small in 326-LNO, while it is much stronger in 327-LNO. The weak inter-layer coupling suggests that $s_{\pm}$-wave pairing is unlikely in 326-LNO. The robust in-plane ferromagnetic coupling also suggests that d-wave superconductivity, which is usually caused by antiferromagnetic fluctuations of the $d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital, is also unlikely in 326-LNO. These conclusions are supported by our many-body RPA calculations of the pairing behavior. Contrasting with the cuprates, for the bilayer cuprate HgBa$_2$CaCu$_2$O$_6$, we find a strong "self-doping effect" of the $d_{x^2-y^2}$ orbital under pressure, with the charge of Cu being reduced by approximately 0.13 electrons from 0 GPa to 25 GPa. In contrast, we do not observe such a change in the electronic density in 326-LNO under pressure, establishing another important difference between the nickelates and the cuprates.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Majorana corner states on the dice lattice

Lattice geometry continues providing exotic topological phases in condensed matter physics. Exciting recent examples are the higher-order topological phases, manifesting via localized lower-dimensional boundary states. Moreover, flat electronic bands with a non-trivial topology arise in various lattices and can hold a finite superfluid density, bounded by the Chern number $C$. Here we consider attractive interaction in the dice lattice that hosts flat bands with $C=\pm2$ and show that the induced superconducting state exhibits a second-order topological phase with mixed singlet-triplet pairing. The second-order nature of the topological superconducting phase is revealed by the zero-energy Majorana bound states at the lattice corners. Hence, the topology of the normal state dictates the nature of the Majorana localization. These findings suggest that flat bands with a higher Chern number provide feasible platforms for inducing higher-order topological superconductivity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Majorana zero modes in Y-shape interacting Kitaev wires

Motivated by the recent experimental realization of minimal Kitaev chains using quantum dots, we investigate the Majorana zero modes (MZM) in $Y$-shape Kitaev wires. We solve the associated Kitaev models analytically at the sweet spot ($t_h=Δ$) and derive the exact form of MZM wave-functions in this geometry. The novelty of our result is the observation of multi-site MZMs located near the junction center on the nearby edge sites of each leg. This result is important for potential braiding of Majoranas and the performance of $Y$-junctions made from arrays of quantum dots. Furthermore, we study the stability of local (single-site) and multi-site MZMs modes in the presence of Coulomb repulsion, using density matrix renormalization group theory. Our local density-of-states calculation shows that these multi-site MZMs are as equally topologically protected as the single-site MZMs when in the presence of Coulomb repulsion or when away from the sweet-spot.

cond-mat.supr-con↗