arXiv subjects

G. P. Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to G. P. Zhang.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2017

Is perpendicular magnetic anisotropy essential to all-optical ultrafast spin reversal in ferromagnets?

All-optical spin reversal presents a new opportunity for spin manipulations, free of a magnetic field. Most of all-optical-spin-reversal ferromagnets are found to have a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), but it has been unknown whether PMA is necessary for the spin reversal. Here we theoretically investigate magnetic thin films with either PMA or in-plane magnetic anisotropy (IMA). Our results show that the spin reversal in IMA systems is possible, but only with a longer laser pulse and within a narrow laser parameter region. The spin reversal does not show a strong helicity dependence where the left- and right-circularly polarized light lead to the identical results. By contrast, the spin reversal in PMA systems is robust, provided both the spin angular momentum and laser field are strong enough while the magnetic anisotropy itself is not too strong. This explains why experimentally the majority of all-optical spin-reversal samples are found to have strong PMA and why spins in Fe nanoparticles only cant out of plane. It is the laser-induced spin-orbit torque that plays a key role in the spin reversal. Surprisingly, the same spin-orbit torque results in laser-induced spin rectification in spin-mixed configuration, a prediction that can be tested experimentally. Our results clearly point out that PMA is essential to the spin reversal, though there is an opportunity for in-plane spin reversal.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2017

Evolution of Chirality-odd Twist-3 Fragmentation Functions

We derive the complete set of evolutions of chirality-odd twist-3 fragmentation functions at one-loop level. There are totally nine real twist-3 fragmentation functions, among which seven are independent. The renormalization-scale dependence of the nine functions has an important implication for studies of single transverse-spin asymmetries. We find that the evolutions of the three complex fragmentation functions defined by quark-gluon-quark operator are mixed with themselves. There is no mixing with the fragmentation functions defined only with bilinear quark field operators. In the large-$N_c$ limit the evolutions of the three complex fragmentation functions are simplified and reduced to six homogenous equations.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2017

One-Loop Corrections of Single Spin Asymmetries at Twist-3 in Drell-Yan Processes

We study single spin asymmetries at one-loop accuracy in Drell-Yan processes in which one of the initial hadrons is transversely polarized. The spin-dependent part of differential cross-sections can be factorized with various hadronic matrix elements of twist-2 and twist-3 operators. These operators can be of even- and odd-chirality. In this work, the studied observables of asymmetries are differential cross-sections with different weights. These weights are selected so that the observables are spin-dependent and their virtual corrections are completely determined by quark form factor. In the calculations of one-loop corrections we meet collinear divergences in the contributions involving chirality-odd and chirality-even operators. We find that all of the divergences can be correctly subtracted. Therefore, our results give an explicit example of QCD factorization with twist-3 operators, especially, QCD factorization with chirality-odd twist-3 operators.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2016

Laser-induced ultrafast demagnetization time and spin moment in ferromagnets: First-principles calculation

When a laser pulse excites a ferromagnet, its spin undergoes a dramatic change. The initial demagnetization process is very fast. Experimentally, it is found that the demagnetization time is related to the spin moment in the sample. In this study, we employ the first-principles method to directly simulate such a process. We use the fixed spin moment method to change the spin moment in ferromagnetic nickel, and then we employ the Liouville equation to couple the laser pulse to the system. We find that in general the dependence of demagnetization time on the spin moment is nonlinear: It decreases with the spin moment up to a point, after which an increase with the spin moment is observed, followed by a second decrease. To understand this, we employ an extended Heisenberg model, which includes both the exchange interaction and spin-orbit coupling. The model directly links the demagnetization rate to the spin moment itself and demonstrates analytically that the spin relaxes more slowly with a small spin moment. A future experimental test of our predictions is needed.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Ultrafast reduction of exchange splitting in ferromagnetic nickel

A decade ago Rhie \et (Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 90}, 247201 (2003)) reported that when ferromagnetic nickel is subject to an intense ultrashort laser pulse, its exchange splitting is reduced quickly. But to simulate such reduction remains a big challenge. The popular rigid band approximation (RBA), where both the band structure and the exchange splitting are held fixed before and after laser excitation, is unsuitable for this purpose, while the time-dependent density functional theory could be time-consuming. To overcome these difficulties, we propose a time-dependent Liouville and density functional theory (TDLDFT) that integrates the time-dependent Liouville equation into the density functional theory. As a result, the excited charge density is reiterated back into the Kohn-Sham equation, and the band structure is allowed to change dynamically. Even with the ground-state density functional, a larger demagnetization than RBA is found; after we expand Ortenzi's spin scaling method into an excited-state (laser) density functional, we find that the exchange splitting is indeed strongly reduced, as seen in the experiment. Both the majority and minority bands are shifted toward the Fermi level, but the majority shifts a lot more. The ultrafast reduction in exchange splitting occurs concomitantly with demagnetization. While our current theory is still unable to yield the same percentage loss in the spin moment as observed in the experiment, it predicts a correct trend that agrees with the experiments. With a better functional, we believe that our results can be further improved.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Superintermolecular orbitals in the C$_{60}$/pentacene complex

We report a group of unusually big molecular orbitals in the C60/pentacene complex. Our first-principles density functional calculation shows that these orbitals are very delocalized and cover both C60 and pentacene, which we call superintermolecular orbitals or SIMOs. Their spatial extension can reach 1 nm or larger. Optically, SIMOs are dark. Different from ordinary unoccupied molecular orbitals, SIMOs have a very weak Coulomb and exchange interaction. Their energy levels are very similar to the native superatomic molecular orbitals in C60, and can be approximately characterized by orbital angular momentum quantum numbers. They have a distinctive spatial preference. These features fit the key characters of charge-generation states that channel initially-bound electrons and holes into free charge carriers. Thus, our finding is important for C60/pentacene photovoltaics.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

All-optical spin switching: A new frontier in femtomagnetism -- A short review and a simple theory

Using an ultrafast laser pulse to manipulate the spin degree of freedom has broad technological appeal. It allows one to control the spin dynamics on a femtosecond time scale. The discipline, commonly called femtomagnetism, started with the pioneering experiment by Beaurepaire and coworkers in 1996, who showed subpicosecond demagnetization occurs in magnetic Ni thin films. This finding has motivated extensive research worldwide. All-optical helicity-dependent spin switching (AOS) represents a new frontier in femtomagnetism, where a single ultrafast laser pulse can permanently switch spin without any assistance from a magnetic field. This review summarizes some of the crucial aspects of this new discipline: key experimental findings, leading mechanisms, controversial issues, and possible future directions. The emphasis is on our latest investigation. We first develop the all-optical spin switching rule that determines how the switchability depends on the light helicity. This rule allows one to understand microscopically how the spin is reversed and why the circularly polarized light appears more powerful than the linearly polarized light. Then we invoke our latest spin-orbit coupled harmonic oscillator model to simulate single spin reversal. We consider both cw excitation and pulsed laser excitation. The results are in a good agreement with the experimental result. We then extend the code to include the exchange interaction among different spin sites. We show where the "inverse Faraday field" comes from and how the laser affects the spin reversal nonlinearly. Our hope is that this review will motivate new experimental and theoretical investigations and discussions.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Switching ferromagnetic spins by an ultrafast laser pulse: Emergence of giant optical spin-orbit torque

Faster magnetic recording technology is indispensable to massive data storage and big data sciences. {All-optical spin switching offers a possible solution}, but at present it is limited to a handful of expensive and complex rare-earth ferrimagnets. The spin switching in more abundant ferromagnets may significantly expand the scope of all-optical spin switching. Here by studying 40,000 ferromagnetic spins, we show that it is the optical spin-orbit torque that determines the course of spin switching in both ferromagnets and ferrimagnets. Spin switching occurs only if the effective spin angular momentum of each constituent in an alloy exceeds a critical value. Because of the strong exchange coupling, the spin switches much faster in ferromagnets than weakly-coupled ferrimagnets. This establishes a paradigm for all-optical spin switching. The resultant magnetic field (65 T) is so big that it will significantly reduce high current in spintronics, thus representing the beginning of photospintronics.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

A new and simple model for magneto-optics uncovers an unexpected spin switching

In magneto-optics the spin angular momentum $S_z$ of a sample is indirectly probed by the rotation angle and ellipticity, which are mainly determined by the off-diagonal susceptibility $χ^{(1)}_{xy}$. A direct and analytic relation between $S_z$ and $χ^{(1)}_{xy}$ is necessary and of paramount importance to the success of magneto-optics, but is often difficult to acquire since quantum mechanically the relation is hidden in the sum-over-states. Here we propose a new and simple model to establish such a much needed relation. Our model is based on the Hookean model, but includes spin-orbit coupling. Under cw excitation, we show that $χ^{(1)}_{xy}(ω)$ is indeed directly proportional to $S_z$ for a fixed photon frequency $ω$. Such an elegant relation is encouraging, and we wonder whether our model can describe spin dynamics as well. By allowing the spin to change dynamically, to our surprise, our model predicts that an ultrafast laser pulse can induce a spin precession; with appropriate parameters, the laser can even reverse spin from one direction to another. This works for both the circularly and linearly polarized light. The spin reversal window is narrow. These unexpected results closely resemble all-optical helicity-dependent magnetic switching found in much more complicated ferrimagnetic rare earth compounds. Therefore, we believe that our spin-orbit coupled model may find some important applications in spin switching processes, a hot topic in femtomagnetism.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Twist-3 Contributions in Semi-Inclusive DIS with Transversely Polarized Target

We study semi-inclusive DIS with a transversely polarized target in the approach of collinear factorization. The effects related with the transverse polarization are at twist-3. We derive the complete result of twist-3 contributions to the relevant hadronic tensor at leading order of $α_s$, and construct correspondingly experimental observables. Measuring these observables will help to extract the twist-2 transversity distribution, twist-3 distributions and twist-3 fragmentation functions of the produced unpolarized hadron. A detailed comparison with the approach of transverse-momentum-dependent factorization is made.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2015

Magnetic spin moment reduction in photoexcited ferromagnets through exchange interaction quenching: Beyond the rigid band approximation

The exchange interaction among electrons is one of the most fundamental quantum mechanical interactions in nature and underlies any magnetic phenomena from ferromagnetic ordering to magnetic storage. The current technology is built upon a thermal or magnetic field, but a frontier is emerging to directly control magnetism using ultrashort laser pulses. However, little is known about the fate of the exchange interaction. Here we report unambiguously that photoexcitation is capable of quenching the exchange interaction in all three $3d$ ferromagnetic metals. The entire process starts with a small number of photoexcited electrons which build up a new and self-destructive potential that collapses the system into a new state with a reduced exchange splitting. The spin moment reduction follows a Bloch-like law as $M_z(ΔE)=M_z(0)(1-{ΔE}/{ΔE_0})^{\frac{1}β}$, where $ΔE$ is the absorbed photon energy and $β$ is a scaling exponent. A good agreement is found between the experimental and our theoretical results. Our findings may have a broader implication for dynamic electron correlation effects in laser-excited iron-based superconductors, iron borate, rare-earth orthoferrites, hematites and rare-earth transition metal alloys.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Imaging superatomic molecular orbitals in a ${\bf C_{60}}$ molecule through four 800-nm photons

Superatomic molecular orbitals (SAMO) in C60 are ideal building blocks for functional nanostructures. However, imaging them spatially in the gas phase has been unsuccessful. It is found experimentally that if C60 is excited by an 800-nm laser, the photoelectron casts an anisotropic velocity image, but the image becomes isotropic if excited at a 400-nm wavelength. This diffuse image difference has been attributed to electron thermal ionization, but more recent experiments (800 nm) reveal a clear non-diffuse image superimposed on the diffuse image, whose origin remains a mystery. Here we show that the non-diffuse anisotropic image is the precursor of the $f$ SAMO. We predict that four 800-nm photons can directly access the $1f$ SAMO, and with one more photon, can image the orbital, with the photoelectron angular distribution having two maxima at 0$^\circ$ and 180$^\circ$ and two humps separated by 56.5$^\circ$. Since two 400-nm photons only resonantly excite the spherical $1s$ SAMO and four 800-nm photon excite the anisotropic $1f$ SAMO, our finding gives a natural explanation of the non-diffuse image difference, complementing the thermal scenario.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Gauge Invariance and QCD Twist-3 Factorization for Single Spin Asymmetries

The collinear factorization at twist-3 for Drell-Yan processes is studied with the motivation to solve the discrepancy in literature about the single spin asymmetry in the lepton angular distribution, and to show how QCD gauge invariance is realized in the hadronic tensor. The obtained result here agrees with our early result derived with a totally different approach. In addition to the asymmetry we can construct another two observables to identify the spin effect. We show that the gauge invariance of different contributions in the hadronic tensor is made in different ways by summing the effects of gluon exchanges. More interestingly is that we can show that the virtual correction to one structure function of the hadronic tensor, hence to some weighted SSA observables, is completely determined by the quark form factor. This will simplify the calculation of higher order corrections. The corresponding result in semi-inclusive DIS is also given for the comparison with Drell-Yan processes.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2014

Ultrafast reduction in exchange interaction by a laser pulse: Alternative path to femtomagnetism

Since the beginning of femtomagnetism, it has been hotly debated how an ultrafast laser pulse can demagnetize a sample and switch its spins within a few hundred femtoseconds, but no consensus has been reached. In this paper, we propose that an ultrafast reduction in the exchange interaction by a femtosecond laser pulse is mainly responsible for demagnetization and spin switching. The key physics is that the dipole selection rule demands two distinctive electron configurations for the ground and excited states and consequently changes the exchange interaction. Although the exchange interaction change is almost instantaneous, its effect on the spin is delayed by the finite spin wave propagation. Consistent with the experimental observation, the delay becomes longer with a stronger exchange interaction pulse. In spin-frustrated systems, the effect of the exchange interaction change is even more dramatic, where the spin can be directly switched from one direction to the other. Therefore, our theory has the potential to explain the essence of major observations in rare-earth transition metal compounds for the last seven years. Our findings are likely to motivate further research in the quest of the origin of femtomagnetism.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2014

QCD Corrections of All Structure Functions in Transverse Momentum Dependent Factorization for Drell-Yan Processes

We study the one-loop correction in Transverse-Momentum-Dependent(TMD) factorization for Drell-Yan processes at small transverse momentum of the lepton pair. We adopt the so-called subtractive approach, in which one can systematically construct contributions for subtracting long-distance effects represented by diagrams. The perturbative parts are obtained after the subtraction. We find that the perturbative coefficients of all structure functions in TMD factorization at leading twist are the same. The perturbative parts can also be studied with scattering of partons instead of hadrons. In this way, the factorization of many structure functions can only be examined by studying the scattering of multi-parton states, where there are many diagrams. These diagrams have no similarities to those treated in the subtractive approach. As an example, we use existing results of one structure function responsible for Single-Spin-Asymmetry, to show that these diagrams in the scattering of multi-parton states are equivalent to those treated in the subtractive approach after using Ward identity.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2013

Azimuthal Dependence of DIS with Spin-1 Target

We study DIS with a spin-1 hadron or a nucleus polarized in arbitrary direction. The differential cross-section in this case will have an azimuthal dependence. We derive the dependence by including contributions from twist-2- and twist-3 QCD operators. The twist-3 contribution is computed at tree-level. A spin-1 hadron or nucleus can have nonzero tensor polarization. We find that all structure functions related to the tensor-polarization of the initial hadron can be extracted by study the azimuthal dependence. A nonzero result of the structure functions of a nucleus from experiment will indicate nontrivial inner structure of the nucleus.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2013

Manipulating femtosecond magnetism through pressure: First-principles calculations

Inspired by a recent pressure experiment in fcc Ni, we propose a simple method to use pressure to investigate the laser-induced femtosecond magnetism. Since the pressure effect on the electronic and magnetic properties can be well controlled experimentally, this leaves little room for ambiguity when compared with theory. Here we report our theoretical pressure results in fcc Ni: Pressure first suppresses the spin moment reduction, and then completely diminishes it; further increase in pressure to 40 GPa induces a demagnetization-to-magnetization transition. To reveal its microscopic origin, we slide through the L-U line in the Brillouin zone and find two essential transitions are responsible for this change, where the pressure lowers two valence bands, resulting in an off-resonant excitation and thus a smaller spin moment reduction. In the spin-richest L-W-W' plane, two spin contours are formed; as pressure increases, the contour size retrieves and its intensity is reduced to zero eventually, fully consistent with the spin-dipole factor prediction. These striking features are detectable in time- and spin-resolved photoemission experiments.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2013

Double exchange model on triangular lattice: non-coplanar spin configuration and phase transition near quarter filling

Unconventional anomalous Hall effect in frustrated pyrochlore oxides is originated from spin chirality of non-coplanar localized spins, which can also be induced by the competition between ferromagnetic (FM) double exchange interaction $J_{H}$ and antiferromagnetic superexchange interaction $J_{AF}$. Here truncated polynomial expansion method and Monte Carlo simulation are adopted to investigate the above model on two-dimensional triangular lattice. We discuss the influence of the range of FM-type spin-spin correlation and strong electron-spin correlation on the truncation error of spin-spin correlation near quarter filling. Two peaks of the probability distribution of spin-spin correlation in non-coplanar spin configuration clearly show that non-coplanar spin configuration is an intermediate phase between FM and 120-degree spin phase. Near quarter filling, there is a phase transition from FM into non-coplanar and further into 120-degree spin phase when $J_{AF}$ continually increases. Finally the effect of temperature on magnetic structure is discussed.

cond-mat.str-el↗