arXiv subjects

Giordano Mattoni

Publications and source records attributed to Giordano Mattoni.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Multi-probe detection of domain nucleation across the metal-insulator transition in VO$_2$

Electronic and structural degrees of freedom are often intimately coupled in strongly correlated systems, which result in intriguing macroscopic and microscopic phenomena. Using the well-studied material VO$_2$ as a prototype, here we explore the domain distribution across the metal-insulator transition (MIT). We use macroscopic as well as microscopic techniques, such as first-order reversal curve (FORC) and infrared imaging, to probe the domain distributions across the MIT. This study compares MIT in thin films of VO$_2$ with different grain sizes grown by pulsed laser deposition and dc sputtering. We explore the relation between the nature of the FORC distribution and the corresponding thermal hysteresis due to interactions between the supercooled metallic domains and surrounding insulating matrix. Our multi-probe study with quantitative analysis provides a correlation between the growth, domain interaction, and domain nucleation process in MIT.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2026

Thermodynamic and transport properties of high-quality single crystals of the altermagnet CrSb

Altermagnetism (AM) is an emerging magnetic order unifying essential characteristics of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic states. The CrSb has attracted significant interest owing to its large altermagnetic spin-splitting energy. In this paper, we present the growth details of high-quality single crystals of CrSb using the self-flux method and investigate their physical properties. We obtained large (001) oriented hexagonal crystals, up to 2~$\times$~2.5~$\times$~1~mm$^3$ in size with residual resistivity ratio $\sim$ 11. A pronounced positive magnetoresistance of up to 80\% is observed at 3.5 K. Most strikingly, the room temperature specific heat value exceeds the Dulong-Petit limit, being attributed to a broad magnon contribution from the altermagnetic order of CrSb. The specific heat fit reveals a magnon energy gap $\sim$ 16 $\pm$ 1 meV. Further, ac susceptibility measurements demonstrate the absence of superconductivity down to 0.1 K. These findings underscore CrSb as a viable altermagnet for room temperature magnonic and spintronic applications.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Muon Knight shift as a precise probe of the superconducting symmetry of Sr$_2$RuO$_4$

Muon spin rotation ($\mu$SR) measurements of internal magnetic field shifts, known as the muon Knight shift, is used for determining pairing symmetries in superconductors. While this technique has been especially effective for $f$-electron-based heavy-fermion superconductors, it remains challenging in $d$-electron-based superconductors such as Sr$_2$RuO$_4$, where the Knight shift is intrinsically small. Here, we report high-precision muon Knight shift measurements of superconducting Sr$_2$RuO$_4$. We observe that using multiple pieces of crystals, a common practice in $\mu$SR measurements, induces a substantial paramagnetic shift below the superconducting transition temperature, $T_c$, when a weak magnetic field is applied. We attribute such an unresolved paramagnetic shift to stray fields generated by neighboring diamagnetic crystals. To avoid this, one piece of crystal was used in this study. We experimentally determine the muon Knight shift of Sr$_2$RuO$_4$ in the normal state to be -116$\pm$7 ppm. By combining the observed muon Knight shift with independently determined bulk magnetization data from the same crystal used in $\mu$SR and carefully separating various contributions to the shift, we confirm a significant reduction in the spin Knight shift below $T_c$, consistent with spin-singlet-like pairing. This result constitutes the precise muon Knight shift measurement in a $d$-electron-based superconductor. Our results highlight the potential of $\mu$SR as a powerful complementary technique to the established method of nuclear magnetic resonance for probing the spin susceptibility in superconductors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2025

Fermi-liquid behavior and characteristic temperature-dependent susceptibility in clean RuO$_2$ crystal

The magnetic nature of the altermagnet candidate RuO$_2$ remains under debate. It has been recently shown from quantum oscillations and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) that the high-quality RuO$_2$ bulk single crystal is a paramagnetic metal. Here we report the specific heat and magnetic susceptibility in ultra-clean RuO$_2$ single crystals with residual resistivity ratio up to 1200. The magnetic susceptibility increases with temperature and is phenomenologically fitted with an inclusion of $T\textrm{ln}(T/T_0)$ over a wide temperature range up to 400 K. In contrast, the energy dependence of the density of states and thermal activation of quasiparticles lead to a decrease with temperature. Such characteristic temperature dependence, similar to that observed in other $d$-electron metals, is attributable to an enhanced orbital contribution arising from lattice-expansion-induced changes in the band structure. The electronic specific heat, the magnetic susceptibility, and the $T^2$ coefficient in resistivity point to a weakly-correlated 3D Fermi-liquid state with a modest electron correlation, as supported by the Wilson and Kadowaki-Woods ratios.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Direct evidence for the absence of coupling between shear strain and superconductivity in Sr2RuO4

The superconducting symmetry of Sr2RuO4 has been intensely debated for many years. A crucial controversy recently emerged between shear-mode ultrasound experiments, which suggest a two-component order parameter, and some uniaxial pressure experiments that suggest a one-component order parameter. To resolve this controversy, we use a new approach to directly apply three different kinds of shear strain to single crystals of Sr2RuO4 and investigate the coupling to superconductivity. After characterising the strain by optical imaging, we observe variations of the transition temperature Tc smaller than 10mK/% as measured by low-frequency magnetic susceptibility, indicating that shear strain has little to no coupling to superconductivity. Our results are consistent with a one-component order parameter model, but such a model cannot consistently explain other experimental evidence such as time-reversal symmetry breaking, superconducting domains, and horizontal line nodes, thus calling for alternative interpretations.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2025

Growth of ultra-clean single crystals of RuO2

We report the details of the growth of ultra-clean single crystals for RuO2, a candidate material for altermagnetism. By using a crystal-growth tube with a necking structure and precisely controlling the conditions of the sublimation transport method, it is possible to control the morphology of the crystals. We obtained crystals in mainly three kinds of morphology: thick plate-like crystals typically 5 x 3 x 2mm3 and up to 10 x 5 x 2mm3 with a large (101) facet, rhombohedral columnar crystals elongating along the [001] direction, and fiber and needle crystals of length up to 8 mm and the width of 0.1-0.4 mm. These crystals show residual resistivity of about 30 nOhmcm and a residual resistivity ratio (RRR) up to 1200. The crystals do not exhibit any signs of magnetic ordering down to low temperatures.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Challenges in extracting nonlinear current-induced phenomena in Ca2RuO4

An appealing direction to change the properties of strongly correlated materials is to induce nonequilibrium steady states by the application of a direct current. While access to these novel states is of high scientific interest, Joule heating due to current flow often constitutes a hurdle to identify nonthermal effects. The biggest challenge usually resides in measuring accurately the temperature of a sample subjected to direct current, and to use probes that give direct information of the material. In this work, we exploit the simultaneous measurement of electrical transport and magnetisation to probe non-equilibrium steady states in Ca2RuO4. In order to reveal non-thermal current-induced effects, we employ a simple model of Joule self-heating to remove the effects of heating and discuss the importance of temperature inhomogeneity within the sample. Our approach provides a solid basis for investigating current-induced phenomena in highly resistive materials.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Time-reversal symmetry breaking in charge density wave of CsV$_3$Sb$_5$ detected by polar Kerr effect

The Kagome lattice exhibits rich quantum phenomena owing to its unique geometric properties. Appealing realizations are the Kagome metals AV$_3$Sb$_5$ (A = K, Rb, Cs), where unconventional charge density wave (CDW) is intertwined with superconductivity and non-trivial band topology. Several experiments suggest that this CDW is a rare occurrence of chiral CDW characterized by orbital loop current. However, key evidences of loop current, spontaneous time-reversal symmetry-breaking (TRSB) and the coupling of its order parameter with the magnetic field remain elusive. Here, we investigate the CDW in CsV3Sb5 by magneto-optic polar Kerr effect with sub-microradian resolution. Under magnetic field, we observed a jump of the Kerr angle at the CDW transition. This jump is magnetic-field switchable and scales with field, indicating magneto--chirality coupling related to non-trivial band topology. At zero field, we found non-zero and field-trainable Kerr angle below CDW transition temperature, signaling spontaneous TRSB. Our results provide a crucial step to unveil quantum phenomena in correlated Kagome materials.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2021

Large tunability of strain in WO3 single-crystal microresonators controlled by exposure to H2 gas

Strain engineering is one of the most effective approaches to manipulate the physical state of materials, control their electronic properties, and enable crucial functionalities. Because of their rich phase diagrams arising from competing ground states, quantum materials are an ideal playground for on-demand material control, and can be used to develop emergent technologies, such as adaptive electronics or neuromorphic computing. It was recently suggested that complex oxides could bring unprecedented functionalities to the field of nanomechanics, but the possibility of precisely controlling the stress state of materials is so far lacking. Here we demonstrate the wide and reversible manipulation of the stress state of single-crystal WO3 by strain engineering controlled by catalytic hydrogenation. Progressive incorporation of hydrogen in freestanding ultra-thin structures determines large variations of their mechanical resonance frequencies and induces static deformation. Our results demonstrate hydrogen doping as a new paradigm to reversibly manipulate the mechanical properties of nanodevices based on materials control.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2020

Role of local temperature in the current-driven metal-insulator transition of Ca2RuO4

It was recently reported that a continuous electric current is a powerful control parameter to trigger changes in the electronic structure and metal-insulator transitions (MITs) in Ca2RuO4. However, the spatial evolution of the MIT and the implications of the unavoidable Joule heating have not been clarified yet, often hindered by the difficulty to asses the local sample temperature. In this work, we perform infrared thermal imaging on single-crystal Ca2RuO4 while controlling the MIT by electric current. The change in emissivity at the phase transition allows us to monitor the gradual formation and expansion of metallic phase upon increasing current. Our local temperature measurements indicate that, within our experimental resolution, the MIT always occurs at the same local transition temperatures, irrespectively if driven by temperature or by current. Our results highlight the importance of local heating, phase coexistence, and microscale inhomogeneity when studying strongly correlated materials under the flow of electric current.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

Diamagnetic-like response from localised heating of a paramagnetic material

In the search of material properties out-of-equilibrium, the non-equilibrium steady states induced by electric current are an appealing research direction where unconventional states may emerge. However, the unavoidable Joule heating caused by flowing current calls for the development of new measurement protocols, with a particular attention to the physical properties of the background materials involved. Here, we demonstrate that localised heating can give rise to a large, spurious diamagnetic-like signal. This occurs due to the local reduction of the background magnetisation caused by the heated sample, provided that the background material has a Curie-like susceptibility. Our experimental results, along with numerical calculations, constitute an important building block for performing accurate magnetic measurements under the flow of electric current.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2019

In situ control of diamagnetism by electric current in Ca$_3$(Ru$_{1-x}$Ti$_x$)$_2$O$_7$

Non-equilibrium steady state (NESS) conditions induced by DC current can alter the physical properties of strongly correlated electron systems (SCES). In this regard, it was recently shown that DC current can trigger novel electronic states, such as current-induced diamagnetism, which cannot be realized in equilibrium conditions. However, reversible control of diamagnetism has not been achieved yet. Here, we demonstrate reversible in situ control between a Mott insulating state and a diamagnetic semimetal-like state by DC current in the Ti-substituted bilayer ruthenate Ca$_3$(Ru$_{1-x}$Ti$_x$)$_2$O$_7$ ($x=0.5$%). By performing simultaneous magnetic and resistive measurements, we map out the temperature vs current-density phase diagram in the NESS of this material. The present results open up the possibility of creating novel electronic states in a variety of SCES under DC current.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2018

Balanced electron-hole transport in spin-orbit semimetal SrIrO3 heterostructures

Relating the band structure of correlated semimetals to their transport properties is a complex and often open issue. The partial occupation of numerous electron and hole bands can result in properties that are seemingly in contrast with one another, complicating the extraction of the transport coefficients of different bands. The 5d oxide SrIrO3 hosts parabolic bands of heavy holes and light electrons in gapped Dirac cones due to the interplay between electron-electron interactions and spin-orbit coupling. We present a multifold approach relying on different experimental techniques and theoretical calculations to disentangle its complex electronic properties. By combining magnetotransport and thermoelectric measurements in a field-effect geometry with first-principles calculations, we quantitatively determine the transport coefficients of different conduction channels. Despite their different dispersion relationships, electrons and holes are found to have strikingly similar transport coefficients, yielding a holelike response under field-effect and thermoelectric measurements and a linear, electronlike Hall effect up to 33 T.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Charge doping and large lattice expansion in oxygen-deficient heteroepitaxial WO3

Tungsten trioxide is a versatile material with widespread applications ranging from electrochromic and optoelectronic devices to water splitting and catalysis of chemical reactions. For technological applications, thin films of WO3 are particularly appealing, taking advantage from high surface-to-volume ratio and tunable physical properties. However, the growth of stoichiometric, crystalline thin films is challenging because the deposition conditions are very sensitive to the formation of oxygen vacancies. In this work, we show how background oxygen pressure during pulsed laser deposition can be used to tune the structural and electronic properties of WO3 thin films. By performing X-ray diffraction and low-temperature transport measurements, we find changes in WO3 lattice volume up to 10%, concomitantly with an insulator-to-metal transition as a function of increased level of electron doping. We use advanced ab initio calculations to describe in detail the properties of the oxygen vacancy defect states, and their evolution in terms of excess charge concentration. Our results depict an intriguing scenario where structural, electronic, optical, and transport properties of WO3 single-crystal thin films can all be purposely tuned by a suited control of oxygen vacancies formation during growth.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2017

Selective high frequency mechanical actuation driven by the VO2 electronic instability

Micro- and nano-electromechanical resonators are a fundamental building block of modern technology, used in environmental monitoring, robotics, medical tools as well as fundamental science. These devices rely on dedicated electronics to generate their driving signal, resulting in an increased complexity and size. Here, we present a new paradigm to achieve high-frequency mechanical actuation based on the metal-insulator transition of VO$\mathrm{_2}$, where the steep variation of its electronic properties enables to realize high-frequency electrical oscillations. The dual nature of this phase change, which is both electronic and structural, turns the electrical oscillations into an intrinsic actuation mechanism, powered by a small DC voltage and capable to selectively excite the different mechanical modes of a microstructure. Our results pave the way towards the realization of micro- and nano-electro-mechanical systems with autonomous actuation from integrated DC power sources such as solar cells or micro-batteries.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2017

Enhancement of electron mobility at oxide interfaces induced by WO3 overlayers

Interfaces between complex oxides constitute a unique playground for 2D electron systems (2DES), where superconductivity and magnetism can arise from combinations of bulk insulators. The 2DES at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface is one of the most studied in this regard, and its origin is determined by both the presence of a polar field in LaAlO3 and the insurgence of point defects, such as oxygen vacancies and intermixed cations. These defects usually reside in the conduction channel and are responsible for a decreased electronic mobility. In this work we use an amorphous WO3 overlayer to control the defect formation and obtain an increased electron mobility and effective mass in WO3/LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures. The studied system shows a sharp insulator-to-metal transition as a function of both LaAlO3 and WO3 layer thickness. Low-temperature magnetotransport reveals a strong magnetoresistance reaching 900% at 10 T and 1.5 K, the presence of multiple conduction channels with carrier mobility up to 80 000 cm2/Vs and an unusually high effective mass of 5.6 me. The amorphous character of the WO3 overlayer makes this a versatile approach for defect control at oxide interfaces, which could be applied to other heterestrostures disregarding the constraints imposed by crystal symmetry.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2016

Striped nanoscale phase separation at the metal-insulator transition of heteroepitaxial nickelates

Nucleation processes of mixed-phase states are an intrinsic characteristic of first-order phase transitions, typically related to local symmetry breaking. Direct observation of emerging mixed-phase regions in materials showing a first-order metal-insulator transition (MIT) offers unique opportunities to uncover their driving mechanism. Using photoemission electron microscopy, we image the nanoscale formation and growth of insulating domains across the temperature-driven MIT in NdNiO3 epitaxial thin films. Heteroepitaxy is found to strongly determine the nanoscale nature of the phase transition, inducing preferential formation of striped domains along the terraces of atomically flat stepped surfaces. We show that the distribution of transition temperatures is an intrinsic local property, set by surface morphology and stable across multiple temperature cycles. Our data provides new insights into the MIT of heteroepitaxial nickelates and points to a rich, nanoscale phenomenology in this strongly correlated material.

cond-mat.str-el↗