arXiv subjects

Giovanna Feraco

Publications and source records attributed to Giovanna Feraco.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

From strong to weak correlations in breathing-mode kagome van der Waals materials: Nb$_3$(F,Cl,Br,I)$_8$ as a robust and versatile platform for many-body engineering

By combining ab initio downfolding with cluster dynamical mean-field theory, we study the degree of correlations in monolayer, bilayer and bulk breathing-mode kagome van der Waals materials Nb$_3$(F,Cl,Br,I)$_8$. Our new material-specific many-body model library shows that in low-temperature bulk structures the Coulomb correlation strength steadily increases from I to F, allowing us to identify Nb$_3$I$_8$ as a weakly correlated insulator, Nb$_3$Br$_8$ and Nb$_3$Cl$_8$ as strongly correlated insulators, and Nb$_3$F$_8$ as a prototypical bulk Mott-insulator. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements comparing Nb$_3$Br$_8$ and Nb$_3$I$_8$ allow us to experimentally confirm these findings by revealing spectroscopic footprints of the degree of correlation. Our calculations uncover how the thickness and the stacking affect the degree of correlations and predict that the entire material family can be tuned into correlated charge-transfer or Mott-insulating phases upon doping. Our magnetic property analysis based on our model parameter library additionally confirms that inter-layer magnetic interactions drive the lattice phase transition to the low-temperature structures. The accompanying bilayer hybridization through inter-layer dimerization yields magnetic singlet-like ground states in the Cl, Br, and I compounds. We further prove that all low-temperature compounds are dynamically stable and that electron-phonon coupling to the low-energy subspace is suppressed. Our findings establish Nb$_3$X$_8$ as a robust, versatile, and tunable class for van der Waals-based Coulomb and Mott engineering with a rich phase diagram and allow us to speculate on the symmetry-breaking effects necessary for the recently observed Josephson diode effect in NbSe$_2$/Nb$_3$Br$_8$/NbSe$_2$ heterostructures.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Role of Chalcogen atoms in In Situ Exfoliation for Large-Area 2D Semiconducting Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides have emerged as a promising platform for next-generation optoelectronic and spintronic devices. Mechanical exfoliation using adhesive tape remains the dominant method for preparing 2D materials of highest quality, including transition metal dichalcogenides, but always results in small-sized flakes. This limitation poses a significant challenge for investigations and applications where large scale flakes are needed. To overcome these constraints, we explored the preparation of 2D WS2 and WSe2 using a recently developed kinetic in situ single-layer synthesis method (KISS). In particular, we focused on the influence of different substrates, Au and Ag, and chalcogen atoms, S and Se, on the yield and quality of the 2D films. The crystallinity and spatial morphology of the 2D films were characterized using optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy, providing a comprehensive assessment of exfoliation quality. Low-energy electron diffraction verified that there is no preferential orientation between the 2D film and the substrate, while optical microscopy revealed that WSe2 consistently outperformed WS2 in producing large monolayers, regardless of the substrate used. Finally, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrate that no covalent bonds are formed between the 2D material and the underlying substrate. These results identify KISS method as a non-destructive approach for a more scalable approach of high-quality 2D transition metal dichalcogenides.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Exotic Quantum Phenomena in Twisted Bilayer Graphene

Bilayer graphene twisted at the angle of about 1.1° better known as magic angle, exhibits ultra-flat moiré superlattice bands that are a source of highly-tunable, exotic quantum phenomena. Such phenomena, like superconductivity, correlated Mott-like insulating states and orbital ferromagnetism are driven by strong-correlation physics that defies classical theories. The inadequacy of such classical models and the lack of theoretical understanding of the recently observed exotic phenomena calls for revisiting the theory behind the material system and associating it with the observed behaviour. This article reviews the physics behind twisted bilayer graphene, focusing primarily on moiré physics and the importance of electronic (flat) band structure. In addition, this paper provides a brief overview of the emerging phenomena of correlated insulating states, superconductivity and orbital ferromagnetism. Finally, the most recent developments in controlling the interaction-driven states and tuning the electronic interactions are presented.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Nano-ARPES investigation of twisted bilayer tungsten disulfide

The diverse and intriguing phenomena observed in twisted bilayer systems, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, prompted new questions about the emergent effects that they may host. However, the practical challenge of realizing these structures on a scale large enough for spectroscopic investigation, remains a significant hurdle, resulting in a scarcity of direct measurements of the electronic band structure of twisted transition metal dichalcogenide bilayers. Here we present a systematic nanoscale angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy investigation of bulk, single layer, and twisted bilayer WS2 with a small twist angle of 4.4°. The experimental results are compared with theoretical calculations based on density functional theory along the high-symmetry directions Γ-K and Γ-M. Surprisingly, the electronic band structure measurements suggest a structural relaxation occurring at 4.4° twist angle, and formation of large, untwisted bilayer regions.

physics.chem-ph↗