arXiv subjects

Jamal Berakdar

Publications and source records attributed to Jamal Berakdar.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Time-resolved buildup of two-slit-type interference from a single atom

A photoelectron forced to pass through two atomic energy levels before receding from the residual ion shows interference fringes in its angular distribution as manifestation of a two-slit-type interference experiment in wave-vector space. This scenario was experimentally realized by irradiating a Rubidium atom by two low-intensity continuous-wave lasers [Pursehouse et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 053204 (2019)]. In a one-photon process the first laser excites the 5p level while the second uncorrelated photon elevates the excited population to the continuum. This same continuum state can also be reached when the second laser excites the 6p state and the first photon then triggers the ionization. As the two lasers are weak and their relative phases uncorrelated, the coherence needed for generating the interference stems from the atom itself. Increasing the intensity or shortening the laser pulses enhances the probability that two photons from both lasers act at the same time, and hence the coherence properties of the applied lasers are expected to affect the interference fringes. Here, this aspect is investigated in detail, and it is shown how tuning the temporal shapes of the laser pulses allows for tracing the time-dependence of the interference fringes. We also study the influence of applying a third laser field with a random amplitude, resulting in a random fluctuation of one of the ionization amplitudes and discuss how the interference fringes are affected.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Stochastic dynamics and pattern formation of geometrically confined skyrmions

Ensembles of magnetic skyrmions in confined geometries are shown to exhibit thermally driven motion on two different time scales. The intrinsic fluctuating dynamics ($t\sim 1~$ps) is governed by short-range symmetric and antisymmetric exchange interactions, whereas the long-time limit ($t\gtrsim10\,$ns) is determined by the coaction of skyrmion-skyrmion-repulsion and the system's geometry. Micromagnetic simulations for realistic island shapes and sizes are performed and analyzed, indicating the special importance of skyrmion dynamics at finite temperatures. We demonstrate how the competition between skyrmion mobility and observation time directly affects the addressability of skyrmionic bits, which is a key challenge on the path of developing skyrmion-based room-temperature applications. The presented quasiparticle Monte Carlo approach offers a computationally efficient description of the diffusive motion of skyrmion ensembles in confined geometries, like racetrack memory setups.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2019

A Dynamic 'Double Slit' Experiment in a Single Atom

A single-atom 'double-slit' experiment is realized by photo-ionizing Rubidium atoms using two independent low power lasers. The photoelectron wave of well-defined energy recedes to the continuum either from the 5P or 6P states in the same atom, resulting in two-path interference imaged in the far field using a photoelectron detector. Even though the lasers are independent and not phase locked, the transitions within the atom impart the phase relationship necessary for interference. The experiment is designed so that either 5P or 6P states are excited by one laser, before ionization by the second beam. The measurement cannot determine which excitation path is taken, resulting in interference in wave-vector space analogous to Young's double-slit studies. As the lasers are tunable in both frequency and intensity, the individual excitation-ionization pathways can be varied, allowing dynamic control of the interference term. Since the electron wave recedes in the Coulomb potential of the residual ion, a quantum model is used to capture the dynamics. Excellent agreement is found between theory and experiment.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2018

Magneto-Electric Response of Quantum Structures Driven by Optical Vector Beams

Key advances in the generation and shaping of spatially structured photonic fields both in the near and far field render possible the control of the duration, the phase, and the polarization state of the field distributions. For instance, optical vortices having a structured phase are nowadays routinely generated and exploited for a range of applications. While the light-matter interaction with optical vortices is meanwhile well studied, the distinctive features of the interaction of quantum matter with vector beams, meaning fields with spatially inhomogeneous polarization states, are still to be explored in full detail, which is done here. We analyze the response of atomic and low dimensional quantum structures to irradiation with radially or azimuthally polarized cylindrical vector beams. Striking differences to vortex beams are found: Radially polarized vector beams drive radially breathing charge-density oscillations via electric-type quantum transitions. Azimuthally polarized vector beams do not affect the charge at all but trigger, via a magnetic vector potential a dynamic Aharonov-Bohm effect, meaning a vector-potential driven oscillating magnetic moment. In contrast to vortex beams, no unidirectional currents are generated. Atoms driven by a radially polarized vector beam exhibit angular momentum conserving quadrupole transitions tunable by a static magnetic field, while when excited with azimuthally polarized beam different final-state magnetic sublevels can be accessed.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2018

Open-circuit ultrafast generation of nanoscopic toroidal moments: The swift phase generator

Efficient and flexible schemes for a swift, field-free control of the phase in quantum devices have far-reaching impact on energy-saving operation of quantum computing, data storage, and sensoring nanodevices. We report a novel approach for an ultrafast generation of a field-free vector potential that is tunable in duration, sign, and magnitude, allowing to impart non-invasive, spatio-temporally controlled changes to the quantum nature of nanosystems. The method relies on triggering a steady-state toroidal moment in a donut-shaped nanostructure that serves as a vector-potential generator and quantum phase modulator. Irradiated by moderately intense, few cycle THz pulses with appropriately shaped polarization states, the nano donut is brought to a steady-state where a nearby object does not experience electric nor magnetic fields but feels the photo-generated vector potential. Designing the time structure of the driving THz pulses allows for launching picosecond trains of vector potentials which is the key for a contact-free optimal control of quantum coherent states. During the toroidal moment rise up time radiation is emitted which can be tuned in a very broad frequency band. We carry out full-fledged quantum dynamic simulations, and theoretical analysis to illuminate the underlying principles and to endorse the feasibility, robustness, and versatility of the scheme. This research could trigger a new class of ultrafast quantum devices operated and switched in an energy-efficient, contact and field-free manner, enabling new techniques for use in quantum information, magnetic nanostructures and superconducting tunnel junctions as well as in toroidally ordered systems and multiferroics.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

All-Optical Generation and Tuning of Ultrafast Spin-Hall Current via Optical Vortices

Spin Hall effect, one of the cornerstones in spintronics refers to the emergence of an imbalance in the spin density transverse to a charge flow in a sample under voltage bias. This study points to a novel way for an ultrafast generation and tuning of a unidirectional nonlinear spin Hall current by means of subpicosecond laser pulses of optical vortices. When interacting with matter, the optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) carried by the vortex and quantified by its topological charge is transferred to the charge carriers. The residual spin-orbital coupling in the sample together with confinement effects allow exploiting the absorbed optical OAM for spatio-temporally controlling the spin channels. Both the non-linear spin Hall current and the dynamical spin Hall angle increase for a higher optical topological charge. The reason is the transfer of a higher amount of OAM and the enhancement of the effective spin-orbit interaction strength. No bias voltage is needed. We demonstrate that the spin Hall current can be all-optically generated in an open circuit geometry for ring-structured samples. These results follow from a full-fledged propagation of the spin-dependent quantum dynamics on a time-space grid coupled to the phononic environment. The findings point to a versatile and controllable tool for the ultrafast generation of spin accumulations with a variety of applications such as a source for ultrafast spin transfer torque and charge and spin current pulse emitter.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2017

Positive-Negative Birefringence in Multiferroic Layered Metasurfaces

We uncover and identify the regime for a magnetically and ferroelectrically controllable negative refraction of light traversing multiferroic, oxide-based metastructure consisting of alternating nanoscopic ferroelectric (SrTiO$_2$) and ferromagnetic (Y$_3$Fe$_2$(FeO$_4$)$_3$, YIG) layers. We perform analytical and numerical simulations based on discretized, coupled equations for the self-consistent Maxwell/ferroelectric/ferromagnetic dynamics and obtain a biquadratic relation for the refractive index. Various scenarios of ordinary and negative refraction in different frequency ranges are analyzed and quantified by simple analytical formula that are confirmed by full-fledge numerical simulations. Electromagnetic-waves injected at the edges of the sample are propagated exactly numerically. We discovered that for particular GHz frequencies, waves with different polarizations are characterized by different signs of the refractive index giving rise to novel types of phenomena such as a positive-negative birefringence effect, and magnetically controlled light trapping and accelerations.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2017

Gate-controlled magnonic-assisted switching of magnetization in ferroelectric/ferromagnetic junctions

Interfacing a ferromagnet with a polarized ferroelectric gate generates a non-uniform, interfacial spin density coupled to the ferroelectric polarization allowing so for an electric field control of effective transversal field to magnetization. Here we study the dynamic magnetization switching behavior of such a multilayer system based on the Landau-Lifshitz-Baryakhtar equation, demonstrating that interfacial magnetoelectric coupling is utilizable as a highly localized and efficient tool for manipulating magnetism.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Ultrafast nanoscale magnetic switching via intense picosecond electron bunches

The magnetic field associated with a picosecond intense electron pulse is shown to switch locally the magnetization of extended films and nanostructures and to ignite locally spin waves excitations. Also, topologically protected magnetic textures such as skyrmions can be imprinted swiftly in a sample with a residual Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya spin-orbital coupling. Characteristics of the created excitations such as the topological charge or the width of the magnon spectrum can be steered via the duration and the strength of the electron pulses. The study points to a possible way for a spatiotemporally controlled generation of magnetic and skyrmionic excitations.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2017

Functionalizing Fe adatoms on Cu(001) as a nanoelectromechanical system

This study demonstrates how the spin quantum dynamics of a single Fe atom adsorbed on Cu(001) can be controlled and manipulated by the vibrations of a nearby copper tip attached to a nano cantilever by virtue of the dynamic magnetic anisotropy. The magnetic properties of the composite system are obtained from \emph{ab initio} calculations in completely relaxed geometries and turned out to be dependent considerably on the tip-iron distance that changes as the vibrations set in. The level populations, the spin dynamics interrelation with the driving frequency, as well as quantum information related quantities are exposed and analyzed.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Size-dependent frequency bands in the ferromagnetic resonance of a Fe-nanocube

Using full micromagnetic simulations we calculate the spectra of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) for an iron (core-shell) nanocube and show that the FMR characteristics are strongly size dependent. For instance, for a $40~$nm it is found that, in contrast to a macrospin picture, the spectrum of the iron nanocube possesses two bands centered around $0.4~$T and $\approx 0.1~$T. The peaks originate from the surface anisotropy induced by the strong demagnetizing fields (DMFs) of iron. Further simulations reveal that for $\approx 20~$nm nanocubes the macrospin model becomes viable. Above $40~$nm we find a broad band for FMR absorption. Our results point to possible interpretations of existing FMR experimental observations for the system studied here.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Charge and spin dynamics driven by ultrashort extreme broadband pulses: a theory perspective

This article gives an overview on recent theoretical progress in controlling the charge and spin dynamics in low-dimensional electronic systems by means of ultrashort and ultrabroadband electromagnetic pulses. A particular focus is put on sub-cycle and single-cycle pulses and their utilization for coherent control. The discussion is mostly limited to cases where the pulse duration is shorter than the characteristic time scales associated with the involved spectral features of the excitations. We work out that the pulse action amounts in essence to a quantum map between the quantum states of the system at an appropriately chosen time moment during the pulse. The influence of a particular pulse shape on the post-pulse dynamics is reduced to several integral parameters entering the expression for the quantum map. The validity range of this reduction scheme for different strengths of the driving fields is established and discussed for particular nanostructures. Acting with a periodic pulse sequence, it is shown how the system can be steered to and largely maintained in predefined states. The conditions for this nonequilibrium sustainability are worked out by means of geometric phases, which are identified as the appropriate quantities to indicate quasistationarity of periodically driven quantum systems. Demonstrations are presented for the control of the charge, spin, and valley degrees of freedom in nanostructures on picosecond and subpicosecond time scales. The theory is illustrated with several applications to one-dimensional semiconductor quantum wires and superlattices, double quantum dots, semiconductor and graphene quantum rings. Furthermore, we consider the response of strongly correlated systems to short broadband pulses and show that this case bears a great potential to unveil high order correlations while they build up upon excitations.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Femtosecond dynamics of correlated many-body states in C$_{60}$ fullerenes

Fullerene complexes may play a key role in the design of future molecular electronics and nanostructured devices with potential applications in light harvesting using organic solar cells. Charge and energy flow in these systems is mediated by many-body effects. We studied the structure and dynamics of laser-induced multi-electron excitations in isolated C$_{60}$ by two-photon photoionization as a function of excitation wavelength using a tunable fs UV laser and developed a corresponding theoretical framework on the basis of \emph{ab initio} calculations. The measured resonance line width gives direct information on the excited state lifetime. From the spectral deconvolution we derive a lower limit for purely electronic relaxation on the order of $τ_\mathrm{el}=10^{+5}_{-3}$ fs. Energy dissipation towards nuclear degrees of freedom is studied in time-resolved techniques. The evaluation of the non-linear autocorrelation trace gives a characteristic time constant of $τ_\mathrm{vib}=400\pm100$ fs for the exponential decay. In line with the experiment, the observed transient dynamics is explained theoretically by nonadiabatic (vibronic) couplings involving the correlated electronic, the nuclear degrees of freedom (accounting for the Herzberg-Teller coupling), and their interplay.

physics.atm-clus↗

arXiv2016

Optical vortices discern attosecond time delay in electron emission from magnetic sublevels

Photoionization from energetically distinct electronic states may have a relative time delay of tens of attoseconds. Here we demonstrate that pulses of optical vortices allow measuring such attoseconds delays from magnetic sublevels, even from a spherically symmetric target. The difference in the time delay is substantial and exhibits a strong angular dependence. Furthermore, we find an atomic scale variation in the time delays depending on the target orbital position in the laser spot. The findings offer thus a qualitatively new way for a spatio-temporal sensing of the magnetic states from which the photoelectrons originate, with a spatial resolution way below the diffraction limit of the vortex beam. Our conclusions follow from analytical considerations based on symmetry, complemented and confirmed with full numerical simulations of the quantum dynamics.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2016

Swift thermal steering of domain walls in ferromagnetic MnBi stripes

We predict a fast domain wall (DW) motion induced by a thermal gradient across a nanoscopic ferromagnetic stripe of MnBi. The driving mechanism is an exchange torque fueled by magnon accumulation at the DWs. Depending on the thickness of the sample, both hot-to-cold and cold-to-hot DW motion directions are possible. The finding unveils an energy efficient way to manipulate DWs as an essential element in magnetic information processing such as racetrack memory.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Layered frustrated antiferromagnetic Heisenberg spin model: role of inplane frustration and interlayer coupling

We present an exact diagonalization study on layered $J_{1}-J_{2}$ antiferromagnetic Heisenberg spin model to examine the role of frustration induced by inplane next-nearest neighbor coupling $J_{2}$, in presence of interlayer antiferromagnetic coupling $J_{\perp}$. A finite lattice of 24 spins in layered geometry of $(4\times 3)\oplus (4\times 3)$ is considered and the resulting Hamiltonian matrix diagonalized using Davidson iterative algorithm to obtain the ground and a few low-lying excited states. The lattice size ($24$ spins with Hilbert space dimensionality of $2704156$ in $S_{z}^{tot}=0$ subspace) has been kept relatively small because of the large number of runs required to sample $J_{1}-J_{2}-J_{\perp}$ parameter space. Quantities like spin-gap, Shannon entropy, spin-spin correlation, static spin structure-factor, magnetic specific-heat and magnetic susceptibility are calculated for various values of spin-spin coupling parameters. With increase in interlayer coupling, the system is driven to states with long range order and the interval of quantum paramagnetically disordered state, sandwiched between Néel and collinear ordered states, narrows on the scale of inplane frustration parameter.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2016

Centrifugal photovoltaic and photogalvanic effects driven by structured light

Much efforts are devoted to material structuring in a quest to enhance the photovoltaic effect. We show that structuring light in a way it transfers orbital angular momentum to semiconductor-based rings results in a steady charge accumulation at the outer boundaries that be utilized for the generation of an open circuit voltage or a photogalvanic (bulk photovoltaic) type current. This effect which stems both from structuring light and matter (confinement potentials), can be magnified even at fixed moderate intensities, by increasing the orbital angular momentum of light which strengthens the effective centrifugal potential that repels the charge outwards. Based on a full numerical time propagation of the carriers wave functions in the presence of light pulses we demonstrate how the charge buildup leads to a useable voltage or directed photocurrent whose amplitudes and directions are controllable by the light pulse parameters.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2016

Efficient thermal energy harvesting using nanoscale magnetoelectric heterostructures

Thermomechanical cycles with a ferroelectric working substance convert heat to electrical energy. As shown here, magnetoelectrically coupled ferroelectric/ferromangtic composites (also called multiferroics) add new functionalities and allow for an efficient thermal energy harvesting at room temperature by exploiting the pyroelectric effect. By virtue of the magnetoelectric coupling, external electric and magnetic fields can steer the operation of these heat engines. Our theoretical predictions are based on a combination of Landau-Khalatnikov-Tani approach (with a Ginzburg-Landau-Devonshire potential) to simulate the ferroelectric dynamics coupled to the magnetic dynamics. The latter is treated via the electric-polarization-dependent Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. Performing an adapted Olsen cycle we show that a multiferroic working substance is potentially much more superior to sole ferroelectrics, as far as thermal energy harvesting using pyroelectric effect is concerned. Our proposal holds promise not only for low-energy consuming devices but also for cooling technology.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗