arXiv subjects

Koichiro Ienaga

Publications and source records attributed to Koichiro Ienaga.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Multiple Superconducting Phases in Palladium Deuteride Induced by Nuclear-Spin Isotope Effect

We study the superconducting properties of high-quality PdD$_{x}$ films. The resistivity shows a sharp drop at $T$ $\sim$1.7 K, marking the superconducting transition. However, a finite resistivity persists and vanishes at $\sim$0.6 K. The temperature and magnetic-field dependences of the resistivity exhibit multiple anomalies within the superconducting state, revealing distinct superconducting phases. Such anomalies are absent in PdH$_{x}$ films. These results demonstrate a clear qualitative difference between the superconducting phase diagrams of PdD$_{x}$ and PdH$_{x}$, highlighting the role of nuclear-spin isotope effects.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2025

New quantum state formed by highly concentrated protons in superconducting palladium hydride

Hydrogen exhibits quantum phenomena, such as tunneling in materials. According to theory, the quantum properties of hydrogen change significantly in superconductors due to the emergence of an energy gap on the Fermi surface, which reduces the interaction between hydrogen nucleus (i.e., proton) and conduction electrons. This reduction is predicted to enhance the tunneling probability of protons. Here, we report the double transitions of the electrical resistivity in high-quality palladium hydride (PdHx) and deuteride (PdDx) prepared by low-temperature absorption below T = 180 K. After a sharp drop in the resistivity at T ~ 2 K owing to the superconducting transition of PdH(D)x, a large residual resistivity remained. Additionally, the resistivity dropped to zero below T = 1 K. The experimental results suggest that the quantum tunneling of highly concentrated protons (deuterons) in the superconducting state is responsible for the observed features: the residual resistivity arises from the weakening of the global coherence of superconductivity owing to the tunneling motion of protons (deuterons), while the zero resistivity is caused by long-range ordering of the protons (deuterons). This system offers a new platform for investigating the quantum many-body properties of tunneling particles.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2021

Structural and electrical characterization of the monolayer Kondo-lattice compound CePt$_6$/Pt(111)

We report the growth process, structure, and electronic states of 1 unit layer (u.l.) of a Ce-Pt intermetallic compound on Pt(111) using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) and low-energy electron diffraction. An ordered $(2 \times 2)$ structure was observed in the form of films or nanoislands depending on Ce dose by annealing at around 700 K. A structural model constructed from atomically resolved STM images and quasiparticle interference (QPI) patterns indicates the formation of a new surface compound 1 u.l. CePt$_6$ on Pt(111) terminated by a Pt layer. A lateral lattice constant of the 1 u.l. CePt$_6$ on Pt(111) is expanded from the value of a bulk CePt$_5$ crystal to match the Pt(111) substrate. By measuring d$I$/d$V$ spectra and QPI, we observed an onset energy of the surface state found on Pt(111) above Fermi energy ($E_F$) shifts below $E_F$ on the Pt layer of the 1 u.l. CePt$_6$ due to charge transfer from the underneath CePt$_2$ layer. We discuss a possible two-dimensional coherent Kondo effect with the observed spectra on the 1 u.l. CePt$_6$.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2019

Natural van der Waals heterostructural single crystals with both magnetic and topological properties

Heterostructures having both magnetism and topology are promising materials for the realization of exotic topological quantum states while challenging in synthesis and engineering. Here, we report natural magnetic van der Waals heterostructures of (MnBi2Te4)m(Bi2Te3)n that exhibit controllable magnetic properties while maintaining their topological surface states. The interlayer antiferromagnetic exchange coupling is gradually weakened as the separation of magnetic layers increases, and an anomalous Hall effect that is well coupled with magnetization and shows ferromagnetic hysteresis was observed below 5 K. The obtained homogeneous heterostructure with atomically sharp interface and intrinsic magnetic properties will be an ideal platform for studying the quantum anomalous Hall effect, axion insulator states, and the topological magnetoelectric effect.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗