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Matthias J. Graf

Publications and source records attributed to Matthias J. Graf.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Fermi surface evolution and checker-board block-spin antiferromagnetism in $A_x$Fe$_{2-y}$Se$_{2}$

We develop an effective multiorbital mean-field t-J Hamiltonian with realistic tight-binding and exchange parameters to describe the electronic and magnetic structures of iron-selenide based superconductors $A_x$Fe$_{2-y}$Se$_2$ for iron vacancy doping in the range $0 \leq y \leq 0.4$. The Fermi surface topology extracted from the spectral function of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) experiments is adequately accounted for by a tight-binding lattice model with random vacancy disorder. Since introducing iron vacancies breaks the lattice periodicity of the stochiometric compound, it greatly affects the electronic band structure. With changing vacancy concentration the electronic band structure evolves, leading to a reconstruction of the Fermi surface topology. For intermediate doping levels, the realized stable electronic structure is a compromise between the solutions for the perfect lattice with $y=0$ and the vacancy stripe-ordered lattice with $y=0.4$, which results in a competition between vacancy random disorder and vacancy stripe order. A multiorbital hopping model is parameterized by fitting Fermi surface topologies to ARPES experiments, from which we construct a mean-field t-J lattice model to study the paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic (AFM) phases of K$_{0.8}$Fe$_{1.6}$Se$_2$. In the AFM phase the calculated spin magnetization of the t-J model leads to a checker-board block-spin structure in good agreement with neutron scattering experiments and {\it ab}-{\it initio} calculations.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Vortex-assisted photon counts and their magnetic field dependence in single-photon detectors

We argue that photon counts in a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) are caused by the transition from a current-biased metastable superconducting state to the normal state. Such a transition is triggered by vortices crossing the thin film superconducting strip from one edge to another due to the Lorentz force. Detector counts in SNSPDs may be caused by three processes: (a) a single incident photon with energy sufficient to break enough Cooper pairs to create a normal-state belt across the entire width of the strip (direct photon count), (b) thermally induced single-vortex crossing in the absence of photons (dark count), which at high bias currents releases the energy sufficient to trigger the transition to the normal state in a belt across the whole width of the strip, and (c) a single incident photon with insufficient energy to create a normal-state belt but initiating a subsequent single-vortex crossing, which provides the rest of the energy needed to create the normal-state belt (vortex-assisted single photon count). We derive the current dependence of the rate of vortex-assisted photon counts. The resulting photon count rate has a plateau at high currents close to the critical current and drops as a power-law with high exponent at lower currents. While the magnetic field perpendicular to the film plane does not affect the formation of hot spots by photons, it causes the rate of vortex crossings (with or without photons) to increase. We show that by applying a magnetic field one may characterize the energy barrier for vortex crossings and identify the origin of dark counts and vortex-assisted photon counts.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Thermally Assisted Penetration and Exclusion of Single Vortex in Mesoscopic Superconductors

A single vortex overcoming the surface barrier in a mesoscopic superconductor with lateral dimensions of several coherence lengths and thickness of several nanometers provides an ideal platform to study thermal activation of a single vortex. In the presence of thermal fluctuations, there is non-zero probability for vortex penetration into or exclusion from the superconductor even when the surface barrier does not vanish. We consider the thermal activation of a single vortex in a mesoscopic superconducting disk of circular shape. To obtain statistics for the penetration and exclusion magnetic fields, slow and periodic magnetic fields are applied to the superconductor. We calculate the distribution of the penetration and exclusion fields from the thermal activation rate. This distribution can also be measured experimentally, which allows for a quantitative comparison.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Spin-fluctuations and the peak-dip-hump feature in the photoemission spectrum of actinides

We present first-principles multiband spin susceptibility calculations within the random-phase approximation for four isostructural superconducting PuCoIn$_5$, PuCoGa$_5$, PuRhGa$_5$, and nonsuperconducting UCoGa$_5$ actinides. The results show that a strong peak in the spin-fluctuation dressed self-energy is present around 0.5 eV in all materials, which is mostly created by 5$f$ electrons. These fluctuations couple to the single-particle spectrum and give rise to a peak-dip-hump feature, characteristic of the coexistence of itinerant and localized electronic states. Results are in quantitative agreement with photoemission spectra. Finally, we show that the studied actinides can be understood within the rigid-band filling approach, in which the spin-fluctuation coupling constant follows the same materials dependence as the superconducting transition temperature $T_c$.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

An Interactive 3D Visualization Tool for Large Scale Data Sets for Quantitative Atom Probe Tomography

Several visualization schemes have been developed for imaging materials at the atomic level through atom probe tomography. The main shortcoming of these tools is their inability to parallel process data using multi-core computing units to tackle the problem of larger data sets. This critically handicaps the ability to make a quantitative interpretation of spatial correlations in chemical composition, since a significant amount of the data is missed during subsequent analysis. In addition, since these visualization tools are not open-source software there is always a problem with developing a common language for the interpretation of data. In this contribution we present results of our work on using an open-source advanced interactive visualization software tool, which overcomes the difficulty of visualizing larger data sets by supporting parallel rendering on a graphical user interface or script user interface and permits quantitative analysis of atom probe tomography data in real time. This advancement allows materials scientists a codesign approach to making, measuring and modeling new and nanostructured materials by providing a direct feedback to the fabrication and designing of samples in real time.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Visualization of nano-plasmons in graphene

We study localized plasmons at the nanoscale (nano-plasmons) in graphene. The collective excitations of induced charge density modulations in graphene are drastically changed in the vicinity of a single impurity compared to graphene's bulk behavior. The dispersion of nano-plasmons depends on the number of electrons and the sign, strength and size of the impurity potential. Due to this rich parameter space the calculated dispersions are intrinsically multidimensional requiring an advanced visualization tool for their efficient analysis, which can be achieved with parallel rendering. To overcome the problem of analyzing thousands of very complex spatial patterns of nano-plasmonic modes, we take a combined visual and quantitative approach to investigate the excitations on the two-dimensional graphene lattice. Our visual and quantitative analysis shows that impurities trigger the formation of localized plasmonic excitations of various symmetries. We visually identify dipolar, quadrupolar and radial modes, and quantify the spatial distributions of induced charges.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Local suppression of the superfluid density of PuCoGa$_5$ in the Swiss Cheese model

We present superfluid density calculations for the unconventional superconductor PuCoGa$_5$ by solving the real-space Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations on a square lattice within the Swiss Cheese model in the presence of strong on-site disorder. We find that despite strong electronic inhomogeneity, one can establish a one-to-one correspondence between the local maps of the density of states, superconducting order parameter, and superfluid density. In this model, strong on-site impurity scattering punches localized holes into the fabric of d-wave superconductivity similar to a Swiss cheese. Already a two-dimensional impurity concentration of $n_{\rm imp} = 4%$ gives rise to a pronounced short-range suppression of the order parameter and a suppression of the superconducting transition temperature $T_c$ by roughly 20% compared to its pure limit value $T_{c0}$, whereas the superfluid density $ρ_s$ is reduced drastically by about 70%. This result is consistent with available experimental data for aged (400 day-old) and fresh (25 day-old) PuCoGa$_5$ superconducting samples. In addition, we show that the $T^2-$dependence of the low-$T$ superfluid density, a signature of dirty d-wave superconductivity, originates from a combined effect in the density of states of `gap filling' and `gap closing'. Finally, we demonstate that the Uemuera plot of $T_c$ vs.\ $ρ_s$ deviates sharply from the conventional Abrikosov-Gor'kov theory for radiation-induced defects in PuCoGa$_5$, but follows the same trend of short-coherence-length high-$T_c$ cuprate superconductors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

The role of glass dynamics in the anomaly of the dielectric function of solid helium

We propose that acousto-optical coupling of the electric field to strain fields around defects in disordered $^4$He is causing an increase of the dielectric function with decreasing temperature due to the arrested dynamics of defect excitations. A distribution of such low-energy excitations can be described within the framework of a glass susceptibility of a small volume fraction inside solid $^4$He. Upon lowering the temperature the relaxation time $τ(T)$ of defects diverges and an anomaly occurs in the dielectric function $ε(ω, T)$ when $ωτ(T) \sim 1$. Since $ε(ω, T)$ satisfies the Kramers-Kronig relation, we predict an accompanying peak in the imaginary part of $ε(ω, T)$ at the same temperature, where the largest change in the amplitude has been seen at fixed frequency. We also discuss recent measurements of the amplitude of the dynamic dielectric function that indicate a low-temperature anomaly similar to the one seen in the resonance frequency of the torsional oscillator and shear modulus experiments.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Local suppression of the hidden order phase by impurities in URu2Si2

We consider the effects of impurities on the enigmatic hidden order (HO) state of the heavy-fermion material URu2Si2. In particular, we focus on local effects of Rh impurities as a tool to probe the suppression of the HO state. To study local properties we introduce a lattice free energy, where the time invariant HO order parameter "psi" and local antiferromagnetic (AFM) order parameter M are competing orders. Near each Rh atom the HO order parameter is suppressed, creating a hole in which local AFM order emerges as a result of competition. These local holes are created in the fabric of the HO state like in a Swiss cheese and "filled" with droplets of AFM order. We compare our analysis with recent NMR results on URu2Si2 doped with Rh and find good agreement with the data.

cond-mat.str-el↗

Shear modulus in viscoelastic solid $^4$He

The complex shear modulus of solid $^4$He exhibits an anomaly in the same temperature region where torsion oscillators show a change in period. We propose that the observed stiffening of the shear modulus with decreasing temperature can be well described by a viscoelastic component that possesses an increasing relaxation time as temperature decreases. Since a glass is a viscoelastic material, the response functions derived for a viscoelastic material are identical to those obtained for a glassy component due to a time delayed restoring back-action. By generalizing the viscoelastic equations for stress and strain to a multiphase system of constituents, composed of patches with different damping and relaxation properties, we predict that the maximum change of the magnitude of the shear modulus and the maximum height of the dissipation peak are independent of an applied external frequency. The same response expressions allow us to calculate the temperature dependence of the shear modulus' amplitude and dissipation. Finally, we demonstrate that a Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann (VFT) relaxation time is in agreement with available experimental data.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

The glassy response of double torsion oscillators in solid Helium-4

Single and double torsion oscillators have been used successfully to measure the anomalous change in resonant frequency and accompanying dissipation in solid He-4. We present a glass description of the mechanical anomalies found in torsion oscillator measurements. Our results show that it is not necessary to invoke a supersolid interpretation to explain these mechanical anomalies. Previously, we demonstrated that the back-action of a glassy subsystem present in solid He-4 can account for frequency change and dissipation peak in many single torsion oscillator experiments. Here, we show that the same glassy back-action can explain the experimental results of the composite torsion oscillator developed by the Rutgers group, which measures the response of solid He-4 at the in-phase mode f1=496 Hz and out-of-phase mode f2=1173 Hz.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Tunneling limit of heavy-fermion point contacts

We present results for a multichannel tunneling model that describes point-contact spectra between a metallic tip and a superconducting heavy-fermion system. We calculate tunneling spectra both in the normal and superconducting state. In point-contact and scanning tunneling spectroscopy many heavy-fermion materials, like CeCoIn5, exhibit an asymmetric differential conductance, dI/dV, combined with a strongly suppressed Andreev reflection signal in the superconducting state. For Andreev reflection to occur a junction has to be in the highly transparent limit. Here we focus on the opposite limit, namely that of low transparency leading to BCS-like dI/dV curves. We discuss the consequences of a multichannel tunneling model for CeCoIn5 assuming itinerant electron bands and localized f electrons.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

A glass anomaly in the shear modulus of solid $^4$He

The shear modulus of solid $^4$He exhibits an anomalous change of order 10%[1, 2] at low temperatures that is qualitatively similar to the much smaller frequency change in torsional oscillator experiments. We propose that in solid $^4$He the stiffening of the shear modulus with decreasing temperature can be described with a glass susceptibility assuming a temperature dependent relaxation time $τ(T)$. The glass susceptibility captures the freezing out of glassy degrees of freedom below a characteristic crossover temperature $T_X$. There the dynamic response of the solid satisfies $ωτ(T_X) \sim 1$, thus leading to an increase in the shear modulus. Within this model we predict that the maximum change of the amplitude of the shear modulus and the height of the dissipation peak are independent of the applied frequency $ω$. Our calculations also show a qualitative difference in behavior of the shear modulus depending on the temperature behavior of the glass relaxation time $τ(T)$. These predictions can be tested by comparing the complex shear modulus with experiments at different frequencies and for different levels of disorder. [1] J. Day and J. Beamish, Nature 150, 853 (2007). [2] J. Day, O. Syshchenko, J. Beamish, Phys. Rev. B 79, 214524(2009).

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

A glassy contribution to the heat capacity of hcp $^4$He solids

We model the low-temperature specific heat of solid $^4$He in the hexagonal closed packed structure by invoking two-level tunneling states in addition to the usual phonon contribution of a Debye crystal for temperatures far below the Debye temperature, $T < Θ_D/50$. By introducing a cutoff energy in the two-level tunneling density of states, we can describe the excess specific heat observed in solid hcp $^4$He, as well as the low-temperature linear term in the specific heat. Agreement is found with recent measurements of the temperature behavior of both specific heat and pressure. These results suggest the presence of a very small fraction, at the parts-per-million (ppm) level, of two-level tunneling systems in solid $^4$He, irrespective of the existence of supersolidity.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

Hyperfine fields and magnetic structure in the B phase of CeCoIn5

We re-analyze Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra observed at low temperatures and high magnetic fields in the field-induced B-phase of CeCoIn5. The NMR spectra are consistent with incommensurate antiferromagnetic order of the Ce magnetic moments. However, we find that the spectra of the In(2) sites depend critically on the direction of the ordered moments, the ordering wavevector and the symmetry of the hyperfine coupling to the Ce spins. Assuming isotropic hyperfine coupling, the NMR spectra observed for H||[100] are consistent with magnetic order with wavevector Q=pi((1+delta)/a,1/a,1/c) and Ce moments ordered antiferromagnetically along the [100] direction in real space. If the hyperfine coupling has dipolar symmetry, then the NMR spectra require Ce moments along the [001] direction. The dipolar scenario is also consistent with recent neutron scattering measurements that find an ordered moment of 0.15 mu_B along [001] and Q_n=pi((1+delta)/a,(1+delta)/a,1/c) with incommensuration delta = 0.12 for field H||[1-10]. Using these parameters, we find that a hyperfine field with dipolar contribution is consistent with findings from both experiments. We speculate that the B phase of CeCoIn5 represents an intrinsic phase of modulated superconductivity and antiferromagnetism that can only emerge in a highly clean system.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

The Debye-Waller factor of stabilized delta-Pu

The Debye-Waller factor has been calculated for stabilized delta-phase plutonium with 5% aluminum. A quasi-harmonic Born-von Karman force model with temperature dependent phonon frequencies was used to calculate the mean-square thermal atomic displacement from absolute zero to 800 K. Implementation of the observed anomalous softening of the long wavelength phonons with increasing temperature cannot account for the softening of the measured thermal parameter at high temperatures nor for its rather high value at low temperatures. The implications for diffraction measurements on delta-phase stabilized plutonium alloys are discussed.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Fermi-liquid effects in the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov state of two-dimensional d-wave superconductors

We study the effects of Fermi-liquid interactions on quasi-two-dimensional d-wave superconductors in a magnetic field. The phase diagram of the superconducting state, including the periodic Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov (FFLO) state in high magnetic fields, is discussed for different strengths of quasiparticle many-body interactions within Landau's theory of Fermi liquids. Decreasing the Fermi-liquid parameter $F_0^a$ causes the magnetic spin susceptibility to increase, which in turn leads to a reduction of the FFLO phase. It is shown that a negative $F_0^a$ results in a first-order phase transition from the normal to the uniform superconducting state in a finite temperature interval. Finally, we discuss the thermodynamic implications of a first-order phase transition for CeCoIn$_5$.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Theory of Knight Shift and Spin-Lattice Relaxation Rates of Pu-115

We calculated the Knight shift and spin-lattice relaxation rates of Pu-115 compounds assuming d-wave superconductivity in the presence of strong impurity scattering. We discuss the implications for recent measurements of the spin-lattice relaxation rate in the Pu-115 compound PuRhGa5 by Sakai and coworkers [J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 74, 1710 (2005)] and present a prediction for the corresponding Knight shift. In addition, we noticed a significant round-off of the spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/T1 just above the superconducting transition temperature that is not observed in the sister compound PuCoGa5. It appears that in PuRhGa5 superconductivity is mediated by spin fluctuations, too. This provides additional support to the scenario of superconducting pairing mediated by spin fluctuations in the Pu-115 compounds similar to the Ce-115 compounds and the high-temperature copper-oxide superconductors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗