arXiv subjects

P. Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to P. Zhang.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

Majorana bound states in a disordered quantum dot chain

We study Majorana bound states in a disordered chain of semiconductor quantum dots proximity-coupled to an s-wave superconductor. By calculating its topological quantum number, based on the scattering-matrix method and a tight-binding model, we can identify the topological property of such an inhomogeneous one-dimensional system. We study the robustness of Majorana bound states against disorder in both the spin-independent terms (including the chemical potential and the regular spin-conserving hopping) and the spin-dependent term, i.e., the spin-flip hopping due to the Rashba spin-orbit coupling. We find that the Majorana bound states are not completely immune to the spin-independent disorder, especially when the latter is strong. Meanwhile, the Majorana bound states are relatively robust against spin-dependent disorder, as long as the spin-flip hopping is of uniform sign (i.e., the varying spin-flip hopping term does not change its sign along the chain). Nevertheless, when the disorder induces sign-flip in spin-flip hopping, the topological-nontopological phase transition takes place in the low-chemical-potential region.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Observation of high-Tc superconductivity in rectangular FeSe/STO(110) monolayer

It is well known that superconductivity in Fe-based materials is favoured under tetragonal symmetry, whereas competing orders such as spin-density-wave (SDW) and nematic orders emerge or are reinforced upon breaking the fourfold (C4) symmetry. Accordingly, suppression of orthorhombicity below the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) is found in underdoped compounds. Epitaxial film growth on selected substrates allows the design of crystal specific lattice distortions. Here we show that despite the breakdown of the C4 symmetry induced by a 5% difference in the lattice parameters, monolayers of FeSe grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on the (110) surface of SrTiO3 (STO) substrates [FeSe/STO(110)] exhibit a large nearly isotropic superconducting (SC) gap of 16 meV closing around 60 K. Our results on this new interfacial material, similar to those obtained previously on FeSe/STO(001), contradict the common belief that the C4 symmetry is essential for reaching high Tc's in Fe-based superconductors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2015

Coherent manipulation of a Majorana qubit by a mechanical resonator

We propose a hybrid system composed of a Majorana qubit and a nanomechanical resonator, implemented by a spin-orbit-coupled superconducting nanowire, using a set of static and oscillating ferromagnetic gates. The ferromagnetic gates induce Majorana bound states in the nanowire, which hybridize and constitute a Majorana qubit. Due to the oscillation of one of these gates, the Majorana qubit can be coherently rotated. By tuning the gate voltage to modulate the local spin-orbit coupling, it is possible to reach the resonance of the qubit-oscillator system for relatively strong couplings.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Topological nature of FeSe$_{0.5}$Te$_{0.5}$ superconductor

We demonstrate, using first-principles calculations, that the electronic structure of FeSe$_{1-x}$Te$_{x}$ ($x$=0.5) is topologically non-trivial, characterized by an odd $\mathbb Z_2$ invariant and Dirac cone type surface states, in sharp contrast to the end member FeSe ($x$=0). This topological state is induced by the enhanced three-dimensionality and spin-orbit coupling due to Te substitution (compared to FeSe), characterized by a band inversion at the $Z$ point of the Brillouin zone, which is confirmed by our ARPES measurements. The results suggest that the surface of FeSe$_{0.5}$Te$_{0.5}$ may support a non-trivial superconducting channel in proximity to the bulk.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Observation of two distinct $d_{xz}/d_{yz}$ band splittings in FeSe

We report the temperature evolution of the detailed electronic band structure in FeSe single-crystals measured by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), including the degeneracy removal of the $d_{xz}$ and $d_{yz}$ orbitals at the $Γ$/Z and M points, and the orbital-selective hybridization between the $d_{xy}$ and $d_{xz/yz}$ orbitals. The temperature dependences of the splittings at the $Γ$/Z and M points are different, indicating that they are controlled by different order parameters. The splitting at the M point is closely related to the structural transition and is attributed to orbital ordering defined on Fe-Fe bonds with a $d$-wave form in the reciprocal space that breaks the rotational symmetry. In contrast, the band splitting at the $Γ$ points remains at temperature far above the structural transition. Although the origin of this latter splitting remains unclear, our experimental results exclude the previously proposed ferro-orbital ordering scenario.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2015

Quantum dynamics of CO-H$_2$ in full dimensionality

Accurate rate coefficients for molecular vibrational transitions due to collisions with H$_2$, critical for interpreting infrared astronomical observations, are lacking for most molecules. Quantum calculations are the primary source of such data, but reliable values that consider all internal degrees of freedom of the collision complex have only been reported for H$_2$-H$_2$ due to the difficulty of the computations. Here we present essentially exact full-dimensional dynamics computations for rovibrational quenching of CO due to H$_2$ impact. Using a high-level six-dimensional potential surface, time-independent scattering calculations, within a full angular-momentum-coupling formulation, were performed for the deexcitation of vibrationally excited CO. Agreement with experimentally-determined results confirms the accuracy of the potential and scattering computations, representing the largest of such calculations performed to date. This investigation advances computational quantum dynamics studies representing initial steps toward obtaining CO-H$_2$ rovibrational quenching data needed for astrophysical modeling.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2014

Observation of an electron band above the Fermi level in FeTe$_{0.55}$Se$_{0.45}$ from \emph{in-situ} surface doping

We used \emph{in-situ} potassium (K) evaporation to dope the surface of the iron-based superconductor FeTe$_{0.55}$Se$_{0.45}$. The systematic study of the bands near the Fermi level confirms that electrons are doped into the system, allowing us to tune the Fermi level of this material and to access otherwise unoccupied electronic states. In particular, we observe an electron band located above the Fermi level before doping that shares similarities with a small three-dimensional pocket observed in the cousin, heavily-electron-doped KFe$_{2-x}$Se$_2$ compound.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2014

Identification of the TeV Gamma-ray Source ARGO J2031+4157 with the Cygnus Cocoon

The extended TeV gamma-ray source ARGO J2031+4157 (or MGRO J2031+41) is positionally consistent with the Cygnus Cocoon discovered by $Fermi$-LAT at GeV energies in the Cygnus superbubble. Reanalyzing the ARGO-YBJ data collected from November 2007 to January 2013, the angular extension and energy spectrum of ARGO J2031+4157 are evaluated. After subtracting the contribution of the overlapping TeV sources, the ARGO-YBJ excess map is fitted with a two-dimensional Gaussian function in a square region of $10^{\circ}\times 10^{\circ}$, finding a source extension $σ_{ext}$= 1$^{\circ}$.8$\pm$0$^{\circ}$.5. The observed differential energy spectrum is $dN/dE =(2.5\pm0.4) \times 10^{-11}(E/1 TeV)^{-2.6\pm0.3}$ photons cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$ TeV$^{-1}$, in the energy range 0.2-10 TeV. The angular extension is consistent with that of the Cygnus Cocoon as measured by $Fermi$-LAT, and the spectrum also shows a good connection with the one measured in the 1-100 GeV energy range. These features suggest to identify ARGO J2031+4157 as the counterpart of the Cygnus Cocoon at TeV energies. The Cygnus Cocoon, located in the star-forming region of Cygnus X, is interpreted as a cocoon of freshly accelerated cosmic rays related to the Cygnus superbubble. The spectral similarity with Supernova Remnants indicates that the particle acceleration inside a superbubble is similar to that in a SNR. The spectral measurements from 1 GeV to 10 TeV allows for the first time to determine the possible spectrum slope of the underlying particle distribution. A hadronic model is adopted to explain the spectral energy distribution.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2014

Observation of momentum-confined in-gap impurity state in Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$: evidence for anti-phase $s_{\pm}$ pairing

We report the observation by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of an impurity state located inside the superconducting gap of Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ and vanishing above the superconducting critical temperature, for which the spectral weight is confined in momentum space near the Fermi wave vector positions. We demonstrate, supported by theoretical simulations, that this in-gap state originates from weak non-magnetic scattering between bands with opposite sign of the superconducting gap phase. This weak scattering, likely due to off-plane Ba/K disorders, occurs mostly among neighboring Fermi surfaces, suggesting that the superconducting gap phase changes sign within holelike (and electronlike) bands. Our results impose severe restrictions on the models promoted to explain high-temperature superconductivity in these materials.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2014

Evolution from incoherent to coherent electronic states and its implications to superconductivity in FeTe1-xSex

We have performed systematic angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) of iron-chalcogenide superconductor FeTe1-xSex to elucidate the electronic states relevant to the superconductivity. While the Fermi-surface shape is nearly independent of x, we found that the ARPES spectral line shape shows prominent x dependence. A broad ARPES spectrum characterized by a small quasiparticle weight at x = 0, indicative of incoherent electronic states, becomes progressively sharper with increasing x, and a well-defined quasiparticle peak appears around x = 0.45 where bulk superconductivity is realized. The present result suggests the evolution from incoherent to coherent electronic states and its close relationship to the emergence of superconductivity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

Spin-Orbit Qubit on a Multiferroic Insulator in a Superconducting Resonator

We propose a spin-orbit qubit in a nanowire quantum dot on the surface of a multiferroic insulator with a cycloidal spiral magnetic order. The spiral exchange field from the multiferroic insulator causes an inhomogeneous Zeeman-like interaction on the electron spin in the quantum dot, producing a spin-orbit qubit. The absence of an external magnetic field benefits the integration of such spin-orbit qubit into high-quality superconducting resonators. By exploiting the Rashba spin-orbit coupling in the quantum dot via a gate voltage, one can obtain an effective spin-photon coupling with an efficient on/off switching. This makes the proposed device controllable and promising for hybrid quantum communications.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2013

Structural phase transition induced by van Hove singularity in 5d transition metal compound IrTe2

Comprehensive studies of the electronic states of Ir 5d and Te 5p have been performed to elucidate the origin of the structural phase transition in IrTe2 by combining angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. While no considerable changes are observed in the configuration of the Ir 5d electronic states across the transition, indicating that the Ir 5d orbitals are not involved in the transition, we reveal a van Hove singularity at the Fermi level (EF) related to the Te px+py orbitals, which is removed from EF at low temperatures. The wavevector connecting the adjacent saddle points is consistent with the in-plane projection of the superstructure modulation wavevector. These results can be qualitatively understood with the Rice-Scott "saddle-point" mechanism, while effects of the lattice distortions need to be additionally involved.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

TeV gamma-ray survey of the Northern sky using the ARGO-YBJ detector

The ARGO-YBJ detector is an extensive air shower array that has been used to monitor the northern $γ$-ray sky at energies above 0.3 TeV from 2007 November to 2013 January. In this paper, we present the results of a sky survey in the declination band from $-10^{\circ}$ to $70^{\circ}$, using data recorded over the past five years. With an integrated sensitivity ranging from 0.24 to $\sim$1 Crab units depending on the declination, six sources have been detected with a statistical significance greater than 5 standard deviations. Several excesses are also reported as potential $γ$-ray emitters. The features of each source are presented and discussed. Additionally, $95\%$ confidence level upper limits of the flux from the investigated sky region are shown. Specific upper limits for 663 GeV $γ$-ray AGNs inside the ARGO-YBJ field of view are reported. The effect of the absorption of $γ$-rays due to the interaction with extragalactic background light is estimated.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy observation of anomalous electronic states in EuFe$_2$As$_{2-x}$P$_x$

We used angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to investigate the electronic structure of EuFe$_2$As$_2$, EuFe$_2$As$_{1.4}$P$_{0.6}$ and EuFe$_2$P$_2$. We observed doubled core level peaks associated to the pnictide atoms, which are related to a surface state. Nevertheless, strong electronic dispersion along the $c$ axis, especially pronounced in EuFe$_2$P$_2$, is observed for at less one band, thus indicated that the Fe states, albeit probably affected at the surface, do not form pure two-dimensional surface states. However, this latter material shows reduced spectral weight near the Fermi level as compared to EuFe$_2$As$_2$ and EuFe$_2$As$_{1.4}$P$_{0.6}$. An anomalous jump is also found in the electronic states associated with the Eu$^{2+}$ $f$ states in EuFe$_2$P$_2$.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2013

The Tuning System for the HIE-ISOLDE High-Beta Quarter Wave Resonator

A new linac using superconducting quarter-wave resonators (QWR) is under construction at CERN in the framework of the HIE-ISOLDE project. The QWRs are made of niobium sputtered on a bulk copper substrate. The working frequency at 4.5 K is 101.28 MHz and they will provide 6 MV/m accelerating gradient on the beam axis with a total maximum power dissipation of 10 W on cavity walls. A tuning system is required in order to both minimize the forward power variation in beam operation and to compensate the unavoidable uncertainties in the frequency shift during the cool-down process. The tuning system has to fulfil a complex combination of RF, structural and thermal requirements. The paper presents the functional specifications and details the tuning system RF and mechanical design and simulations. The results of the tests performed on a prototype system are discussed and the industrialization strategy is presented in view of final production.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2013

Reference frame independent quantum key distribution server with telecom tether for on-chip client

We demonstrate a client-server quantum key distribution (QKD) scheme, with large resources such as laser and detectors situated at the server-side, which is accessible via telecom-fibre, to a client requiring only an on-chip polarisation rotator, that may be integrated into a handheld device. The detrimental effects of unstable fibre birefringence are overcome by employing the reference frame independent QKD protocol for polarisation qubits in polarisation maintaining fibre, where standard QKD protocols fail, as we show for comparison. This opens the way for quantum enhanced secure communications between companies and members of the general public equipped with handheld mobile devices, via telecom-fibre tethering.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2013

Status of Higher Order Mode Beam Position Monitors in 3.9 GHz Superconducting Accelerating Cavities at FLASH

Higher order mode (HOM) beam position monitors (BPM) are being developed for the 3.9 GHz third harmonic superconducting accelerating cavities at FLASH. The transverse beam position in a cavity can be determined utilizing beam-excited HOMs based on dipole components. The existing couplers used for HOM suppression provide necessary signals. The diagnostics principle is similar to a cavity BPM, but requires no additional vacuum instruments on the linac. The challenges of HOM-BPM for 3.9 GHz cavities lie in the dense HOM spectrum arising from the coupling of the majority HOMs amongst the four cavities in the cryo-module ACC39. HOMs with particularly promising diagnostics features were evaluated using a spectrum analyzer and custom-built test electronics with various data analysis techniques, data reduction was focused on. After careful theoretical and experimental assessment of the HOM spectrum, multi-cavity modes in the region of 5 GHz were chosen to provide a global position over the complete module with superior resolution (~20 um) while trapped modes in the 9 GHz region provide local position in each cavity with comparable resolution (~50 um). A similar HOM-BPM system has been planned for the European XFEL 3.9 GHz module which encompasses eight cavities. This paper reviews both the current status and the future prospects of HOM-BPMs in 3.9 GHz cavities at FLASH.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2013

Observation of TeV gamma-rays from the unidentified source HESS J1841-055 with the ARGO-YBJ experiment

We report the observation of a very high energy γ-ray source, whose position is coincident with HESS J1841-055. This source has been observed for 4.5 years by the ARGO-YBJ experiment from November 2007 to July 2012. Its emission is detected with a statistical significance of 5.3 standard deviations. Parameterizing the source shape with a two-dimensional Gaussian function we estimate an extension σ=(0.40(+0.32,-0.22}) degree, consistent with the HESS measurement. The observed energy spectrum is dN/dE =(9.0-+1.6) x 10^{-13}(E/5 TeV)^{-2.32-+0.23} photons cm^{-2} s^{-1} TeV^{-1}, in the energy range 0.9-50 TeV. The integral γ-ray flux above 1 TeV is 1.3-+0.4 Crab units, which is 3.2-+1.0 times the flux derived by HESS. The differences in the flux determination between HESS and ARGO-YBJ, and possible counterparts at other wavelengths are discussed.

astro-ph.HE↗