arXiv subjects

Ruidan Zhong

Publications and source records attributed to Ruidan Zhong.

88 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2018

Evidence for Majorana bound state in an iron-based superconductor

The search for Majorana bound state (MBS) has recently emerged as one of the most active research areas in condensed matter physics, fueled by the prospect of using its non-Abelian statistics for robust quantum computation. A highly sought-after platform for MBS is two-dimensional topological superconductors, where MBS is predicted to exist as a zero-energy mode in the core of a vortex. A clear observation of MBS, however, is often hindered by the presence of additional low-lying bound states inside the vortex core. By using scanning tunneling microscope on the newly discovered superconducting Dirac surface state of iron-based superconductor FeTe1-xSex (x = 0.45, superconducting transition temperature Tc = 14.5 K), we clearly observe a sharp and non-split zero-bias peak inside a vortex core. Systematic studies of its evolution under different magnetic fields, temperatures, and tunneling barriers strongly suggest that this is the case of tunneling to a nearly pure MBS, separated from non-topological bound states which is moved away from the zero energy due to the high ratio between the superconducting gap and the Fermi energy in this material. This observation offers a new, robust platform for realizing and manipulating MBSs at a relatively high temperature.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2017

Growth and structural characterization of large superconducting crystals of La$_{2-x}$Ca$_{1+x}$Cu$_2$O$_{6}$

Large crystals of La$_{2-x}$Ca$_{1+x}$Cu$_2$O$_{6}$ (La-Ca-2126) with $x=0.10$ and 0.15 have been grown and converted to bulk superconductors by high-pressure oxygen annealing. The superconducting transition temperature, $T_c$, is as high as 55~K; this can be raised to 60~K by post-annealing in air. Here we present structural and magnetic characterizations of these crystals using neutron scattering and muon spin rotation techniques. While the as-grown, non-superconducting crystals are single phase, we find that the superconducting crystals contain 3 phases forming coherent domains stacked along the $c$ axis: the dominant La-Ca-2126 phase, very thin (1.5 unit-cell) intergrowths of La$_2$CuO$_4$, and an antiferromagnetic La$_8$Cu$_8$O$_{20}$ phase. We propose that the formation and segregation of the latter phases increases the Ca concentration of the La-Ca-2126, thus providing the hole-doping that supports superconductivity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2017

Suppression of the antiferromagnetic order when approaching the superconducting state in a phase-separated crystal of K$_x$Fe$_{2-y}$Se$_2$

We have combined elastic and inelastic neutron scattering techniques, magnetic susceptibility and resistivity measurements to study single-crystal samples of K$_x$Fe$_{2-y}$Se$_2$, which contain the superconducting phase that has a transition temperature of $\sim$31 K. In the inelastic neutron scattering measurements, we observe both the spin-wave excitations resulting from the block antiferromagnetic ordered phase and the resonance that is associated with the superconductivity in the superconducting phase, demonstrating the coexistence of these two orders. From the temperature dependence of the intensity of the magnetic Bragg peaks, we find that well before entering the superconducting state, the development of the magnetic order is interrupted, at $\sim$42 K. We consider this result to be evidence for the physical separation of the antiferromagnetic and superconducting phases; the suppression is possibly due to the proximity effect of the superconducting fluctuations on the antiferromagnetic order.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2017

Evidence for a nematic phase in La$_{1.75}$Sr$_{0.25}$NiO$_{4}$

Determining the nature of electronic states in doped Mott insulators remains a challenging task. In the case of tetragonal La$_{2-x}$Sr$_{x}$NiO$_{4}$, the occurrence of diagonal charge and spin stripe order in the ground state is now well established. In contrast, the nature of the high-temperature "disordered" state from which the stripe order develops has long been a subject of controversy, with considerable speculation regarding a polaronic liquid. Following on the recent detection of dynamic charge stripes, we use neutron scattering measurements on an $x=0.25$ crystal to demonstrate that the dispersion of the charge stripe excitations is anisotropic. This observation provides compelling evidence for the presence of electronic nematic order.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Indium substitution effect on the topological crystalline insulator family (Pb$_{1-x}$Sn$_{x}$)$_{1-y}$In$_{y}$Te: Topological and superconducting properties

Topological crystalline insulators (TCIs) have been of great interest in the area of condensed matter physics. We investigated the effect of indium substitution on the crystal structure and transport properties in the TCI system (Pb$_{1-x}$Sn$_{x}$)$_{1-y}$In$_{y}$Te. For samples with a tin concentration $x\le50\%$, the low-temperature resisitivities show a dramatic variation as a function of indium concentration: with up to ~2% indium doping the samples show weak-metallic behavior, similar to their parent compounds; with ~6% indium doping, samples have true bulk-insulating resistivity and present evidence for nontrivial topological surface states; with higher indium doping levels, superconductivity was observed, with a transition temperature, Tc, positively correlated to the indium concentration and reaching as high as 4.7 K. We address this issue from the view of bulk electronic structure modified by the indium-induced impurity level that pins the Fermi level. The current work summarizes the indium substitution effect on (Pb,Sn)Te, and discusses the topological and superconducting aspects, which can be provide guidance for future studies on this and related systems.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2016

Electronic structure of the ingredient planes of cuprate superconductor Bi2Sr2CuO6+δ: a comparison study with Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ

By means of low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, we report on the electronic structures of BiO and SrO planes of Bi2Sr2CuO6+δ (Bi-2201) superconductor prepared by argon-ion bombardment and annealing. Depending on post annealing conditions, the BiO planes exhibit either pseudogap (PG) with sharp coherence peaks and an anomalously large gap of 49 meV or van Hove singularity (VHS) near the Fermi level, while the SrO is always characteristic of a PG-like feature. This contrasts with Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (Bi-2212) superconductor where VHS occurs solely on the SrO plane. We disclose the interstitial oxygen dopants (δ in the formulas) as a primary cause for the occurrence of VHS, which are located dominantly around the BiO and SrO planes, respectively, in Bi-2201 and Bi-2212. This is supported by the contrasting structural buckling amplitude of BiO and SrO planes in the two superconductors. Our findings provide solid evidence for the irrelevance of PG to the superconductivity in the two superconductors, as well as insights into why Bi-2212 can achieve a higher superconducting transition temperature than Bi-2201, and by implication, the mechanism of cuprate superconductivity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2016

Nodeless pairing in superconducting copper-oxide monolayer films on Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ

The pairing mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity in cuprates remains the biggest unresolved mystery in condensed matter physics. To solve the problem, one of the most effective approaches is to investigate directly the superconducting CuO2 layers. Here, by growing CuO2 monolayer films on Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ substrates, we identify two distinct and spatially separated energy gaps centered at the Fermi energy, a smaller U-like gap and a larger V-like gap on the films, and study their interactions with alien atoms by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy. The newly discovered U-like gap exhibits strong phase coherence and is immune to scattering by K, Cs and Ag atoms, suggesting its nature as a nodeless superconducting gap in the CuO2 layers, whereas the V-like gap agrees with the well-known pseudogap state in the underdoped regime. Our results support an s-wave superconductivity in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ, which, we propose, originates from the modulation-doping resultant two-dimensional hole liquid confined in the CuO2 layers.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2016

Low vibration high numerical aperture automated variable temperature Raman microscope

Raman micro-spectroscopy is well suited for studying a variety of properties and has been applied to wide- ranging areas. Combined with tuneable temperature, Raman spectra can offer even more insights into the properties of materials. However, previous designs of variable temperature Raman microscopes have made it extremely challenging to measure samples with low signal levels due to thermal and positional instability as well as low collection efficiencies. Thus, contemporary Raman microscope has found limited applicability to probing the subtle physics involved in phase transitions and hysteresis. This paper describes a new design of a closed-cycle, Raman microscope with full polarization rotation. High collection efficiency, thermal and mechanical stability are ensured by both deliberate optical, cryogenic, and mechanical design. Measurements on two samples, Bi2Se3 and V2O3, which are known as challenging due to low thermal conductivities, low signal levels and/or hysteretic effects, are measured with previously undemonstrated temperature resolution.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Mapping the Electronic Structure of Each Ingredient Oxide Layer of High-$T_\textrm{c}$ Cuprate Superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ

Understanding the mechanism of high transition temperature (Tc) superconductivity in cuprates has been hindered by the apparent complexity of their multilayered crystal structure. Using a cryogenic scanning tunneling microscopy, we report on layer-by-layer probing of the electronic structures of all ingredient planes (BiO, SrO, CuO2) of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ superconductor prepared by argon-ion bombardment and annealing technique. We show that the well-known pseudogap (PG) feature observed by STM is inherently a property of the BiO planes and thus irrelevant directly to Cooper pairing. The SrO planes exhibit an unexpected Van Hove singularity near the Fermi level, while the CuO2 planes are exclusively characterized by a smaller gap inside the PG. The small gap becomes invisible near Tc, which we identify as the superconducting gap. The above results constitute severe constraints on any microscopic model for high Tc superconductivity in cuprates.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2015

Kondo-like zero-bias conductance anomaly in a three-dimensional topological insulator nanowire

Zero bias anomalies in topological nanowires have recently captured significant attention, as they are possible signatures of Majorana modes. Yet there are many other possible origins of zero bias peaks in nanowires, for example, weak localization, Andreev bound states, or the Kondo effect. Here, we discuss observations of differential conductance peaks at zero bias voltage in nonsuperconducting electronic transport through a 3D topological insulator nanowire. The zero bias conductance peaks show logarithmic temperature dependence and often linear splitting with magnetic fields, both of which are signatures of the Kondo effect in quantum dots. Here, we characterize the zero bias peaks and discuss their origin.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Surface-state-dominated transport in crystals of the topological crystalline insulator In-doped Pb$_{1-x}$Sn$_x$Te

Three-dimensional topological insulators and topological crystalline insulators represent new quantum states of matter, which are predicted to have insulating bulk states and spin-momentum-locked gapless surface states. Experimentally, it has proven difficult to achieve the high bulk resistivity that would allow surface states to dominate the transport properties over a substantial temperature range. Here we report a series of indium-doped Pb$_{1-x}$Sn$_x$Te compounds that manifest huge bulk resistivities together with strong evidence of topological surface states, based on thickness-dependent transport studies and magnetoresistance measurements. For these bulk-insulating materials, the surface states determine the resistivity for temperatures approaching 30 K.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Substitution of Ni for Fe in superconducting Fe$_{0.98}$Te$_{0.5}$Se$_{0.5}$ depresses the normal-state conductivity but not the magnetic spectral weight

We have performed systematic resistivity and inelastic neutron scattering measurements on Fe$_{0.98-z}$Ni$_z$Te$_{0.5}$Se$_{0.5}$ samples to study the impact of Ni substitution on the transport properties and the low-energy ($\le$ 12 meV) magnetic excitations. It is found that, with increasing Ni doping, both the conductivity and superconductivity are gradually suppressed; in contrast, the low-energy magnetic spectral weight changes little. Comparing with the impact of Co and Cu substitution, we find that the effects on conductivity and superconductivity for the same degree of substitution grow systematically as the atomic number of the substituent deviates from that of Fe. The impact of the substituents as scattering centers appears to be greater than any contribution to carrier concentration. The fact that low-energy magnetic spectral weight is not reduced by increased electron scattering indicates that the existence of antiferromagnetic correlations does not depend on electronic states close to the Fermi energy.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2014

Reconciliation of local and long range tilt correlations in underdoped La2-xBaxCuO4

A long standing puzzle regarding the disparity of local and long range CuO6 octahedral tilt correlations in the underdoped regime of La2-xBaxCuO4 is addressed by utilizing complementary neutron powder diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering (INS) approaches. Long-range and static CuO6 tilt order with orthogonally inequivalent Cu-O bonds in the CuO2 planes in the low temperature tetragonal (LTT) phase is succeeded on warming through the low-temperature transition by one with orthogonally equivalent bonds in the low temperature orthorhombic (LTO) phase. In contrast, the signatures of LTT-type tilts in the instantaneous local atomic structure persist on heating throughout the LTO crystallographic phase on the nanoscale, although becoming weaker as temperature increases. Analysis of the INS spectra for the x = 1/8 composition reveals the dynamic nature of the LTT-like tilt fluctuations within the LTO phase and their 3D character. The doping dependence of relevant structural parameters indicates that the magnitude of the Cu-O bond anisotropy has a maximum at x = 1/8 doping where bulk superconductivity is most strongly suppressed, suggesting that the structural anisotropy might be influenced by electron-phonon coupling and the particular stability of the stripe-ordered phase at this composition. The bond-length modulation that pins stripe order is found to be remarkably subtle, with no anomalous bond length disorder at low temperature, placing an upper limit on any in-plane Cu-O bondlength anisotropy. The results further reveal that although appreciable octahedral tilts persist through the high-temperature transition and into the high temperature tetragonal (HTT) phase, there is no significant preference between different tilt directions in the HTT regime.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2014

Low-energy phonons and superconductivity in Sn$_{0.8}$In$_{0.2}$Te

We present neutron scattering measurements on low-energy phonons from a superconducting ($T_{c} = 2.7$~K) Sn$_{0.8}$In$_{0.2}$Te single crystal sample. The longitudinal acoustic phonon mode and one transverse acoustic branch have been mapped out around the (002) Bragg peak for temperatures of 1.7 K and 4.2 K. We observe a substantial energy width of the transverse phonons at energies comparable to twice the superconducting gap; however, there is no change in this width between the superconducting and normal states. We also confirm that the compound is well ordered, with no indications of structural instability.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2014

Ferro-orbital ordering transition in iron telluride Fe$_{1+y}$Te

Fe$_{1+y}$Te with $y \lesssim 0.05$ exhibits a first-order phase transition on cooling to a state with a lowered structural symmetry, bicollinear antiferromagnetic order, and metallic conductivity, $dρ/dT > 0$. Here, we study samples with $y = 0.09(1)$, where the frustration effects of the interstitial Fe decouple different orders, leading to a sequence of transitions. While the lattice distortion is closely followed by \emph{incommensurate} magnetic order, the development of \emph{bicollinear} order and metallic electronic coherence is uniquely associated with a separate hysteretic first-order transition, at a markedly lower temperature, to a phase with dramatically enhanced bond-order wave (BOW) order. The BOW state suggests ferro-orbital ordering, where electronic delocalization in ferromagnetic zigzag chains decreases local spin and results in metallic transport.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2013

Fully gapped topological surface states in Bi$_2$Se$_3$ films induced by a d-wave high-temperature superconductor

Topological insulators are a new class of materials, that exhibit robust gapless surface states protected by time-reversal symmetry. The interplay between such symmetry-protected topological surface states and symmetry-broken states (e.g. superconductivity) provides a platform for exploring novel quantum phenomena and new functionalities, such as 1D chiral or helical gapless Majorana fermions, and Majorana zero modes which may find application in fault-tolerant quantum computation. Inducing superconductivity on topological surface states is a prerequisite for their experimental realization. Here by growing high quality topological insulator Bi$_2$Se$_3$ films on a d-wave superconductor Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CaCu$_2$O$_{8+δ}$ using molecular beam epitaxy, we are able to induce high temperature superconductivity on the surface states of Bi$_2$Se$_3$ films with a large pairing gap up to 15 meV. Interestingly, distinct from the d-wave pairing of Bi$_2$Sr$_2$CaCu$_2$O$_{8+δ}$, the proximity-induced gap on the surface states is nearly isotropic and consistent with predominant s-wave pairing as revealed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Our work could provide a critical step toward the realization of the long sought-after Majorana zero modes.

cond-mat.supr-con↗