arXiv subjects

S. S. P. Parkin

Publications and source records attributed to S. S. P. Parkin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

Fragile altermagnetism and orbital disorder in Mott insulator LaTiO$_3$

Based on ab initio calculations, we demonstrate that a Mott insulator LaTiO$_3$ (LTO), not inspected previously as an altermagnetic material, shows the characteristic features of altermagnets, i.e., (i) fully compensated antiferromagnetism and (ii) $\mathbf{k}$-dependent spin-split electron bands in the absence of spin-orbit coupling. The altermagnetic ground state of LTO is protected by the crystal symmetry and specifically ordered $d$-orbitals of Ti ions with the orbital momentum $l=2.$ The altermagnetism occurs when sites of Ti pair in the unit cell are occupied by single electrons with $m=-1,s_{z}=+1/2$ and $m=+1,s_{z}=-1/2$ per site, with $m$ and $s_{z}-$ being the $z-$ component of the orbital momentum and spin, respectively. By further simulating orbital disorder within the Green's function method, we disclose its damaging character on the spin splitting and the resulting altermagnetism. When the single-electron spin-polarized state at each Ti site is contributed almost equally by two or three $t_{2g}$ orbitals, LTO becomes antiferromagnetic. The effect of the spin-orbit coupling, which can cause orbital disorder and suppress altermagnetism, is discussed.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Self-intercalation as origin of high-temperature ferromagnetism in epitaxially grown Fe5GeTe2 thin films

The role of self-intercalation in 2D van der Waals materials is key to the understanding of many of their properties. Here we show that the magnetic ordering temperature of thin films of the 2D ferromagnet Fe5GeTe2 is substantially increased by self-intercalated Fe that resides in the van der Waals gaps. The epitaxial films were prepared by molecular beam epitaxy and their magnetic properties explored by element-specific x-ray magnetic circular dichroism that showed ferromagnetic ordering up to 375 K. Both surface and bulk sensitive x-ray absorption modes were used to confirm that the magnetic signal is of an intrinsic nature. Fe occupation within the van der Waals gap was determined by x-ray diffraction which showed a notably higher occupation with respect to bulk crystals. We thus infer, supported by first-principles calculations, that the higher magnetic ordering temperature results from an increased exchange interaction between the individual Fe5GeTe2 layers mediated by Fe atoms residing within the van der Waals gaps. Our findings establish self-intercalation during epitaxial growth as an efficient mechanism to achieve high-temperature magnetism in a broad class of van der Waals materials.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Anomalous Shubnikov-de Haas effect and observation of the Bloch-Grüneisen temperature in the Dirac semimetal ZrTe5

Appearance of quantum oscillations (QO) in both thermodynamic and transport properties of metals at low temperatures is the most striking experimental consequence of the existence of a Fermi surface (FS). The frequency of these oscillations and the temperature dependence of their amplitude provides essential information about the FS topology and fermionic quasiparticle properties. Here, we report the observation of an anomalous suppression of the QO amplitude seen in resistivity (Shubnikov de-Haas effect) at sub-kelvin temperatures in ZrTe5 samples with a single small FS sheet comprising less than 5% of the first Brillouin zone. By comparing these results with measurements of the magneto-acoustic QO and the recovery of the usual Lifshitz-Kosevich behavior of the Shubnikov de-Haas (SdH) effect in ZrTe$_5$ samples with a multi-sheet FS, we show that the suppression of the SdH effect originates from a decoupling of the electron liquid from the lattice. On crossing the so-called Bloch-Grüneisen temperature, T$_BG$, electron-phonon scattering becomes strongly suppressed and in the absence of Umklapp scattering the electronic liquid regains Galilean invariance. In addition, we show, using a combination of zero-field electrical conductivity and ultrasonic-absorption measurements, that entering this regime leads to an abrupt increase of electronic viscosity.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2023

Plasmonic skyrmion quantum thermodynamics

The primary obstacle in the field of quantum thermodynamics revolves around the development and practical implementation of quantum heat engines operating at the nanoscale. One of the key challenges associated with quantum working bodies is the occurrence of "quantum friction," which refers to irreversible wasted work resulting from quantum inter-level transitions. Consequently, the construction of a reversible quantum cycle necessitates the utilization of adiabatic shortcuts. However, the experimental realization of such shortcuts for realistic quantum substances is exceedingly complex and often unattainable. In this study, we propose a quantum heat engine that capitalizes on the plasmonic skyrmion lattice. Through rigorous analysis, we demonstrate that the quantum skyrmion substance, owing to its topological protection, exhibits zero irreversible work. Consequently, our engine operates without the need for adiabatic shortcuts. We checked by numerical calculations and observed that when the system is in the quantum skyrmion phase, the propagated states differ from the initial states only by the geometricl and dynamical phases. The adiabacit evoluation leads to the zero transition matrix elements and zero irreversible work. By employing plasmonic mods and an electric field, we drive the quantum cycle. The fundamental building blocks for constructing the quantum working body are individual skyrmions within the plasmonic lattice. As a result, one can precisely control the output power of the engine and the thermodynamic work accomplished by manipulating the number of quantum skyrmions present.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Topological entanglement entropy to identify topological order in quantum skyrmions

We study the topological entanglement entropy and scalar chirality of a topologically ordered skyrmion formed in a two-dimensional triangular lattice. Scalar chirality remains a smooth function of the magnetic field in both helical and quantum skyrmion phases. In contrast, topological entanglement entropy remains almost constant in the quantum skyrmion phase, whereas it experiences enhanced fluctuations in the helical phase. Therefore, topological entanglement entropy is an effective tool to distinguish between the two phases and pinpoint the quantum phase transition in the system.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Superconducting Diode sensor

We study the superconducting Josephson junction diode operating via the magnetic field of skyrmions. Inspired by the near-field optical microscopy, we propose to partially screen the magnetic field and analyze part-by-part the magnetic texture of the skyrmion. The detected asymmetric supercurrent is influenced by the skyrmionic magnetic field and magnetic texture. This enables the Josephson junction diode to function as a hyperfine sensor and to read out the information about the morphology of the complex magnetic textures. The proposed setup opens a new avenue in magnetometry and represents an alternative to the technologies based on the nitrogen-vacancy centers.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2023

Terahertz spin conductance probes of coherent and incoherent spin tunneling through MgO tunnel junctions

We study femtosecond spin currents through MgO tunneling barriers in CoFeB(2 nm)|MgO($d$)|Pt(2 nm) stacks by terahertz emission spectroscopy. To obtain transport information independent of extrinsic experimental factors, we determine the complex-valued spin conductance $\tilde{G}_d (ω)$ of the MgO layer (thickness d= 0-6 Å over a wide frequency range $(ω/2π=$ 0.5-8 THz). In the time $(t)$ domain,$ G_d (t)$ has an instantaneous and delayed component that point to (i) spin transport through Pt pinholes in MgO, (ii) coherent spin tunneling and (iii) incoherent resonant spin tunneling mediated by defect states in MgO. A remarkable signature of (iii) is its relaxation time that grows monotonically with $d$ to as much as 270 fs at $d= 6$ Å, in full agreement with an analytical model. Our results indicate that terahertz spin conductance spectroscopy will yield new and relevant insights into ultrafast spin transport for a wide range of materials.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2023

Topological dynamical quantum phase transition in a quantum skyrmion phase

Quantum skyrmionic phase is modelled in a 2D helical spin lattice. This topological skyrmionic phase retains its nature in a large parameter space before moving to a ferromagnetic phase. Next nearest-neighbour interaction improves the stability and it also causes a shift of the topological phase in the parameter space. Nonanalytic behaviour of the rate function observed, when the system which is initially in a quantum skyrmion phase is quenched to a trivial quantum ferromagnetic phase, indicates a dynamical quantum phase transition. Dynamical quantum phase transition is absent when the system initially in a skyrmion phase is quenched to a helical phase.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Steering skyrmions with microwave and THz electric pulses

Tools for controlling electrically the motion of magnetic skyrmions are important elements towards their use in spintronic devices. Here, we propose and demonstrate the transport of skyrmions via GHz and THz electric pulses. The method relies on using polarization textured pulses such that the skyrmion experiences (via its inherent magnetoelectricity) the out-of-plane and in-plane components of the pulse electric field. It is shown how the electric field drags efficiently the skyrmion. The control of the skyrmion motion depends solely on the amplitude of electric fields, frequency, polarization, or phase in case two pulses are applied. Micromagnetic calculations supported by analytic modeling and analysis indicate the experimental feasibility of the control scheme.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2022

Skyrmion lattice hosted in synthetic antiferromagnets and helix modes

Thin ferromagnetic films can possess unconventional magnetic properties, opening a new road for using them in spintronic technologies. In the present work exploiting three different methods, we comprehensively analyze phason excitations of a skyrmion lattice in synthetic antiferromagnets. To analyze phason excitations of the skyrmion lattice, we have constructed an analytical model based on three coupled helices and found a linear gapless mode. Micromagnetic simulations also support this result. Moreover, a similar result has been achieved within the rigid skyrmion lattice model based on the coupled Thiele's equations, when the coupling between skyrmions in different layers of the synthetic antiferromagnetic is comparable to or larger than the intralayer coupling. In addition, we also consider the orbital angular momentum and spin pumping current associated with phason excitations. Due to the gapless excitations in the case of skyrmion lattice, the pumping current is nonzero for the arbitrary frequency of pumping microwaves. In the case of individual skyrmions, no current is pumped when microwave frequency is inside the gap of the spectrum of individual skyrmions.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2022

Skyrmion Echo in a system of interacting Skyrmions

We consider helical rotation of skyrmions confined in the potentials formed by nano-disks. Based on numerical and analytical calculations we propose the skyrmion echo phenomenon. The physical mechanism of the skyrmion echo formation is also proposed. Due to the distortion of the lattice, impurities, or pinning effect, confined skyrmions experience slightly different local fields, which leads to dephasing of the initial signal. The interaction between skyrmions also can contribute to the dephasing process. However, switching the magnetization direction in the nanodiscs (e.g. by spin transfer torque) also switches the helical rotation of the skyrmions from clockwise to anticlockwise (or vice-versa), and this restores the initial signal (which is the essence of skyrmion echo).

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2021

Ultrafast modification of the electronic structure of a correlated insulator

A non-trivial balance between Coulomb repulsion and kinematic effects determines the electronic structure of correlated electron materials. The use electromagnetic fields strong enough to rival these native microscopic interactions allows us to study the electronic response as well as the timescales and energies involved in using quantum effects for possible applications. We use element-specific transient x-ray absorption spectroscopy and high-harmonic generation to measure the response to ultrashort off-resonant optical fields in the prototypical correlated electron insulator NiO. Surprisingly, fields of up to 0.22 V/Å leads to no detectable changes on the correlated Ni 3d-orbitals contrary to previous predictions. A transient directional charge transfer is uncovered, a behavior that is captured by first-principles theory. Our results highlight the importance of retardation effects in electronic screening, and pinpoints a key challenge in functionalizing correlated materials for ultrafast device operation.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2021

Observation of the Critical State to Multiple-Type Dirac Semimetal Phases in KMgBi

Dirac semimetals (DSMs) are classified into different phases based on the types of the Dirac fermions. Tuning the transition among different types of the Dirac fermions in one system remains challenging. Recently, KMgBi was predicted to be located at a critical state that various types of Dirac fermions can be induced owing to the existence of a flat band. Here, we carried out systematic studies on the electronic structure of KMgBi single crystal by combining angle-resolve photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS). The flat band was clearly observed near the Fermi level. We also revealed a small bandgap of ~ 20 meV between the flat band and the conduction band. These results demonstrate the critical state of KMgBi that transitions among various types of Dirac fermions can be tuned in one system.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2021

Topological Phase Transition in a Magnetic Weyl Semimetal

Topological Weyl semimetals (TWSs) are exotic crystals possessing emergent relativistic Weyl fermions connected by unique surface Fermi-arcs (SFAs) in their electronic structures. To realize the TWS state, certain symmetry (such as the inversion or time reversal symmetry) must be broken, leading to a topological phase transition (TPT). Despite the great importance in understanding the formation of TWSs and their unusual properties, direct observation of such a TPT has been challenging. Here, using a recently discovered magnetic TWS Co3Sn2S2, we were able to systematically study its TPT with detailed temperature dependence of the electronic structures by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The TPT with drastic band structures evolution was clearly observed across the Curie temperature (TC = 177 K), including the disappearance of the characteristic SFAs and the recombination of the spin-split bands that leads to the annihilation of Weyl points with opposite chirality. These results not only reveal important insights on the interplay between the magnetism and band topology in TWSs, but also provide a new method to control their exotic physical properties.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2021

Direct observation of the spin-orbit coupling effect in Magnetic Weyl semimetal Co3Sn2S2

The spin-orbit coupling (SOC) lifts the band degeneracy that plays a vital role in the search for different topological states, such as topological insulators (TIs) and topological semimetals (TSMs). In TSMs, the SOC can partially gap a degenerate nodal line, leading to the formation of Dirac/Weyl semimetals (DSMs/WSMs). However, such SOC-induced gap structure along the nodal line in TSMs has not yet been systematically investigated experimentally. Here, we report a direct observation of such gap structure in a magnetic WSM Co3Sn2S2 using high resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Our results not only reveal the existence and importance of the strong SOC effect in the formation of the WSM phase in Co3Sn2S2, but also provide insights for the understanding of its exotic physical properties.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

New highly-anisotropic Rh-based Heusler compound for magnetic recording

The development of high-density magnetic recording media is limited by the superparamagnetism in very small ferromagnetic crystals. Hard magnetic materials with strong perpendicular anisotropy offer stability and high recording density. To overcome the difficulty of writing media with a large coercivity, heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) has been developed, rapidly heating the media to the Curie temperature Tc before writing, followed by rapid cooling. Requirements are a suitable Tc, coupled with anisotropic thermal conductivity and hard magnetic properties. Here we introduce Rh2CoSb as a new hard magnet with potential for thin film magnetic recording. A magnetocrystalline anisotropy of 3.6 MJm-3 is combined with a saturation magnetization of μ0Ms = 0.52 T at 2 K (2.2 MJm-3 and 0.44 T at room-temperature). The magnetic hardness parameter of 3.7 at room temperature is the highest observed for any rare-earth free hard magnet. The anisotropy is related to an unquenched orbital moment of 0.42 μB on Co, which is hybridized with neighbouring Rh atoms with a large spin-orbit interaction. Moreover, the pronounced temperature-dependence of the anisotropy that follows from its Tc of 450 K, together with a high thermal conductivity of 20 Wm-1K-1, makes Rh2CoSb a candidate for development for heat assisted writing with a recording density in excess of 10 Tb/in2.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

Perovskite-type cobalt oxide at the multiferroic Co/Pb Zr$_{0.2}$Ti$_{0.8}$O$_{3}$ interface

Magnetic Tunnel Junctions whose basic element consists of two ferromagnetic electrodes separated by an insulating non-magnetic barrier have become intensely studied and used in non-volatile spintronic devices. Since ballistic tunnel of spin-polarized electrons sensitively depends on the chemical composition and the atomic geometry of the lead/barrier interfaces their proper design is a key issue for achieving the required functionality of the devices such as e.g. a high tunnel magneto resistance. An important leap in the development of novel spintronic devices is to replace the insulating barrier by a ferroelectric which adds new additional functionality induced by the polarization direction in the barrier giving rise to the tunnel electro resistance (TER). The multiferroic tunnel junction Co/PbZr$_{0.2}$Ti$_{0.8}$O$_{3}$/La$_{2/3}$Sr$_{1/3}$MnO$_3$ (Co/PZT/LSMO) represents an archetype system for which - despite intense studies - no consensus exists for the interface geometry and their effect on transport properties. Here we provide the first analysis of the Co/PZT interface at the atomic scale using complementary techniques, namely x-ray diffraction and extended x-ray absorption fine structure in combination with x-ray magnetic circular dichroism and ab-initio calculations. The Co/PZT interface consists of one perovskite-type cobalt oxide unit cell [CoO$_{2}$/CoO/Ti(Zr)O$_{2}$] on which a locally ordered cobalt film grows. Magnetic moments (m) of cobalt lie in the range between m=2.3 and m=2.7$μ_{B}$, while for the interfacial titanium atoms they are small (m=+0.005 $μ_{B}$) and parallel to cobalt which is attributed to the presence of the cobalt-oxide interface layers. These insights into the atomistic relation between interface and magnetic properties is expected to pave the way for future high TER devices.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

Anomalous Hall effect in Weyl semimetal half Heusler compounds RPtBi (R = Gd and Nd)

Topological materials ranging from topological insulators to Weyl and Dirac semimetals form one of the most exciting current fields in condensed-matter research. Many half-Heusler compounds, RPtBi (R= rare earth) have been theoretically predicted to be topological semimetals. Among various topological attributes envisaged in RPtBi, topological surface states, chiral anomaly and planar Hall effect have been observed experimentally. Here, we report on an unusual intrinsic anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in the antiferromagnetic Heusler Weyl semimetal compounds GdPtBi and NdPtBi that is observed over a wide temperature range. In particular, GdPtBi exhibits an anomalous Hall conductivity of up to 60 ohm-1cm-1 and an anomalous Hall angle as large as 23%. Muon spin resonance (mu-SR) studies of GdPtBi indicate a sharp antiferromagnetic transition (T_N) at 9 K without any noticeable magnetic correlations above T_N. Our studies indicate that Weyl points in these half-Heuslers are induced by a magnetic field via exchange-splitting of the electronic bands at or near to the Fermi energy which is the source of the chiral anomaly and the AHE.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗