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T. Qian

Publications and source records attributed to T. Qian.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

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↗

Direct spectroscopic evidence for completely filled Cu $3d$ shell in BaCu$_2$As$_2$ and $α$-BaCu$_2$Sb$_2$

We use angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to extract the band dispersion and the Fermi surface of BaCu$_2$As$_2$ and $α$-BaCu$_2$Sb$_2$. While the Cu $3d$ bands in both materials are located around 3.5 eV below the Fermi level, the low-energy photoemission intensity mainly comes from As $4p$ states, suggesting a completely filled Cu $3d$ shell. The splitting of the As $3d$ core levels and the lack of pronounced three-dimensionality in the measured band structure of BaCu$_2$As$_2$ indicate a surface state likely induced by the cleavage of this material in the collapsed tetragonal phase, which is consistent with our observation of a Cu$^{+1}$ oxydation state. However, the observation of Cu states at similar energy in $α$-BaCu$_2$Sb$_2$ without the pnictide-pnictide interlayer bonding characteristic of the collapsed tetragonal phase suggests that the short interlayer distance in BaCu$_2$As$_2$ follows from the stability of the Cu$^{+1}$ rather than the other way around. Our results confirm the prediction that BaCu$_2$As$_2$ is an $sp$ metal with weak electronic correlations.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Camelback-shaped band reconciles heavy electron behavior with weak electronic Coulomb correlations in superconducting TlNi2Se2

Using high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculations, we characterize superconducting TlNi$_2$Se$_2$ as a material with weak electronic Coulomb correlations leading to a bandwidth renormalization of 1.4. We identify a camelback-shaped band, whose energetic position strongly depends on the selenium height. While this feature is universal in transition metal pnictides, in TlNi$_2$Se$_2$ it lies in the immediate vicinity of the Fermi level, giving rise to a pronounced van Hove singularity. The resulting heavy band mass resolves the apparent puzzle of a large normal-state specific heat coefficient (Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 207001) in this weakly correlated compound.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

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↗

Observation of strong electron pairing on bands without Fermi surfaces in LiFe1-xCoxAs

In conventional BCS superconductors, the quantum condensation of superconducting electron pairs is understood as a Fermi surface (FS) instability, in which the low-energy electrons are paired by attractive interactions. Whether this explanation is still valid in high-Tc superconductors such as cuprates and iron-based superconductors remains an open question. In particular, a fundamentally different picture of the electron pairs, which are believed to be formed locally by repulsive interactions, may prevail. Here we report a high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study on LiFe1-xCoxAs. We reveal a large and robust superconducting (SC) gap on a band sinking below the Fermi energy upon Co substitution. The observed FS-free SC order is also the largest over the momentum space, which rules out a proximity effect origin and indicates that the SC order parameter is not tied to the FS as a result of a FS instability.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

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↗

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↗

Observation of strong-coupling pairing with weakened Fermi-surface nesting at optimal hole doping in Ca$_{0.33}$Na$_{0.67}$Fe$_2$As$_2$

We report an angle-resolved photoemission investigation of optimally-doped Ca$_{0.33}$Na$_{0.67}$Fe$_2$As$_2$. The Fermi surface topology of this compound is similar to that of the well-studied Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ material, except for larger hole pockets resulting from a higher hole concentration per Fe atoms. We find that the quasi-nesting conditions are weakened in this compound as compared to Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$. As with Ba$_{0.6}$K$_{0.4}$Fe$_2$As$_2$ though, we observe nearly isotropic superconducting gaps with Fermi surface-dependent magnitudes. A small variation in the gap size along the momentum direction perpendicular to the surface is found for one of the Fermi surfaces. Our superconducting gap results on all Fermi surface sheets fit simultaneously very well to a global gap function derived from a strong coupling approach, which contains only 2 global parameters.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Diffuse Interface Methods for Multiple Phase Materials: An Energetic Variational Approach

In this paper, we introduce a diffuse interface model for describing the dynamics of mixtures involving multiple (two or more) phases. The coupled hydrodynamical system is derived through an energetic variational approach. The total energy of the system includes the kinetic energy and the mixing (interfacial) energies. The least action principle (or the principle of virtual work) is applied to derive the conservative part of the dynamics, with a focus on the reversible part of the stress tensor arising from the mixing energies. The dissipative part of the dynamics is then introduced through a dissipation function in the energy law, in line with the Onsager principle of least energy dissipation. The final system, formed by a set of coupled time-dependent partial differential equations, reflects a balance among various conservative and dissipative forces and governs the evolution of velocity and phase fields. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model, a few two-dimensional simulations have been carried out, including (1) the force balance at the three-phase contact line in equilibrium, (2) a rising bubble penetrating a fluid-fluid interface, and (3) a solid particle falling in a binary fluid. The effects of slip at solid surface have been examined in connection with contact line motion and a pinch-off phenomenon.

math.AP↗

Observation of anomalous temperature dependence of spectrum on small Fermi surfaces in a BiS2-based superconductor

We performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of the BiS2-based superconductor Nd(O,F)BiS2. Two small electron-like Fermi surfaces around X (pi, 0) are observed, which enclose 2.4% and 1.1% of the Brillouin zone area, respectively, corresponding to an electron doping of 7% per Bi site. The low-energy spectrum consists of a weakly-dispersing broad hump and a dispersive branch, which follows well the calculated band dispersion. This hump is drastically suppressed with increasing temperature, while the dispersive branch is essentially unaffected. The anomalous thermal effect indicates a highly interacting electronic state, in which the superconducting pairing develops.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Observation of well-defined quasi-particle over a wide energy range in quasi-2D system

We report the observation by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements of a highly anisotropic Dirac-cone structure in high quality SrMnBi2 crystals. We reveal a well-defined sharp quasi-particle, linearly dispersive with $v_{F_1}/v_{F_2}\sim$ 5--6, forming a hole-like anisotropic Dirac-cone. The density of states for the cone remains linear up to as high as ~650 meV of binding energy. The scattering rate of the quasi-particle (QP) increases linearly as function of binding energy, indicating a non-Fermi-Liquid behavior. Our results suggest the existence of a dilute two-dimensional electron gas system in this three-dimensional material.

cond-mat.str-el↗

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↗

Coexistence of orbital degeneracy lifting and superconductivity in iron-based superconductors

In contrast to conventional superconducting (SC) materials, superconductivity in high-temperature superconductors (HTCs) usually emerges in the presence of other fluctuating orders with similar or higher energy scales, thus instigating debates over their relevance for the SC pairing mechanism. In iron-based superconductors (IBSCs), local orbital fluctuations have been proposed to be directly responsible for the structural phase transition and closely related to the observed giant magnetic anisotropy and electronic nematicity. However, whether superconductivity can emerge from, or even coexist with orbital fluctuations, remains unclear. Here we report the angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) observation of the lifting of symmetry-protected band degeneracy, and consequently the breakdown of local tetragonal symmetry in the SC state of Li(Fe1-xCox)As. Supported by theoretical simulations, we analyse the doping and temperature dependences of this band-splitting and demonstrate an intimate connection between ferro-orbital correlations and superconductivity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

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↗

Possible nodal superconducting gap emerging at the Lifshitz transition in heavily hole-doped Ba0.1K0.9Fe2As2

We performed a high energy resolution ARPES investigation of over-doped Ba0.1K0.9Fe2As2 with T_c= 9 K. The Fermi surface topology of this material is similar to that of KFe2As2 and differs from that of slightly less doped Ba0.3K0.7Fe2As2, implying that a Lifshitz transition occurred between x=0.7 and x=0.9. Albeit for a vertical node found at the tip of the emerging off-M-centered Fermi surface pocket lobes, the superconducting gap structure is similar to that of Ba0.3K0.7Fe2As2, suggesting that the paring interaction is not driven by the Fermi surface topology.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Experimental investigation of the electronic structure of Ca$_{0.83}$La$_{0.17}$Fe$_2$As$_2$

We performed a combined angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy study of the electronic structure of electron-doped Ca$_{0.83}$La$_{0.17}$Fe$_2$As$_2$. A surface reconstruction associated with the dimerization of As atoms is observed directly in the real space, as well as the consequent band folding in the momentum space. Besides this band folding effect, the Fermi surface topology of this material is similar to that reported previously for BaFe$_{1.85}$Co$_{0.15}$As$_2$, with $Γ$-centred hole pockets quasi-nested to M-centred electron pockets by the antiferromagnetic wave vector. Although no superconducting gap is observed by ARPES possibly due to low superconducting volume fraction, a gap-like density of states depression of $7.7\pm 2.9$ meV is determined by scanning tunneling microscopy.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

ARPES observation of isotropic superconducting gaps in isovalent Ru-substituted Ba(Fe$_{0.75}$Ru$_{0.25}$)$_2$As$_2$

We used high-energy resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to extract the momentum dependence of the superconducting gap of Ru-substituted Ba(Fe$_{0.75}$Ru$_{0.25}$)$_2$As$_2$ ($T_c = 15$ K). Despite a strong out-of-plane warping of the Fermi surface, the magnitude of the superconducting gap observed experimentally is nearly isotropic and independent of the out-of-plane momentum. More precisely, we respectively observed 5.7 meV and 4.5 meV superconducting gaps on the inner and outer $Γ$-centered hole Fermi surface pockets, whereas a 4.8 meV gap is recorded on the M-centered electron Fermi surface pockets. Our results are consistent with the $J_1-J_2$ model with a dominant antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between the next-nearest Fe neighbors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

Electronic band structure of BaCo$_{2}$As$_2$: a fully-doped ferropnictide with reduced electronic correlations

We report an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy investigation of the Fermi surface and electronic band structure of BaCo$_{2}$As$_2$. Although its quasi-nesting-free Fermi surface differs drastically from that of its Fe-pnictide cousins, we show that the BaCo$_{2}$As$_2$ system can be used as an approximation to the bare unoccupied band structure of the related BaFe$_{2-x}$Co$_x$As$_2$ and Ba$_{1-x}$K$_x$Fe$_2$As$_2$ compounds. However, our experimental results, in agreement with dynamical mean field theory calculations, indicate that electronic correlations are much less important in BaCo$_{2}$As$_2$ than in the ferropnictides. Our findings suggest that this effect is due to the increased filling of the electronic 3$d$ shell in the presence of significant Hund's exchange coupling.

cond-mat.str-el↗