arXiv subjects

Takafumi Sato

Publications and source records attributed to Takafumi Sato.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Field-induced asymmetric band flattening and ideal quantum geometry in rhombohedral graphene

Rhombohedral graphene exhibits an exceptionally diverse array of correlated phases that depend sensitively on the displacement field. Compiling reported phases into a unified phase diagram reveals a pronounced field-dependent electron-hole asymmetry: correlated states on the hole-doped side emerge at small displacement fields, whereas the fractional quantum anomalous Hall effect (FQAHE) is observed exclusively on the electron-doped side under large displacement fields. This stark asymmetry highlights the need to understand how flat bands evolve with displacement fields. Here, we directly visualize the field-induced electron-hole asymmetric band flattening in rhombohedral pentalayer graphene (R5G) using nanospot angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with electrostatic gating. Beyond gap opening and spectral weight redistribution indicative of layer polarization, the gating field drives a strongly asymmetric modification of the flat bands: the flat valence band (FVB) evolves into an M-shaped dispersion at high field, whereas the flat conduction band (FCB) progressively flattens with increasing field. Comparison with calculations identifies critical parameters governing the band curvature of R5G, from which the resulting finite Berry curvature and near-ideal quantum geometry support the emergence of topological phases under electron doping at large fields. These results establish a direct link between the asymmetric phase diagram, band structure evolution, and quantum geometry, providing a microscopic framework for understanding correlated and topological phases in rhombohedral graphene.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2026

Type-I and Type-II Saddle Points and a Topological Flat Band in a Bi-Pyrochlore Superconductor CsBi2

The divergence of the electron density of states (DOS) plays an important role in enhancing many-body interactions and inducing various quantum phases in low-dimensional systems. However, such unique electronic structures remain experimentally elusive in three-dimensional (3D) systems, particularly those with strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC). Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculations for a Laves-phase superconductor CsBi$_2$, which features a Bi-pyrochlore 3D network with strong SOC, we identify two characteristic electronic structures with a large DOS. One is a dispersionless topological flat band with p-orbital character, locally formed around the U-K line, which enhances DOS near the Fermi level. The other involves type-I and type-II saddle points connected by a flat band, which cooperatively produce an enhancement in the DOS. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism for achieving a DOS enhancement and lay a foundation for exploring exotic phenomena driven by the interplay of multiple singularities with a large DOS, nontrivial topology, and strong SOC in 3D pyrochlores.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2026

Robust topological surface states in skyrmion-host magnets Eu(Ga,Al)4: evidence for dual topology

The interplay between real-space topology such as magnetic skyrmions and momentum-space topology characterized by topological surface states (TSSs) is predicted to realize novel phenomena and functionalities, yet materials hosting both topologies are scarce. Skyrmion-hosting helimagnet family EuGa$_2$Al$_2$ and EuAl$_4$ has been a prime candidate for such a dual-topology system, but conclusive evidence for its momentum-space topology has remained elusive. We provide this evidence by directly observing TSSs that stem from bulk Dirac nodal lines using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. These TSSs are exceptionally robust against various perturbations such as a 2$\times$1 surface reconstruction, a chemical change in the termination of the crystal surface, and the onset of helical antiferromagnetic order. Crucially, below the Neel temperature, we observe replica bands driven by the magnetic ordering. Moreover, we demonstrate clear surface-termination dependence of this magneto-topological coupling. Our findings establish Eu(Ga$_{1-x}$Al$_x$)$_4$ as a dual-topology material and offer a rare platform to explore and control the interaction between the two fundamental topological realms.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2026

Establishing the $^{40}$Ca$(p,p α)$ reaction at 392 MeV under quasi-free scattering conditions

The $(p,p α)$ reaction offers a direct means to probe preformed $α$-cluster structures in nuclei under quasi-free scattering conditions. Previous studies around 100 MeV provided valuable insights into $α$ clustering, but quantitative comparison with microscopic cluster wave functions remained limited due to strong distortion effects. At higher energies, the reaction mechanism becomes simpler and the distorted-wave impulse approximation (DWIA) provides a more reliable framework for quantitative analysis. In the present work, the $^{40}$Ca$(p,pα)$ reaction was measured at an incident energy of 392 MeV using the high-resolution Grand Raiden and LAS spectrometers at RCNP. Despite the small cross section in this energy region, the achieved resolution allowed clear separation of the ground and excited states of the residual $^{36}$Ar nucleus, and corresponding momentum distributions were extracted. DWIA calculations using a Woods-Saxon $α+ ^{36}$Ar bound-state wave function yielded an experimental spectroscopic factor of $ S_{\mathrm{FAC}}^{\mathrm{WS}} = 0.51 \pm 0.05 $, consistent with the previous result at 101.5 MeV $(0.52 \pm 0.23 )$. This agreement demonstrates that the reaction mechanism is well described across a wide energy range. The present study establishes the feasibility of high-precision $(p,pα)$ measurements at several hundred MeV and highlights their potential as a quantitative probe of $α$ clustering in medium-mass nuclei, forming the basis for systematic studies in both stable and unstable systems.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2025

Many-body electronic structure in pyrochlore superconductor CsBi2 and spin liquid Pr2Ir2O7

The pyrochlore lattice materials can exhibit geometrical frustration, while the related many-body electronic states remain elusive. In this work, we performed scanning tunneling microscopy measurements on the pyrochlore superconductor CsBi2 and spin liquid Pr2Ir2O7 at 0.3 K. For the first time, we obtained atomically resolved images of their (111) surfaces, revealing a hexagonal lattice or a kagome lattice. Tunneling spectroscopy in CsBi2 reveals a nearly fully opened superconductivity gap. The ratio of 2Δ/kBTC = 4.7 suggests relatively strong coupling superconductivity, as compared with that in kagome superconductors AV3Sb5 (A = K, Rb, Cs). In contrast to the previous study categorizing CsBi2 as a type-I superconductor, the applied magnetic field induces a hexagonal vortex lattice in which each vortex core exhibits an intriguing three-fold symmetry state. In Pr2Ir2O7, we observed a spatially homogeneous Kondo-lattice resonance, which is compared with that in the kagome Kondo-lattice material CsCr6Sb6. We further discover that the Kondo resonance exhibits a spatial modulation with three-fold symmetry, and the applied magnetic field induces a Zeeman splitting of the Kondo resonance with intriguing atomic site dependence. We discuss the relations of these many-body electronic phenomena with the pyrochlore lattice geometry and its charge or spin frustration. Our systematic observations offer atomic-scale insights into the many-body electronic structures of the geometrically frustrated pyrochlore superconductors and spin liquids.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Direct observation of band structure modifications from monolayer WSe2 to Janus WSSe

Janus monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), created by post-growth substitution of the top chalcogen layer, represent a new direction for engineering 2D crystal properties. However, their rapid ambient degradation and the difficulty of obtaining large-area monolayer samples have limited the available experimental probes, leaving their detailed electronic structure near the Fermi level largely unexplored. In this work, by performing micro-focused angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (μ-ARPES) on an identical sample transformed from monolayer WSe2 to Janus WSSe via a H2 plasma-assisted chalcogen-exchange method, we reveal the evolution of its electronic band structure. We observe ARPES signature consistent with the Rashba-type spin splitting due to broken horizontal mirror symmetry, and a significant upward shift of the highest valence band at the Γ-point by approximately 160 meV. These direct observations clarify the key electronic modifications that govern the material's properties and provide a pathway for band engineering in Janus TMDs.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Giant Rashba splitting in PtTe/PtTe$_2$ heterostructure

Achieving a large spin splitting is highly desirable for spintronic devices, which often requires breaking of the inversion symmetry. However, many atomically thin films are centrosymmetric, making them unsuitable for spintronic applications. Here, we report a strategy to achieve inversion symmetry breaking from a centrosymmetric transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) bilayer PtTe$_2$, leading to a giant Rashba spin splitting. Specifically, the thermal annealing turns one layer of PtTe$_2$ sample into a transition metal monochalcogenide (TMMC) PtTe through Te extraction, thus forming PtTe/PtTe$_2$ heterostructure with inversion symmetry breaking. In the naturally-formed PtTe/PtTe$_2$ heterostructure, we observe a giant Rashba spin splitting with Rashba coefficient of $α_{R}$ = 1.8 eV$\cdot$$Å$, as revealed by spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements. Our work demonstrates a convenient and effective pathway for achieving pronounced Rashba splitting in centrosymmetric TMDC thin films by creating TMMC/TMDC heterostructure, thereby extending their potential applications to spintronics.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Moiré enhanced flat band in rhombohedral graphene

The fractional quantum anomalous Hall effect (FQAHE) is a fascinating emergent quantum state characterized by fractionally charged excitations in the absence of magnetic field,which could arise from the intricate interplay between electron correlation, nontrivial topology and spontaneous time-reversal symmetry breaking. Recently, FQAHE has been realized in aligned rhombohedral pentalayer graphene on BN superlattice (aligned R5G/BN), where the topological flat band is modulated by the moiré potential. However, intriguingly, the FQAHE is observed only when electrons are pushed away from the moiré interface. The apparently opposite implications from these experimental observations, along with different theoretical models, have sparked intense debates regarding the role of the moiré potential. Unambiguous experimental observation of the topological flat band as well as moiré bands with energy and momentum resolved information is therefore critical to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Here by performing nanospot angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (NanoARPES) measurements, we directly reveal the topological flat band electronic structures of R5G, from which key hopping parameters essential for determining the fundamental electronic structure of rhombohedral graphene are extracted. Moreover, a comparison of electronic structures between aligned and non-aligned samples reveals that the moiré potential plays a pivotal role in enhancing the topological flat band in the aligned sample. Our study provides experimental guiding lines to narrow down the phase space of rhombohedral graphene, laying an important foundation for understanding exotic quantum phenomena in this emerging platform.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2025

Discovery of a Highly Anisotropic Type-II Ferromagnetic Weyl State Exhibiting a 3D Quantum Hall Effect

Topological semimetals, particularly Weyl semimetals (WSMs), are crucial platforms for exploring emergent quantum phenomena due to their unique electronic structures and potential to transition into various topological phases. In this study, we report the discovery of a ferromagnetic (FM) type-II WSM in Mn(Bi1-xSbx)4Te7, which exhibits a remarkable three-dimensional (3D) quantum Hall effect (QHE). By precisely tuning the chemical potential through Sb doping, we obtained samples with the Fermi level near the charge neutrality point for x = ~ 0.27. This was confirmed by spectroscopy measurements (ARPES and STS), and these samples showed strong quantum oscillations along with a key transport signature of a Weyl state - chiral anomaly, and Fermi surface reconstruction driven by FM ordering. Our theoretical analysis indicates that this Weyl state evolves from a parent nodal ring state, where higher-order k-terms split the nodal line into type-II Weyl nodes. The Weyl state exhibits significant anisotropy, characterized by a pronounced reduction in Fermi velocity along the kz-axis, likely accounting for the observed 3D QHE. These results not only highlight the exceptional tunability of the Mn(Bi1-xSbx)4Te7 system, where precise control of the chemical potential and magnetic properties opens access to novel quantum phases, but also advance the understanding of FM WSMs.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Unusual temperature dependence of the band structure associated with local atomic distortion in monolayer 1T'-WTe2

The ground state of monolayer 1T'-WTe2 has been a target of intensive debate on whether or not it is a two-dimensional topological insulator (2D TI) associated with exciton formation. We investigated the band structure of an epitaxial monolayer 1T'-WTe2 film grown on graphene/SiC(0001) in a wide temperature range of T = 40 - 400 K by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). We observed an electron band above the Fermi level (EF) slightly away from the Γ point, together with four hole bands below EF just at the Γ point. This signifies an indirect band gap exceeding 0.1 eV in support of the 2D-TI phase with the inverted band structure. We uncovered an unexpectedly large downward shift of valence bands upon cooling, accompanied with an upward shift of the conduction band. Comparison of the ARPES-derived band structure with first-principles band calculations suggests that the observed band shift is ascribed to the systematic local atomic distortion of tungsten atoms, which should be incorporated into the interpretation of unusual transport properties of 1T'-WTe2.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Selective Fabrication of Monolayer 1H- and 1T'-WTe2

We selectively fabricated monolayers of octahedral (1H) and distorted trigonal (1T') WTe2 on graphene/SiC(0001) by controlling the substrate temperature during epitaxy. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, combined with first-principles band-structure calculations, has revealed several drastic differences between these two polymorphs. The 1T' phase exhibits a semiconducting character with a nearly-zero energy gap, while the 1H phase shows a large band gap and the band splitting at the K/K' point. The present results pave a pathway toward developing nanoelectronic devices based with WTe2.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Universal Role of Combined Symmetry for the Protection of the Dirac Cone in Antiferromagnetic Topological Insulators

Antiferromagnetic topological insulators (AF TIs) are predicted to exhibit exotic physical properties such as gigantic optical and topological magnetoelectric responses. While a key to achieving such phenomena relies on how to break the symmetry protecting the Dirac-cone surface state (SS) and acquire the mass of Dirac fermions, the mechanism has yet to be clarified. To address this issue, we carried out micro-focused angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy for GdBi hosting the type-II AF order, and uncovered the stripe-type 2$\times$1 reconstruction of the Fermi surface associated with the AF band folding. Intriguingly, in contrast to NdBi with the type-I AF order displaying the surface-selective Dirac-fermion mass, GdBi shows massless behavior irrespective of AF domains due to the robust topological protection. These results strongly suggest a crucial role of the ThetaTD (time-reversal and translational) symmetry to create the Dirac-fermion mass in AF TIs.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Evolution of Band Structure in a Kagome Superconductor Cs(V1-xCrx)3Sb5: Toward Universal Understanding of CDW and Superconducting Phase Diagrams

Kagome superconductors AV3Sb5 (A = K, Rb, Cs) exhibit a characteristic superconducting and charge-density wave (CDW) phase diagram upon carrier doping and chemical substitution. However, the key electronic states responsible for such a phase diagram have yet to be clarified. Here we report a systematic micro-focused angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) study of Cs(V1-xCrx)3Sb5 as a function of Cr content x, where Cr substitution causes monotonic reduction of superconducting and CDW transition temperatures. We found that the V-derived bands forming saddle points at the M point and Dirac nodes along high-symmetry cuts show an energy shift due to electron doping by Cr substitution, whereas the Sb-derived electron band at the Gamma point remains almost unchanged, signifying an orbital-selective band shift. We also found that band doubling associated with the emergence of three-dimensional CDW identified at x = 0 vanishes at x = 0.25, in line with the disappearance of CDW. A comparison of band diagrams among Ti-, Nb-, and Cr-substituted Cs(V1-xCrx)3Sb5 suggests the importance to simultaneously take into account the two saddle points at the M point and their proximity to the Fermi energy, to understand the complex phase diagram against carrier doping and chemical pressure.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2024

In-situ topotactic chemical reaction for spectroscopies

Topotactic chemical reaction (TCR) is a chemical process that transforms one crystalline phase to another while maintaining one or more of the original structural frameworks, typically induced by the local insertion, removal, or replacement of atoms in a crystal. The utilization of TCR in atomic-layer materials and surfaces of bulk crystals leads to exotic quantum phases, as highlighted by the control of topological phases, the emergence of two-dimensional (2D) superconductivity, and the realization of 2D ferromagnetism. Advanced surface-sensitive spectroscopies such as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) are leading techniques to visualize the electronic structure of such exotic states and provide us a guide to further functionalize material properties. In this review article, we summarize the recent progress in this field, with particular emphasis on intriguing results obtained by combining spectroscopies and TCR in thin films.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2023

Unusual surface states associated with the PT-symmetry breaking and antiferromagnetic band folding in NdSb

We have performed micro-focused angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy on NdSb which exhibits the type-I antiferromagnetism below TN = 16 K. We succeeded in selectively observing the band structure for all three types of single-q antiferromagnetic (AF) domains at the surface. We found that two of the three surfaces whose AF-ordering vector lies within the surface plane commonly show twofold symmetric surface states (SSs) around the bulk-band edges, whereas the other surface with an out-of-plane AF-ordering vector displays fourfold symmetric shallow electronlike SS at the Brillouin-zone center. We suggest that these SSs commonly originate from the combination of the PT (space-inversion and time-reversal) symmetry breaking at the surface and the band folding due to the AF order. The present results pave a pathway toward understanding the relationship between the symmetry and the surface electronic states in antiferromagnets.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Ongoing EEG artifact correction using blind source separation

Objective: Analysis of the electroencephalogram (EEG) for epileptic spike and seizure detection or brain-computer interfaces can be severely hampered by the presence of artifacts. The aim of this study is to describe and evaluate a fast automatic algorithm for ongoing correction of artifacts in continuous EEG recordings, which can be applied offline and online. Methods: The automatic algorithm for ongoing correction of artifacts is based on fast blind source separation. It uses a sliding window technique with overlapping epochs and features in the spatial, temporal and frequency domain to detect and correct ocular, cardiac, muscle and powerline artifacts. Results: The approach was validated in an independent evaluation study on publicly available continuous EEG data with 2035 marked artifacts. Validation confirmed that 88% of the artifacts could be removed successfully (ocular: 81%, cardiac: 84%, muscle: 98%, powerline: 100%). It outperformed state-of-the-art algorithms both in terms of artifact reduction rates and computation time. Conclusions: Fast ongoing artifact correction successfully removed a good proportion of artifacts, while preserving most of the EEG signals. Significance: The presented algorithm may be useful for ongoing correction of artifacts, e.g., in online systems for epileptic spike and seizure detection or brain-computer interfaces.

q-bio.QM↗

arXiv2023

Surface-termination-dependent electronic states in kagome superconductors AV3Sb5 (A = K, Rb, Cs) studied by micro-ARPES

Recently discovered kagome superconductors AV3Sb5 (A = K, Rb, Cs) exhibit exotic bulk and surface physical properties such as charge-density wave (CDW) and chirality, whereas their origins remain unresolved. By using micro-focused angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we discovered that AV3Sb5 commonly exhibits two distinct polar surfaces depending on the termination; electron- and hole-doped ones for the A- and Sb-termination, respectively. We observed that the kagome-derived band shows a clear splitting in the A-terminated surface while it is absent in the Sb-terminated counterpart, indicative of the polarity-dependent CDW at the surface. Close comparison of the band-dependent splitting reveals that the three-dimensional CDW structure of the K-terminated surface is different from that of the Rb- or Cs-terminated surface, suggesting the diversity of the CDW ground state. These results provide important insight into the origin of CDW in kagome superconductors AV3Sb5.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2022

Charge order with unusual star-of-David lattice in monolayer NbTe2

Interplay between fermiology and electron correlation is crucial for realizing exotic quantum phases. Transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) 1T-TaS2 has sparked a tremendous attention owing to its unique Mott-insulating phase coexisting with the charge-density wave (CDW). However, how the fermiology and electron correlation are associated with such properties has yet to be claried. Here we demonstrate that monolayer 1T-NbTe2 is a new class of two-dimensional TMD which has the star-of-David lattice similarly to bulk TaS2 and isostructural monolayer NbSe2, but exhibits a metallic ground state with an unusual lattice periodicity root19xroot19 characterized by the sparsely occupied star-of-David lattice. By using angle-resolved photoemission and scanning-tunneling spectroscopies in combination with first-principles band-structure calculations, we found that the hidden Fermi-surface nesting and associated CDW formation are a primary cause to realize this unique correlated metallic state with no signature of Mott gap. The present result points to a vital role of underlying fermiology to characterize the Mott phase of TMDs.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗