arXiv subjects

Tanusri Saha-Dasgupta

Publications and source records attributed to Tanusri Saha-Dasgupta.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2021

Covalency driven modulation of paramagnetism and development of lone pair ferroelectricity in multiferroic Pb$_3$TeMn$_3$P$_2$O$_{14}$

We have investigated the structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of Pb-based langasite compound Pb$_3$TeMn$_3$P$_2$O$_{14}$ both experimentally and theoretically in the light of metal-oxygen covalency, and the consequent generation of multiferroicity. It is known that large covalency between Pb 6$p$ and O 2$p$ plays instrumental role behind stereochemical lone pair activity of Pb. The same happens here but a subtle structural phase transition above room temperature changes the degree of such lone pair activity and the system becomes ferroelectric below 310 K. Interestingly, this structural change also modulates the charge densities on different constituent atoms and consequently the overall magnetic response of the system while maintaining global paramagnetism behavior of the compound intact. This single origin of modulation in polarity and paramagnetism inherently connects both the functionalities and the system exhibits mutiferroicity at room temperature.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2021

Understanding Magnetism in Double Double Perovskites: A Complex Multiple Magnetic Sublattice System

Understanding magnetism in multiple magnetic sublattice system, driven by the interplay of varied nature of magnetic exchanges, is on one hand challenging and on other hand intriguing. Motivated by the recent synthesis of AA'BB'O_6 double double perovskites with multiple magnetic ions both at A- and B-sites, we investigate the mechanism of magnetic behavior in these interesting class of compounds. We find that the magnetism in such multiple sublattice compounds is governed by the interplay and delicate balance between two distinct mechanisms, a) kinetic energy-driven multiple sublattice double exchange mechanism and b) the conventional super-exchange mechanism. The derived spin Hamiltonian based on first-principles calculations is solved by the classical Monte Carlo technique which reproduces the observed magnetic properties. Finally, the influence of off-stoichiometry, as in experimental samples, is discussed. Some of these double double perovskite compounds are found to possess large total magnetic moment and also are found to be half-metallic, which raises the hope of future applications of these large magnetic moment half-metallic oxides in spintronics and memory devices.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

Superconductivity in Infinite-layer Nickelates : Role of Non-zero f-ness

Employing first-principles density functional theory calculations and Wannierization of the low energy band structure, we analyze the electronic structure of undoped, infinite-layer nickelate compounds, NdNiO$_2$, PrNiO$_2$ and LaNiO$_2$. Our study reveals important role of non-zero $f$-ness of Nd and Pr atoms, as opposed to $f^{0}$ occupancy of La. The non-zero $f$-ness becomes effective in lowering the energy of the rare-earth 5$d$ hybridized axial orbital, thereby enhancing the electron pockets and influencing the Fermi surface topology. The Fermi surface topology of NdNiO$_2$ and PrNiO$_2$ is strikingly similar, while differences are observed for LaNiO$_2$. This difference shows up in computed doping dependent superconducting properties of the three compounds within a weak coupling theory. We find two gap superconductivity for NdNiO$_2$ and PrNiO$_2$, and possibility of a single gap superconductivity for LaNiO$_2$ with the strength of superconductivity suppressed by almost a factor of two, compared to Nd or Pr compound.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2020

Prediction on Properties of Rare-earth 2-17-X Magnets Ce2Fe17-xCoxCN : A Combined Machine-learning and Ab-initio Study

We employ a combination of machine learning and first-principles calculations to predict magnetic properties of rare-earth lean magnets. For this purpose, based on training set constructed out of experimental data, the machine is trained to make predictions on magnetic transition temperature (Tc), largeness of saturation magnetization (μ0Ms), and nature of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy (Ku). Subsequently, the quantitative values of μ0Ms and Ku of the yet-to-be synthesized compounds, screened by machine learning, are calculated by first-principles density functional theory. The applicability of the proposed technique of combined machine learning and first-principles calculations is demonstrated on 2-17-X magnets, Ce2Fe17-xCoxCN. Further to this study, we explore stability of the proposed compounds by calculating vacancy formation energy of small atom interstitials (N/C). Our study indicates a number of compounds in the proposed family, offers the possibility to become solution of cheap, and efficient permanent magnet.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

Interplay of Magnetism and Topological Superconductivity in Bilayer Kagome Metals

The binary intermetallic materials, $M_3$Sn$_2$ ($M$ = 3d transition metal) present a new class of strongly correlated systems that naturally allows for the interplay of magnetism and metallicity. Using first principles calculations we confirm that bulk Fe$_3$Sn$_2$ is a ferromagnetic metal, and show that $M$ = Ni and Cu are paramagnetic metals with non-trivial band structures. Focusing on Fe$_3$Sn$_2$ to understand the effect of enhanced correlations in an experimentally relevant atomistically thin single kagome-bilayer, our ab-initio results show that dimensional confinement naturally exposes the flatness of band structure associated with the bilayer kagome geometry in a resultant ferromagnetic Chern metal. We use a multistage minimal modeling of the magnetic bands progressively closer to the Fermi energy. This effectively captures the physics of the Chern metal with a non-zero anomalous Hall response over a material relevant parameter regime along with a possible superconducting instability of the spin-polarised band resulting in a topological superconductor.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2020

Wrinkles, folds and ripplocations: unusual deformation structures of confined elastic sheets at non-zero temperatures

We study the deformation of a fluctuating crystalline sheet confined between two flat rigid walls as a simple model for layered solids where bonds among atoms {\it within} the same layer are much stronger than those {\it between} layers. When subjected to sufficiently high loads in an appropriate geometry, these solids deform and fail in unconventional ways. Recent experiments suggest that configurations named {\it ripplocations}, where a layer folds backwards over itself, are involved. These structures are distinct and separated by large free energy barriers from smooth {\it ripples} of the atomic layers that are always present at any non-zero temperature. We use Monte Carlo simulation in combination with an umbrella sampling technique to obtain conditions under which such structures form and study their specific experimental signatures.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2020

Understanding the Curious Magnetic State of Sr$_{3}$OsO$_{6}$

Motivated by the recent report on high T$_c$ ferromagnetic insulating state of single transition metal containing double perovskite compound, Sr$_3$OsO$_6$ (Wakabayashi et. al., Nature Commun {\bf 10} 535, 2019), we study this curious behavior by employing first-principles calculations in conjunction with exact diagonalization of full $t_{2g}$ multiplet problem of two Os sites. Our analysis highlights the fact that stabilization of Sr$_3$OsO$_6$ in the cubic phase in epitaxially grown thin film is the key to both ferromagnetic correlation and high temperature scale associated to it. This also provides a natural explanation for the sister compound, Ca$_3$OsO$_6$ to exhibit low T$_N$ antiferromagnetism in its monoclinic structure. Further the insulating property is found to be driven by opening of Mott gap in the half filled spin-orbit coupled $j=3/2$ manifold of $d^{2}$ Os. We point out that Sr$_2$CaOsO$_6$ which naturally forms in the cubic phase would be worthwhile to explore as a future candidate to exhibit high T$_c$ ferromagnetic insulating state in bulk form.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2020

Orbital Selective Superconductivity in a Two-band Model of Infinite-Layer Nickelates

In the present study, we explore superconductivity in NdNiO$_2$ and LaNiO$_2$ employing a first-principles derived low-energy model Hamiltonian, consisting of two orbitals: Ni $x^{2}$-$y^{2}$, and an {\it axial} orbital. The {\it axial} orbital is constructed out of Nd/La $d$, Ni 3$z^{2}$-$r^{2}$ and Ni $s$ characters. Calculation of the superconducting pairing symmetry and pairing eigenvalue of the spin-fluctuation mediated pairing interaction underlines the crucial role of inter-orbital Hubbard interaction in superconductivity, which turns out to be orbital-selective. The axial orbital brings in materials dependence in the problem, making NdNiO$_2$ different from LaNiO$_2$, thereby controlling the inter-orbital Hubbard interaction assisted superconductivity.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2019

Electronic and Magnetic State of LaMnO$_3$ Epitaxially Strained on SrTiO$_3$: Effect of Local Correlation and Non-local Exchange

Motivated by the puzzling report of the observation of a ferromagnetic insulating state in LaMnO$_3$/SrTiO$_3$ heterostructures, we calculate the electronic and magnetic state of LaMnO$_3$, coherently matched to a SrTiO$_3$ square substrate within a "strained-bulk" geometry. We employ three different density functional theory based computational approaches: (a) density functional theory (DFT) supplemented with Hubbard U (DFT+U), (b) DFT + dynamical mean field theory (DMFT), and (c) a hybrid functional treatment of the exchange-correlation functional. While the first two approaches include local correlations and exchange at Mn sites, treated in a static and dynamic manner, respectively, the last one takes into account the effect of non-local exchange at all sites. We find in all three approaches that the compressive strain induced by the square substrate of SrTiO$_3$ turns LaMnO$_3$ from an antiferromagnet with sizable orbital polarization to a ferromagnet with suppressed Jahn-Teller distortion in agreement with experiment. However, while both DFT+U and DFT+DMFT provide a metallic solution, only the hybrid calculations result in an insulating solution, as observed in experiment. This insulating behavior is found to originate from an electronic charge disproportionation. Our conclusions remain valid when we investigate LaMnO$_3$/SrTiO$_3$ within the experimental set-up of a superlattice geometry using DFT+U and hybrid calculations.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2019

The Curious Case of NiRh$_2$O$_4$: A Spin-Orbit Entangled Diamond Lattice Paramagnet

Motivated by the interest in topological quantum paramagnets in candidate spin-$1$ magnets, we investigate the diamond lattice compound NiRh$_2$O$_4$ using {\it ab initio} theory and model Hamiltonian approaches. Our density functional study, taking into account the unquenched orbital degrees of freedom, shows stabilization of $S=1$ and $L=1$ state. We highlight the importance of spin-orbit coupling, in addition to Coulomb correlations, in driving the insulating gap, and uncover frustrating large second-neighbor exchange mediated by Ni-Rh covalency. A single-site model Hamiltonian incorporating the large tetragonal distortion is shown to give rise to a spin-orbit entangled non-magnetic ground state, largely accounting for the entropy, magnetic susceptibility, and inelastic neutron scattering results. Incorporating inter-site exchange within a slave-boson theory, we show that exchange frustration can suppress exciton condensation. We capture the dispersive gapped magnetic modes, uncover `dark states' invisible to neutrons, and make predictions for future experiments.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2019

Hybridization-switching induced Mott transition in ABO$_3$ perovskites

We propose the concept of "hybridization-switching induced Mott transition" which is relevant to a broad class of ABO$_3$ perovskite materials including BiNiO$_3$ and PbCrO$_3$ which feature extended $6s$ orbitals on the A-site cation (Bi or Pb), and A-O covalency induced ligand holes. Using {\it ab initio} electronic structure and slave rotor theory calculations, we show that such systems exhibit a breathing phonon driven A-site to oxygen hybridization-wave instability which conspires with strong correlations on the B-site transition metal ion (Ni or Cr) to induce a Mott insulator. These Mott insulators with active A-site orbitals are shown to undergo a pressure induced insulator to metal transition accompanied by a colossal volume collapse due to ligand hybridization switching.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2018

Water incorporation in Fe-containing wadsleyite from density functional theory at extreme conditions

Using first-principles density functional theory (DFT), we studied the issue of water incorporation in iron bearing wadsleyite (Mg$_2$SiO$_4$)mineral at transition zone pressures and temperature under varying conditions of vacancy concentration and oxygen fugacity. We have considered the effect of varying vacancy concentration by considering single and double vacancy. The affect of varying oxygen fugacity has been modelled through varying ratio of ferric and ferrous ions in the cell. Our first-principles calculations have confirmed that about 30% of the Fe$^{3+}$ can be found at the Si tetrahedral site, which is in accordance with the previous experimental observation by Bolfan-Casanova et al. [2012]. Using different structures of Fe bearing wadsleyite, representing vacancy concentration and oxidizing condition, we calculated elastic properties, such as bulk and shear moduli, phase and shear wave velocity, as a function of pressure and temperature. By comparison of our theoretical prediction with the Preliminary Reference Earth Model (PREM) data, we conclude that the water content of the transition zone decreases with increasing depth, corroborating the previously proposed theories on mantle convection [Bercovici and Karato, 2003].

physics.geo-ph↗

arXiv2017

Universality of Domain Growth in Antiferromagnets with Spin-Exchange Kinetics

We study phase ordering kinetics in symmetric and asymmetric binary mixtures, undergoing an order-disorder transition below the critical temperature. Microscopically, we model the kinetics via antiferromagnetic Ising model with Kawasaki spin-exchange kinetics. This conserves the composition while the order-parameter (staggered magnetization) is not conserved. The order-parameter correlation function and structure factor show dynamical scaling, and the scaling functions are independent of the mixture composition. The average domain size shows a power-law growth: $L_σ(t)\sim t^α$. The asymptotic growth regime has $α=1/2$, though there can be prolonged transients with $α<1/2$ for asymmetric mixtures. Our unambiguous observation of the asymptotic universal regime is facilitated by using an accelerated Monte Carlo technique. We also obtain the coarse-grained free energy from the Hamiltonian, as a function of two order-parameters. The evolution of these order-parameters is modeled by using \textit{Model C} kinetics. Similar to the microscopic dynamics, the average domain size of the nonconserved order-parameter (staggered magnetization) field exhibits a power-law growth: $L_m(t)\sim t^{1/2}$ at later times, irrespective of the mean value of the conserved order-parameter (composition) field.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2017

Magnetic and electronic phase crossovers in graphene nanoflakes

Manipulation of intrinsic magnetic and electronic structures of graphene nanoflakes is of technological importance. Here we carry out systematic study of the magnetic and electronic phases, and its manipulation in graphene nanoflakes employing first-principles calculation. We illustrate the intricate shape and size dependence on the magnetic and electronic properties, and further investigate the effects of carrier doping, which could be tuned by gate voltage. A transition from nonmagnetic to magnetic phase is observed at a critical flake size for the flakes without sublattice imbalance, which we identify to be originated from the armchair defect at the junctions of two sublattices on the edge. Electron, or hole doping simultaneously influences the magnetic and electronic structures, and triggers phase changes. Beyond a critical doping, crossover from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic phase is observed for the flakes without sublattice imbalance, while suppression of magnetism, and a possible crossover from magnetic to nonmagnetic phase is observed for flakes with sublattice imbalance. Simultaneous to magnetic phase changes, a semiconductor to (half) metal transition is observed, upon carrier doping.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2017

Influence of Interface Geometry on Phase Stability and Bandgap Engineering in Boron Nitride substituted Graphene: A Combined First-principles and Monte Carlo Study

Using combination of Density Functional Theory and Monte Carlo simulation, we study the phase stability and electronic properties of two dimensional hexagonal composites of boron nitride and graphene, with a goal to uncover the role of the interface geometry formed between the two. Our study highlights that preferential creation of extended armchair interfaces may facilitate formation of solid solution of boron nitride and graphene within a certain temperature range. We further find that for band-gap engineering, armchair interfaces or patchy interfaces with mixed geometry are most suitable. Extending the study to nanoribbon geometry shows that reduction of dimensionality makes the tendency to phase segregation of the two phases even stronger. Our thorough study should form an useful database in designing boron nitride-graphene composites with desired properties.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2017

First principles study of bimetallic Ni$_{13-n}$Ag$_n$ nano-clusters ($n =$ 0$-$13) : Structural, mixing, electronic and magnetic properties

Using spin polarized density functional theory (DFT) based calculations, combined with ab-initio molecular dynamics simulation, we carry out a systematic investigation of the bimetallic Ni$_{13-n}$Ag$_n$ nano clusters, for all compositions. This includes prediction of the geometry, mixing behavior, and electronic properties. Our study reveals a tendency towards formation of a core-shell like structures, following the rule of putting Ni in high coordination site and Ag in low coordination site. Our calculations predict negative mixing energies for the entire composition range, indicating mixing to be favored for the bimetallic small sized Ni-Ag clusters, irrespective of the compositions. The magic composition with the highest stability is found for the NiAg$_{12}$ alloy cluster. We investigate the microscopic origin of core-shell like structure with negative mixing energy, in which the Ni-Ag inter-facial interaction is found to play role. We also study the magnetic properties of the Ni-Ag alloy clusters. The Ni dominated magnetism, consists of parallel alignment of Ni moments while the tiny moments on Ag align in anti-parallel to Ni moments. The hybridization with Ag environment causes reduction of Ni moment.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Cationic Effect on Pressure driven Spin-State Transition and cooperativity in Hybrid Perosvkites

Hybrid or metal organic framework (MOF) perovskites of general composition, ABX$_3$, are known to show interesting properties which can lead to variety of technological applications. Our first principles study shows they are also potential candidates for exhibiting cooperative spin-state transitions upon application of external stimuli. We demonstrate this by considering two specific Fe-based MOF perovskites, namely Dimethylammonium Iron Formate, [CH$_{3}$NH$_{2}$CH$_{3}$][Fe(HCOO)$_3$] and Hydroxylammonium Iron Formate, [NH$_{3}$OH][Fe(HCOO)$_3$]. Both the compounds are found to undergo high-spin (S=2) to low-spin (S=0) transition at Fe(II) site upon application of moderate strength of hydrostatic pressure, along with large hysteresis. This spin-state transition is signaled by the changes in electronic, magnetic and optical properties. We find both the transition pressure and the width of the hysteresis to be strongly dependent of the choice of A-site cation, Dimethylammonium or Hydroxylammonium, implying tuning of spin-switching properties achievable by chemical variation of the amine cation in the structure. Our finding opens up novel functionalities in this family of materials of recent interest, which can have important usage in sensors and memory devices.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

High-temperature large-gap quantum anomalous Hall insulator in ultrathin double perovskite films

Motivated by the goal of realizing topological phases in thin films and heterostructures of correlated oxides, we propose here a quantum anomalous Hall insulator (QAHI) in ultrathin films of double perovskites based on mixed 3d-5d or 3d-4d transition metal ions, grown along the [111] direction. Considering the specific case of ultrathin Ba2FeReO6, we present a theoretical analysis of an effective Hamiltonian derived from first-principles. We establish that a strong spin-orbit coupling at Re site, t2g symmetry of the low-energy d-bands, polarity of its [111] orientation of perovskite structure, and mixed 3d-5d chemistry results in room temperature magnetism with a robust QAHI state of Chern number C=1 and a large band-gap. We uncover and highlight a non-relativistic orbital-Rashba-type effect in addition to the spin-orbit coupling, that governs this QAHI state. Our prediction of a large topological band-gap of ~100 meV in electronic structure, and a magnetic transition temperature Tc~300K estimated by Monte Carlo simulations, is expected to stimulate experimental efforts at synthesis of such films and enable possible practical applications of its dissipationless edge currents.

cond-mat.str-el↗