arXiv subjects

Thomas Brückel

Publications and source records attributed to Thomas Brückel.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Anisotropy-driven interfacial magnetism in Ru-deficient SrRuO$_3$ thin films

While stoichiometric SrRuO$_3$ (SRO) is a metallic itinerant ferromagnet with relatively homogeneous magnetization, Ru deficiency provides a powerful route to alter its electronic transport and depth-dependent magnetic properties. Ru-deficient SRO thin films grown by radio-frequency high oxygen pressure sputtering were investigated using a combination of X-ray reflectivity, polarized neutron reflectometry, off-specular neutron scattering, scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electrical transport, and magnetometry. Structural and compositional analyses reveal that Ru deficiency is intrinsic to the films, with an enhanced deficiency at the interfaces. As a result, coherent electronic transport is suppressed and the saturation magnetization is reduced, while the Curie temperature remains largely unaffected, placing Ru-deficient SRO in a regime consistent with ferromagnetic insulator-like behavior. Depth- and lateral-resolved magnetic measurements further show that the interfacial regions remain ferromagnetic but exhibit enhanced perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, which constrains the local magnetization to remain predominantly out-of-plane and strongly reduces its in-plane projection. Our results establish Ru deficiency as a key control parameter governing transport, magnetization, and anisotropy in SRO thin films and highlight defect and interface engineering as powerful routes to tailor interfacial magnetism in correlated oxide heterostructures.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Topotactic phase transition in epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3-δ films induced by oxygen getter assisted thermal annealing

Oxygen vacancies play a crucial role in controlling the physical properties of complex oxides. In La0.7Sr0.3MnO3-δ, the topotactic phase transition from Perovskite (PV) to Brownmillerite (BM) can be triggered e.g. via oxygen removal during thermal annealing. Here we report on a very efficient thermal vacuum annealing method using aluminum as an oxygen getter material. The topotactic phase transition is characterized by X-ray Diffraction which confirms a successful transition from PV to BM in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3-δ thin films grown via physical vapor deposition. The efficiency of this method is confirmed using La0.7Sr0.3MnO3-δ micron-sized bulk powder. The accompanying transition from the original Ferromagnetic (FM) to an Antiferromagnetic (AF) state and the simultaneous transition from a metallic to an insulating state is characterized using Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID)-magnetometry and Alternating Current (AC) resistivity measurements, respectively. The near surface manganese oxidation states are probed by synchrotron X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy. Moreover, X-ray Reflectivity, Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy reveal surface segregation and cation redistribution during the oxygen getter assisted annealing process.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Ground-state magnetic structures of topological kagome metals RV$_6$Sn$_6$ (R = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er)

Magnetic kagome metals have attracted tremendous research interests recently, because they represent an ideal playground for exploring the fascinating interplay between their intrinsically inherited topologically non-trivial electron band structures, magnetism and electronic correlation effects, and the resultant novel electronic/magnetic states and emergent excitations. In this work, we report a comprehensive single-crystal neutron diffraction investigation of the ground-state magnetic structures of the recently discovered V-based topological kagome metals RV$_6$Sn$_6$ (R = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er). Furthermore, the sample synthesis details and our systematic studies of crystal structure, low-temperature magnetic and thermodynamic properties of these compounds via various in-house characterization techniques are also reported. It can be revealed that RV$_6$Sn$_6$ (R = Tb, Dy, Ho) have a collinear ferromagnetic order in the ground state, with the ordered magnetic moment aligned along the c axis for R = Tb, Ho, while approximately 20${^\circ}$ tilted off from the c axis for R = Dy. In contrast, ErV$_6$Sn$_6$ shows an A-type antiferromagnetic structure with a magnetic propagation vector k = (0, 0, 0.5), and with the ordered magnetic moment aligned in the ab plane. A comparison of the low-temperature magnetic structures for both the extensively investigated topological kagome metal series of RV$_6$Sn$_6$ and RMn$_6$Sn$_6$ is given in details. This allows to gain new insights into the complex magnetic interactions, diverse single-ion magnetic anisotropies and spin dynamics in these compounds. The reported ground-state magnetic structures in RV$_6$Sn$_6$ (R = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er) can pave the way for further explorations of the possible interplay between magnetism and topologically non-trivial electron band structures in the magnetically ordered phase regime.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Anomalous Hall effect and magnetic structure of the topological semimetal (Mn$_{0.78}$Fe$_{0.22}$)$_{3}$Ge

Me$_{3+δ}$Ge, being a Weyl semimetal, shows a large anomalous Hall effect (AHE), which decreases slowly with an increase in $δ$ from 0.1 to 0.4. However, AHE in this compound remains significantly large in the whole range of $δ$ because of the robust nature of the topology of bands. To explore the possibility of tuning the anomalous transport effects in Weyl semimetals, we have studied the single-crystal hexagonal-(Mn$_{0.78}$Fe$_{0.22}$)$_3$Ge compound. Magnetization of this compound shows two magnetic transitions at 242 K ($T_{\text{N1}}$) and 120 K ($T_{\text{N2}}$). We observed that the AHE persists between $T_{\text{N2}}$ - $T_{\text{N1}}$ and vanishes below $T_{\text{N2}}$. Further, we performed single-crystal neutron diffraction experiments (using spherical neutron polarimetry and unpolarized neutron diffraction) to determine the magnetic structures of (Mn$_{0.78}$Fe$_{0.22}$)$_3$Ge at different temperatures. Our neutron diffraction results show that the sample possesses a collinear antiferromagnetic structure below $T_{\text{N2}}$. However, the magnetic structure of the sample remains noncollinear antiferromagnetic, the same as Mn$_3$Ge, between $T_{\text{N1}}$ to $T_{\text{N2}}$. The presence of AHE, and noncollinear magnetic structure in (Mn$_{0.78}$Fe$_{0.22}$)$_3$Ge, between $T_{\text{N1}}$ and $T_{\text{N2}}$, suggest the existence of Weyl points in this temperature regime. Below $T_{\text{N2}}$, AHE is absent, and the magnetic structure also changes to a collinear antiferromagnetic structure. These observations signify a strong link between the magnetic structure of the sample and AHE.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Hydrostatic pressure effects in the Kitaev quantum magnet $α$-RuCl$_3$: A single-crystal neutron diffraction study

We report a comprehensive single-crystal neutron diffraction investigation of the Kitaev quantum magnet $α$-RuCl$_{3}$ under hydrostatic pressure. Utilizing a He-gas pressure cell, we successfully applied an ideal hydrostatic pressure in situ at low temperatures, which allows to effectively eliminate any possible influences from the structural transition occurring between 200 K and 50 K under ambient conditions. Our experiments reveal a gradual suppression of the ziagzag antiferromagnetic order as hydrostatic pressure increases. Furthermore, a reversible pressure-induced structural transition occurs at a critical pressure of $P_d$ = 0.15 GPa at 30 K, as evidenced by the absence of magnetic order and non-uniform changes in lattice constants. The decrease in magnetic transition temperature is discussed in relation to a pressure-induced change in the trigonal distortion of the Ru-Cl octahedra in this compound. Our findings emphasize the significance of the trigonal distortion in Kitaev materials, and provide a new perspective on the role of hydrostatic pressures in the realization of the Kitaev quantum spin liquid state in $α$-RuCl$_{3}$.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2022

Bulk domain Meissner state in the ferromagnetic superconductor EuFe$_{2}$(As$_{0.8}$P$_{0.2}$)$_{2}$: Consequence of compromise between ferromagnetism and superconductivity

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements are performed on the ferromagnetic superconductor EuFe$_{2}$(As$_{0.8}$P$_{0.2}$)$_{2}$ ($T\rm_{sc}=22.5\,$K) to probe the delicate interplay between ferromagnetism and superconductivity. A clear signature of large ferromagnetic domains is found below the ferromagnetic ordering temperature $T\rm_{C}$ = 18.5 K. In a small temperature interval of $\sim$ 1.5 K below $T\rm_{C}$, additional SANS signal is observed, of which the indirect Fourier transform reveals characteristic length scales in between $\sim$ 80 nm to $\sim$ 160 nm. These nanometer-scaled domain structures are identified to result from an intermediate inhomogeneous Meissner effect denoted domain Meissner state, which was recently observed on the surface of EuFe$_{2}$(As$_{0.79}$P$_{0.21}$)$_{2}$ crystals by means of magnetic force microscopy [V. S. Stolyarov $\mathit{et}$ $\mathit{al.}$, Sci. Adv. 4, 1061 (2018)], ascribing to the competition between ferromagnetism and superconductivity. Our measurements clearly render the domain Meissner state as a bulk phenomenon and provide a key solution to the mystery regarding the intriguing coexistence of strong ferromagnetism and bulk superconductivity in these compounds.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2021

Topological magnon insulators in two-dimensional van der Waals ferromagnets CrSiTe$_3$ and CrGeTe$_3$: towards intrinsic gap-tunability

The bosonic analogues of topological insulators have been proposed in numerous theoretical works, but their experimental realization is still very rare, especially for spin systems. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb van der Waals (vdW) ferromagnets have emerged as a new platform for topological spin excitations. Here, via a comprehensive inelastic neutron scattering study and theoretical analysis of the spin-wave excitations, we report the realization of topological magnon insulators in CrXTe$_3$ (X=Si, Ge) compounds. The nontrivial nature and intrinsic tunability of the gap opening at the magnon band-crossing Dirac points are confirmed, while the emergence of the corresponding in-gap topological edge states is demonstrated theoretically. The realization of topological magnon insulators with intrinsic gap-tunability in this class of remarkable 2D materials will undoubtedly lead to new and fascinating technological applications in the domain of magnonics and topological spintronics.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2020

Magnetic structures, spin-flop transition and coupling of Eu and Mn magnetism in the Dirac semimetal EuMnBi$_2$

We report here a comprehensive study of the AFM structures of the Eu and Mn magnetic sublattices as well as the interplay between Eu and Mn magnetism in this compound by using both polarized and non-polarized single-crystal neutron diffraction. Magnetic susceptibility, specific heat capacity measurements and the temperature dependence of magnetic diffractions suggest that the AFM ordering temperature of the Eu and Mn moments is at 22 and 337 K, respectively. The magnetic moments of both Eu and Mn ions are oriented along the crystallographic $c$ axis, and the respective magnetic propagation vector is $\textbf{k}_{Eu} = (0,0,1)$ and $\textbf{k}_{Mn}=(0,0,0)$. With proper neutron absorption correction, the ordered moments are refined at 3 K as 7.7(1) $μ_B$ and 4.1(1) $μ_B$ for the Eu and Mn ions, respectively. In addition, a spin-flop (SF) phase transition of the Eu moments in an applied magnetic field along the $c$ axis was confirmed to take place at a critical field of B$_c$ $\sim$ 5.3 T. The evolution of the Eu magnetic moment direction as a function of the applied magnetic field in the SF phase was also determined. Clear kinks in both field and temperature dependence of the magnetic reflections ($\pm1$, 0, 1) of Mn were observed at the onset of the SF phase transition and the AFM order of the Eu moments, respectively. This unambiguously indicates the existence of a strong coupling between Eu and Mn magnetism. The interplay between two magnetic sublattices could bring new possibilities to tune Dirac fermions via changing magnetic structures by applied fields in this class of magnetic topological semimetals.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2019

Intermultiplet transitions and magnetic long-range order in Sm-based pyrochlores

We present bulk and neutron scattering measurements performed on the isotopically enriched $^{154}\mathrm{Sm_2Ti_2O_7}$ and $^{154}\mathrm{Sm_2Sn_2O_7}$ samples. Both compounds display sharp heat capacity anomalies, at 350 mK and 440 mK, respectively. Inelastic neutron scattering measurements are employed to determine the crystalline electric field (CEF) level scheme, which includes transitions between the ground-state and first excited $J$ multiplets of the $\mathrm{Sm}^{3+}$ ion. To further validate those results, the single-ion magnetic susceptibility of the compounds is calculated and compared with the experimental DC-susceptibility measured in low applied magnetic fields. It is demonstrated that the inclusion of intermultiplet transitions in the CEF analysis is fundamental to the understanding of the intermediate and, more importantly, low temperature magnetic behaviour of the Sm-based pyrochlores. Finally, the heat capacity anomaly is shown to correspond to the onset of an all-in-all-out long-range order in the stannate sample, while in the titanate a dipolar long-range order can be only indirectly inferred.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Uniaxial and hydrostatic pressure effects in alpha-RuCl3 single crystals via thermal-expansion measurements

We present high-resolution thermal-expansion and specific-heat measurements of single crystalline alpha-RuCl3. An extremely hysteretic structural transition expanding over 100 K is observed by thermal- expansion along both crystallographic axes, which we attribute to a change of stacking sequence of the RuCl3 layers. Three magnetic transitions are observed, which we link to the different stacking sequences. Using our data and thermodynamic relations, we derive the uniaxial and hydrostatic pressure derivatives of all three magnetic transitions. Our results demonstrate that magnetic order should be totally suppressed by very moderate pressures of 0.3 GPa to 0.9 GPa. Finally, we discuss why our results differ from recent hydrostatic pressure measurements and suggest a possible route to reaching the spin-liquid state in alpha-RuCl3.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2017

Magnetic Excitations in the Ground State of $\mathrm{Yb_2Ti_2O_7}$

We report an extensive study on the zero field ground state of a powder sample of the pyrochlore $\mathrm{Yb_2Ti_2O_7}$. A sharp heat capacity anomaly that labels a low temperature phase transition in this material is observed at 280 mK. Neutron diffraction shows that a \emph{quasi-collinear} ferromagnetic order develops below $T_\mathrm{c}$ with a magnetic moment of $0.87(2)μ_\mathrm{B}$. High resolution inelastic neutron scattering measurements show, below the phase transition temperature, sharp gapped low-lying magnetic excitations coexisting with a remnant quasielastic contribution likely associated with persistent spin fluctuations. Moreover, a broad inelastic continuum of excitations at $\sim0.6$ meV is observed from the lowest measured temperature up to at least 2.5 K. At 10 K, the continuum has vanished and a broad quasielastic conventional paramagnetic scattering takes place at the observed energy range. Finally, we show that the exchange parameters obtained within the framework of linear spin-wave theory do not accurately describe the observed zero field inelastic neutron scattering data.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2015

Possible magnetic-polaron-switched positive and negative magnetoresistance in the GdSi single crystal

Magnetoresistance (MR) has attracted tremendous attention for possible technological applications. Understanding the role of magnetism in manipulating MR may in turn steer the searching for new applicable MR materials. Here we show that antiferromagnetic (AFM) GdSi metal displays an anisotropic positive MR value (PMRV), up to $\sim$ 415%, accompanied by a large negative thermal volume expansion (NTVE). Around $T_\text{N}$ the PMRV translates to negative, down to $\sim$ -10.5%. Their theory-breaking magnetic-field dependencies [PMRV: dominantly linear; negative MR value (NMRV): quadratic] and the unusual NTVE indicate that PMRV is induced by the formation of magnetic polarons in 5$d$ bands, whereas NMRV is possibly due to abated electron-spin scattering resulting from magnetic-field-aligned local 4$f$ spins. Our results may open up a new avenue of searching for giant MR materials by suppressing the AFM transition temperature, opposite the case in manganites, and provide a promising approach to novel magnetic and electric devices.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2014

Magnetization, crystal structure and anisotropic thermal expansion of single-crystal SrEr2O4

The magnetization, crystal structure, and thermal expansion of a nearly stoichiometric Sr$_{1.04(3)}$Er$_{2.09(6)}$O$_{4.00(1)}$ single crystal have been studied by PPMS measurements and in-house and high-resolution synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. No evidence was detected for any structural phase transitions even up to 500 K. The average thermal expansions of lattice constants and unit-cell volume are consistent with the first-order Grüneisen approximations taking into account only the phonon contributions for an insulator, displaying an anisotropic character along the crystallographic \emph{a}, \emph{b}, and \emph{c} axes. Our magnetization measurements indicate that obvious magnetic frustration appears below $\sim$15 K, and antiferromagnetic correlations may persist up to 300 K.

cond-mat.str-el↗