arXiv subjects

X. L. Wang

Publications and source records attributed to X. L. Wang.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2015

Magnetic coupling at ferromagnetic rare earth / transition-metal interfaces: A comprehensive study

Thin film magnetic heterostructures with competing interfacial coupling and Zeeman energy pro- vide a fertile ground to study phase transition between different equilibrium states as a function of external magnetic field and temperature. A rare-earth (RE) / transition metal (TM) ferro- magnetic multilayer is a classic example where the magnetic state is determined by a competition between the Zeeman energy and antiferromagnetic interfacial exchange coupling energy. Techno- logically, such structures offer the possibility to engineer the macroscopic magnetic response by tuning the microscopic interactions between the layers. We have performed an exhaustive study of a nickel/gadolinium system by using the element-specific measurement technique x-ray magnetic circular dichroism, and determined the full magnetic state diagrams as a function of temperature and magnetic layer thickness. We explain our result based on a modified Stoner-Wohlfarth formal- ism and provide evidence of a thickness-dependent phase transition to a magnetic fan state which is critical in understanding magnetoresistance effects in RE/TM systems. The results provide im- portant insight for spintronics and superconducting spintronics where engineering tunable magnetic inhomogeneity is key for certain applications.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2015

Strain-induced magnetic phase transition in SrCoO$_{3-δ}$ thin films

It has been well established that both in bulk at ambient pressure and for films under modest strains, cubic SrCoO$_{3-δ}$ ($δ< 0.2$) is a ferromagnetic metal. Recent theoretical work, however, indicates that a magnetic phase transition to an antiferromagnetic structure could occur under large strain accompanied by a metal-insulator transition. We have observed a strain-induced ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic phase transition in SrCoO$_{3-δ}$ films grown on DyScO$_3$ substrates, which provide a large tensile epitaxial strain, as compared to ferromagnetic films under lower tensile strain on SrTiO$_3$ substrates. Magnetometry results demonstrate the existence of antiferromagnetic spin correlations and neutron diffraction experiments provide a direct evidence for a G-type antiferromagnetic structure with Neél temperatures between $T_N \sim 135\,\pm\,10\,K$ and $\sim 325\,\pm\,10\,K$ depending on the oxygen content of the samples. Therefore, our data experimentally confirm the predicted strain-induced magnetic phase transition to an antiferromagnetic state for SrCoO$_{3-δ}$ thin films under large epitaxial strain.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2014

Magnetoresistance from broken spin helicity

The propensity of some materials and multilayers to have a magnetic field dependent resistance, called magnetoresistance, has found commercial applications such as giant magnetoresistance harddisk read heads. But magnetoresistance can also be a powerful probe of electronic and magnetic interactions in matter. For example, magnetoresistance can be used to analyze multiband conductivity, conduction inhomogeneity, localized magnetic moments, and (fractional) Landau level structure. For materials with strong spin-orbit interaction, magnetoresistance can be used as a probe for weak antilocalization or a nontrivial Berry phase, such as in topological insulator surface states. For the three dimensional topological insulators a large and linear magnetoresistance is often used as indication for underlying non-trivial topology, although the origin of this effect has not yet been established. Here, we observe a large magnetoresistance in the conducting bulk state of Bi$_2$Te$_3$. We show that this type of large magnetoresistance is due to the competition between helical spin-momentum locking (i.e. spin rotates with momentum direction) and the unidirectional spin alignment by an applied magnetic field. Warping effects are found to provide the (quasi) linear dependence on magnetic field. We provide a quantitative model for the helicity breaking induced magnetoresistance that can be applied to a vast range of materials, surfaces or interfaces with weak to strong spin-orbit interactions, such as the contemporary oxide interfaces, bulk Rashba systems, and topological insulator surface states.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2014

Geometric dependence of Nb-Bi${_2}$Te${_3}$-Nb topological Josephson junction transport parameters

Superconductor-topological insulator-superconductor Josephson junctions have been fabricated in order to study the width dependence of the critical current, normal state resistance and flux periodicity of the critical current modulation in an external field. Previous literature reports suggest anomalous scaling in topological junctions due to the presence of Majorana bound states. However, for most realised devices, one would expect that trivial $2π$-periodic Andreev levels dominate transport. We also observe anomalous scaling behaviour of junction parameters, but the scaling can be well explained by mere geometric effects, such as the parallel bulk conductivity shunt and flux focusing.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2014

Enhancement of Transition Temperature in FexSe0.5Te0.5 Film via Iron Vacancies

The effects of iron deficiency in FexSe0.5Te0.5 thin films (0.8<x<1) on superconductivity and electronic properties have been studied. A significant enhancement of the superconducting transition temperature (TC) up to 21K was observed in the most Fe deficient film (x=0.8). Based on the observed and simulated structural variation results, there is a high possibility that Fe vacancies can be formed in the FexSe0.5Te0.5 films. The enhancement of TC shows a strong relationship with the lattice strain effect induced by Fe vacancies. Importantly, the presence of Fe vacancies alters the charge carrier population by introducing electron charge carriers, with the Fe deficient film showing more metallic behavior than the defect-free film. Our study provides a means to enhance the superconductivity and tune the charge carriers via Fe vacancy, with no reliance on chemical doping.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2014

On the roles of graphene oxide doping for enhanced supercurrent in MgB2 based superconductors

Due to their graphene-like properties after oxygen reduction, incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) sheets into correlated-electron materials offers a new pathway for tailoring their properties. Fabricating GO nanocomposites with polycrystalline MgB2 superconductors leads to an order of magnitude enhancement of the supercurrent at 5 K/8 T and 20 K/4 T. Herein, we introduce a novel experimental approach to overcome the formidable challenge of performing quantitative microscopy and microanalysis of such composites, so as to unveil how GO doping influences the structure and hence the material properties. Atom probe microscopy and electron microscopy were used to directly image the GO within the MgB2, and we combined these data with computational simulations to derive the property-enhancing mechanisms. Our results reveal synergetic effects of GO, namely, via localized atomic (carbon and oxygen) doping as well as texturing of the crystals, which provide both inter and intra granular flux pinning. This study opens up new insights into how low-dimensional nanostructures can be integrated into composites to modify the overall properties, using a methodology amenable to a wide range of applications.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2014

Transport evidence of robust topological surface state in BiTeCl single crystals, the first strong inversion asymmetric topological insulator

Three-dimensional (3D) topological insulators (TIs) are new forms of quantum matter that are characterized by their insulating bulk state and exotic metallic surface state, which hosts helical Dirac fermions1-2. Very recently, BiTeCl, one of the polar semiconductors, has been discovered by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to be the first strong inversion asymmetric topological insulator (SIATI). In contrast to the previously discovered 3D TIs with inversion symmetry, the SIATI are expected to exhibit novel topological phenomena, including crystalline-surface-dependent topological surface states, intrinsic topological p-n junctions, and pyroelectric and topological magneto-electric effects3. Here, we report the first transport evidence for the robust topological surface state in the SIATI BiTeCl via observation of Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations, which exhibit the 2D nature of the Fermi surface and pi Berry phase. The n = 1 Landau quantization of the topological surface state is observed at B . 12 T without gating, and the Fermi level is only 58.8 meV above the Dirac point, which gives rise to small effective mass, 0.055me, and quite large mobility, 4490 cm2s-1. Our findings will pave the way for future transport exploration of other new topological phenomena and potential applications for strong inversion asymmetric topological insulators.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2014

Defects induced ferromagnetism in plasma-enabled graphene nanopetals

Ferromagnetism in graphene is fascinating, but it is still a big challenge for practical applications due to the weak magnetization. In order to enhance the magnetization, here, we design plasma-enabled graphene nanopetals with ultra-long defective edges of up to 105 m/g, ultra-dense lattice vacancies and hydrogen chemisorptions. The designed graphene nanopetals display robust ferromagnetism with large saturation magnetization of up to 2 emu/g at 5 K and 1.2 emu/g at room temperatures. This work identifies the plasma-enabled graphene nanopetals as a promising candidate for graphene-based magnetic devices.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2013

Measurement of $e^+ e^- \to ωπ^0$, $K^{\ast}(892)\bar{K}$ and $K_2^{\ast}(1430)\bar{K}$ at $\sqrt{s}$ near 10.6 GeV

Using data samples of 89 fb$^{-1}$, 703 fb$^{-1}$, and 121 fb$^{-1}$ collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy $e^+e^-$ collider at center-of-mass energies 10.52 GeV, 10.58 GeV, and 10.876 GeV, respectively, we study the exclusive reactions $e^+e^- \to ωπ^0$, $K^{\ast}(892)\bar{K}$, and $K_2^{\ast}(1430)\bar{K}$ (Charge-conjugate modes are included implicitly). Significant signals of $ωπ^0$, $K^{\ast}(892)^0\bar{K}^0$, and $K_2^{\ast}(1430)^-K^+$ are observed for the first time at these energies, and the energy dependencies of the cross sections are presented. On the other hand, no significant excesses for $K^{\ast}(892)^-K^+$ and $K_2^{\ast}(1430)^0 \bar{K}^0$ are found, and we set limits on the cross section ratios $R_{\rm VP} = \frac{σ_B(e^+e^-\to K^{\ast}(892)^0\bar K^0)} {σ_B(e^+e^-\to K^{\ast}(892)^-K^+)}>$ 4.3, 20.0, and 5.4, and $R_{\rm TP} = \frac{σ_B(e^+e^-\to K_2^{\ast}(1430)^0\bar K^0)} {σ_B(e^+e^-\to K_2^{\ast}(1430)^-K^+)}<$ 1.1, 0.4, and 0.6, for center-of-mass energies of 10.52 GeV, 10.58 GeV, and 10.876 GeV, respectively, at the 90% C.L.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2012

Observation of ψ(4040) and ψ(4160) decay into ηJ/ψ

The cross section for e^+e^- \to ηJ/ψbetween \sqrt{s}=3.8 GeV/c^2 and 5.3 GeV/c^2 is measured via initial state radiation using 980 fb^{-1} of data on and around the Υ(nS)(n=1,2,3,4,5) resonances collected with the Belle detector at KEKB. Two resonant structures at the ψ(4040) and ψ(4160) are observed in the ηJ/ψinvariant mass distribution. Fitting the mass spectrum with the coherent sum of two Breit-Wigner functions, one obtains BR(ψ(4040)\toηJ/ψ)\cdotΓ_{ee}^{ψ(4040)} = (4.8\pm0.9\pm1.4) eV and BR(ψ(4160)\toηJ/ψ)\cdotΓ_{ee}^{ψ(4160)} = (4.0\pm0.8\pm1.4) eV for one solution and BR(ψ(4040)\toηJ/ψ)\cdotΓ_{ee}^{ψ(4040)} = (11.2\pm1.3\pm1.9) eV and BR(ψ(4160)\toηJ/ψ)\cdotΓ_{ee}^{ψ(4160)} = (13.8\pm1.3\pm2.0) eV for the other solution, where the first errors are statistical and the second are systematic. This is the first measurement of this hadronic transition mode of these two states, and the partial widths to ηJ/ψare found to be about 1 MeV. There is no evidence for the Y(4260), Y(4360), ψ(4415), or Y(4660) in the ηJ/ψfinal state, and upper limits of their production rates in e^+e^- annihilation are determined.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2012

Studies on fast triggering and high precision tracking with Resistive Plate Chambers

We report on studies of fast triggering and high-precision tracking using Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs). Two beam tests were carried out with the 180 GeV muon beam at CERN using RPCs with gas gaps of 1.00 or 1.15 mm and equipped with readout strips with 1.27 mm pitch. This is the first beam test of RPCs with fine-pitch readout strips that explores simultaneously precision tracking and triggering capabilities. RPC signals were acquired with precision timing and charge integrating readout electronics at both ends of the strips. The time resolution was measured to be better than 600 ps and the average spatial resolution was found to be 220 um using charge information and 287 um using timing information. The dual-ended readout allows the determination of the average and the difference of the signal arrival times. The average time was found to be independent of the incident particle position along the strip and is useful for triggering purposes. The time difference yielded a determination of the hit position with a precision of 7.5 mm along the strip. These results demonstrate the feasibility using RPCs for fast and high-resolution triggering and tracking.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2012

Numerical Model for Conduction-Cooled Current Lead Heat Loads

Current leads are utilized to deliver electrical power from a room temperature junction mounted on the vacuum vessel to a superconducting magnet located within the vacuum space of a cryostat. There are many types of current leads used at laboratories throughout the world, however, conduction-cooled current leads are often chosen for their simplicity and reliability. Conduction-cooled leads have the advantage of using common materials, have no superconducting/normal state transition, and have no boil-off vapor to collect. The XFEL (X-Ray Free Electron Laser) magnets are operated at 2 K, which makes vapor-cooled current leads impractical due to the sub-atmospheric bath pressure. This paper presents a numerical model for conduction-cooled current lead heat loads. This model takes into account varying material and fluid thermal properties, varying thicknesses along the length of the lead, heat transfer in the circumferential and longitudinal directions, electrical power dissipation, and the effect of thermal intercepts. The model is validated by comparing the numerical model results to ideal cases where analytical equations are valid. The models are compared using the geometry and operating conditions for the XFEL prototype current leads.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2012

First study of η_c, η(1760) and X(1835) production via η'π^+π^- final states in two-photon collisions

The invariant mass spectrum of the η' π^+ π^- final state produced in two-photon collisions is obtained using a 673 fb^{-1} data sample collected in the vicinity of the Υ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^+e^- collider. We observe a clear signal of the η_c and measure its mass and width to be M(η_c)=(2982.7 +- 1.8(stat) +- 2.2(syst) +- 0.3(model)) MeV/c^2 and Γ(η_c) = (37.8^{+5.8}_{-5.3}(stat) +- 2.8(syst) +- 1.4(model)) MeV/c^2. The third error is an uncertainty due to possible interference between the η_c and a non-resonant component. We also report the first evidence for η(1760) decay to η' π^+ π^-; we find two solutions for its parameters, depending on the inclusion or not of the X(1835), whose existence is of marginal significance in our data. From a fit to the mass spectrum using coherent X(1835) and η(1760) resonant amplitudes, we set a 90% confidence level upper limit on the product Γ_{γγ} \BR (η' π^+ π^-) for the X(1835).

hep-ex↗

arXiv2012

High Field (14Tesla) Magneto Transport of Sm/PrFeAsO

We report high field magneto transport of Sm/PrFeAsO. Below spin density wave transition (TSDW), the magneto-resistance (MR) of Sm/PrFeAsO is positive and increasing with decreasing temperature. The MR of SmFeAsO, is found 16%, whereas the same is 21.5% in case of PrFeAsO, at 2.5 K under applied magnetic field of 14 Tesla (T). In case of SmFeAsO, the variation of isothermal MR with field below 20 K is nonlinear at lower magnetic fields (< 2 Tesla) and the same is linear at moderately higher magnetic fields (H \geq 3.5 T). On the other hand PrFeAsO shows almost linear MR at all temperatures below 20 K. The anomalous behavior of MR being exhibited in PrFeAsO is originated from Dirac cone states. The stronger interplay of Fe and Pr ordered moments is responsible for this distinct behavior. PrFeAsO also shows a hump in resistivity (R-T) with possible conduction band (FeAs) mediated ordering of Pr moments at around 12 K. However the same is absent in SmFeAsO even down to 2 K. Our results of high field magneto-transport of up to 14 Tesla brings about clear distinction between ground states of SmFeAsO and PrFeAsO.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2012

Domain Wall Conductivity in Oxygen Deficient Multiferroic YMnO3 Single Crystals

The transport properties of domain walls in oxygen deficient multiferroic YMnO3 single crystals have been probed using conductive atomic force microscopy and piezoresponse force microscopy. Domain walls exhibit significantly enhanced conductance after being poled in electric fields, possibly induced by oxygen vacancy ordering at domain walls. The electronic conduction can be understood by the Schottky emission and Fowler-Nordheim tunnelling mechanisms. Our results show that the domain wall conductance can be modulated through band structure engineering by manipulating ordered oxygen vacancies in the poling fields.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2011

Experimental realization of SQUIDs with topological insulator junctions

We demonstrate topological insulator (Bi$_2$Te$_3$) dc SQUIDs, based on superconducting Nb leads coupled to nano-fabricated Nb-Bi$_2$Te$_3$-Nb Josephson junctions. The high reproducibility and controllability of the fabrication process allows the creation of dc SQUIDs with parameters that are in agreement with design values. Clear critical current modulation of both the junctions and the SQUID with applied magnetic fields have been observed. We show that the SQUIDs have a periodicity in the voltage-flux characteristic of $Φ_0$, of relevance to the ongoing pursuit of realizing interferometers for the detection of Majorana fermions in superconductor- topological insulator structures.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2011

Josephson supercurrent through a topological insulator surface state

Topological insulators are characterized by an insulating bulk with a finite band gap and conducting edge or surface states, where charge carriers are protected against backscattering. These states give rise to the quantum spin Hall effect without an external magnetic field, where electrons with opposite spins have opposite momentum at a given edge. The surface energy spectrum of a threedimensional topological insulator is made up by an odd number of Dirac cones with the spin locked to the momentum. The long-sought yet elusive Majorana fermion is predicted to arise from a combination of a superconductor and a topological insulator. An essential step in the hunt for this emergent particle is the unequivocal observation of supercurrent in a topological phase. Here, we present the first measurement of a Josephson supercurrent through a topological insulator. Direct evidence for Josephson supercurrents in superconductor (Nb) - topological insulator (Bi2Te3) - superconductor e-beam fabricated junctions is provided by the observation of clear Shapiro steps under microwave irradiation, and a Fraunhofer-type dependence of the critical current on magnetic field. The dependence of the critical current on temperature and length shows that the junctions are in the ballistic limit. Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations in magnetic fields up to 30 T reveal a topologically non-trivial two-dimensional surface state. We argue that the ballistic Josephson current is hosted by this surface state despite the fact that the normal state transport is dominated by diffusive bulk conductivity. The lateral Nb-Bi2Te3-Nb junctions hence provide prospects for the realization of devices supporting Majorana fermions.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2011

Simulation of light C4+ ion irradiation and its significant enhancement to the critical current density in BaFe1.9Ni0.1As2 single crystals

In this work, we report the simulation of C4+ irradiation and its significant effects towards the enhancement of the critical current density in BaFe1.9Ni0.1As2 single crystals. BaFe1.9Ni0.1As2 single crystals with and without the C-implantation were characterized by magneto-transport and magnetic measurements up to 13 T over a wide range of temperatures below and above the superconducting critical temperature, Tc. It is found that the C-implantation causes little change in Tc, but it can greatly enhance the in-field critical current density by a factor of up to 1.5 with enhanced flux jumping at 2 K. Our Monte Carlo simulation results show that all the C ions end up in a well defined layer, causing extended defects and vacancies at the layer, but few defects elsewhere on the implantation paths. This type of defect distribution is distinct from the columnar defects produced by heavy ion implantation. Furthermore, the normal state resistivity is enhanced by the light C4+ irradiation, while the upper critical field, Hc2, the irreversibility field, Hirr, and Tc were affected very little.

cond-mat.supr-con↗