arXiv subjects

Y. Niu

Publications and source records attributed to Y. Niu.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Isoscalar Giant Resonances in Highly-Deformed $^{172}$Yb

To study the isoscalar giant resonances in a deformed case, background-free $\alpha$-particle inelastic scattering measurements using a 386 MeV $\alpha$ beam were performed on the highly-deformed $^{172}$Yb nucleus using the Grand Raiden spectrometer at the Research Center for Nuclear Physics (RCNP) at very forward angles, including $0^\circ$. The strength distributions for the isoscalar giant resonances up to $L \leq 3$ were obtained using multipole decomposition analysis. The isoscalar giant monopole resonance (ISGMR) strength exhibits a splitting into two components, interpreted as the coupling of the ISGMR with the $K=0$ component of the isoscalar giant quadrupole resonance (ISGQR). A \textit{bimodal} structure is observed in the strength distribution of the isoscalar giant dipole resonance. The ISGQR strength shows an enhancement near 25 MeV, attributed to the excitation of an overtone mode, while the broadening of the main-tone peak is associated with nuclear deformation. The experimental results are well reproduced by theoretical strength distributions calculated using the quasiparticle finite amplitude method for $L \leq 3$.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2025

Unconventional relativistic spin polarization of electronic bands in an altermagnet

Altermagnetism is a recently identified phase with a d, g or i-wave spin symmetry of magnetic ordering. Its discovery opens new research fronts at intersections of magnetism and spintronics with fields ranging from superconductivity to topological and relativistic quantum physics. Here we demonstrate an unconventional relativistic spin polarization in an altermagnet by spin and angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy of electronic bands in single-domain MnTe. The relativistic spin-orbit coupling origin is revealed by observing that the alternating momentum-dependent spin polarization is orthogonal to the magnetic-ordering vector. The collinearity, even-parity and time-reversal-odd nature of the demonstrated relativistic spin polarization in the altermagnet is unparalleled in conventional forms of the relativistic spin polarization. Our experimental results and methodology are supported by non-relativistic spin-symmetry and relativistic magnetic-symmetry analyses, and microscopic ab initio ground-state and photoemission theory.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Altermagnetism imaged and controlled down to the nanoscale

Nanoscale detection and control of the magnetic order underpins a broad spectrum of fundamental research and practical device applications. The key principle involved is the breaking of time-reversal ($\cal{T}$) symmetry, which in ferromagnets is generated by an internal magnetization. However, the presence of a net-magnetization also imposes severe limitations on compatibility with other prominent phases ranging from superconductors to topological insulators, as well as on spintronic device scalability. Recently, altermagnetism has been proposed as a solution to this restriction, since it shares the enabling $\cal{T}$-symmetry breaking characteristic of ferromagnetism, combined with the antiferromagnetic-like vanishing net-magnetization. To date, altermagnetic ordering has been inferred from spatially averaged probes. Here, we demonstrate nanoscale imaging and control of altermagnetic ordering ranging from nanoscale vortices to domain walls to microscale single-domain states in MnTe. We combine the $\cal{T}$-symmetry breaking sensitivity of X-ray magnetic circular dichroism with magnetic linear dichroism and photoemission electron microscopy, to achieve detailed imaging of the local altermagnetic ordering vector. A rich variety of spin configurations can be imposed using microstructure patterning or thermal cycling in magnetic fields. The demonstrated detection and control of altermagnetism paves the way for future research ranging from ultra-scalable digital and neuromorphic spintronic devices, to the interplay of altermagnetism with non-dissipative superconducting or topological phases.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

Low-spin particle/hole-core excitations in $^{41,47,49}$Ca isotopes studied by cold-neutron capture reactions

We present recent results on the structure of the one-valence-particle $^{41}$Ca and $^{49}$Ca, and one-valence-hole $^{47}$Ca, nuclei. The isotopes of interest were populated via the cold-neutron capture reactions $^{40}$Ca(n,$γ$), $^{48}$Ca(n,$γ$) and $^{46}$Ca(n,$γ$), respectively. The experiments were performed at the Institut Laue-Langevin, within the EXILL campaign, which employed a large array of HPGe detectors. The $γ$ decay and level schemes of these nuclei were investigated by $γ$-ray coincidence relationships, leading to the identification of 41, 10, and 6 new transitions in $^{41}$Ca, $^{47}$Ca, and $^{49}$Ca, respectively. Branching ratios and intensities were extracted for the $γ$ decay from each state, and $γ$-ray angular correlations were performed to establish a number of transition multipolarities and mixing ratios, thus helping in the spin assignment of the states. The experimental findings are discussed along with microscopic, self-consistent beyond-mean-field calculations performed with the Hybrid Configuration Mixing model, based on a Skyrme SkX Hamiltonian. The latter suggests that a fraction of the low-spin states of the $^{41}$Ca, $^{49}$Ca, and $^{47}$Ca nuclei is characterized by the coexistence of either 2p-1h and 1p-2h excitations, or couplings between single-particle/hole degrees of freedom and collective vibrations (phonons) of the doubly-magic "core".

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2006

Controlled Creation of Spatial Superposition States for Single Atoms

We present a method for the controlled and robust generation of spatial superposition states of single atoms in micro-traps. Using a counter-intuitive positioning sequence for the individual potentials and appropriately chosen trapping frequencies, we show that it is possible to selectively create two different orthogonal superposition states, which can in turn be used for quantum information purposes.

quant-ph↗