arXiv subjects

Yasuyuki Nakajima

Publications and source records attributed to Yasuyuki Nakajima.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Magnetic field-tuned magnetic order and metamagnetic criticality in non-stoichiometric CeAuBi$_2$

We present a detailed study of magnetization, resistivity, heat capacity, and X-ray and neutron powder diffraction measurements performed on single crystals of non-stoichiometric CeAuBi$_2$, Au deficiency 18$\%$, a strongly correlated antiferromagnet with Néel temperature T$_N$ = 13.2 K. Field-dependent magnetization measurements reveal a large magnetic anisotropy at low temperatures with an easy axis along the crystallographic c-axis, in which direction a spin-flop transition exhibits strong features in magnetization, specific heat, and resistivity at H$_c$ = 75 kOe. The constructed temperature-field phase diagram connects this transition to the suppression of magnetic order, which evolves from a second-order nature into a first-order transition that bifurcates at the spin-flop into three transitions below 1 K. The smoothed nature of the metamagnetic transitions in non-stoichiometric CeAuBi$_2$ is well described by an Ising model with weak quenched disorder, suggesting that the presence of Au vacancies is sufficient to smear the complex metamagnetic behavior and tune the critical behavior of magnetic order.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2025

Slow ferromagnetic fluctuations in the kagome metal Sc$_3$Mn$_3$Al$_7$Si$_5$ revealed by $^{27}$Al NMR

Static and dynamical magnetic and electronic properties of the kagome metal Sc$_3$Mn$_3$Al$_7$Si$_5$ have been investigated by $^{27}$Al nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. The temperature dependence of Knight shift ($K$) shows a similar temperature dependence of the DC magnetic susceptibility $χ$ except for the low-temperature region below $\sim$ 50 K where $K$ is almost constant while $χ$ keeps increasing, which suggests that the increase in $χ$ at low temperatures is not intrinsic. $^{27}$Al spin-lattice relaxation rate divided by temperature ($1/T_1T$) is found to be constant, confirming the metallic state of Sc$_3$Mn$_3$Al$_7$Si$_5$ from a microscopic point of view. Based on a Korringa ratio analysis using the $T_1$ and $K$ data, ferromagnetic spin fluctuations are found to dominate in Sc$_3$Mn$_3$Al$_7$Si$_5$. These fluctuations are suggested to be very slow with frequencies on the order of kilohertz or lower.

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arXiv2023

Formation of random singlets in the nanocrystalline quasi-one-dimensional spin-1/2 antiferromagnet Sr21Bi8Cu2(CO3)2O41

Induced by quenched disorder, random-singlet states occur in a variety of low-dimensional spin-1/2 antiferromagnets, some of them candidates for quantum spin liquids. Here we report measurements of the specific heat, magnetization, and magnetic susceptibility of nanocrystalline Sr21Bi8Cu2(CO3)2O41, a quasi-one-dimensional spin-1/2 antiferromagnet with alternating bonds. The results uncover the predominant presence of random-singlet spin pairs in this material, with a logarithmic probability distribution, P(J), of the renormalized, emergent exchange interaction, J, in zero magnetic field and P(J) proportional to 1/J in magnetic fields. We postulate that these unexpected J dependences, in contrast to the usual P(J) \propto 1/$J^γ$ with 0 < $γ$ < 1, and possibly also the dichotomy, arise from the finite size of the nanocrystals. Scaling functions for the specific heat and magnetization reproduce our magnetocaloric-effect data, with no adjustable parameters.

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arXiv2021

Fermi surfaces of the topological semimetal CaSn$_{3}$ probed through de Haas van Alphen oscillations

In the search of topological superconductors, nailing down the Fermiology of the normal state is as crucial a prerequisite as unraveling the superconducting pairing symmetry. In particular, the number of time-reversal-invariant momenta in the Brillouin zone enclosed by Fermi surfaces is closely linked to the topological class of time-reversal-invariant systems, and can experimentally be investigated. We report here a detailed study of de Haas van Alphen quantum oscillations in single crystals of the topological semimetal CaSn$_{3}$ with torque magnetometry in high magnetic fields up to 35 T. In conjunction with density functional theory based calculations, the observed quantum oscillations frequencies indicate that the Fermi surfaces of CaSn$_{3}$ enclose an odd number of time-reversal-invariant momenta, satisfying one of the proposed criteria to realize topological superconductivity. Nonzero Berry phases extracted from the magnetic oscillations also support the nontrivial topological nature of CaSn$_{3}$.

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arXiv2021

Unusual upper critical fields of the topological nodal-line semimetal candidate Sn$_{x}$NbSe$_{2-δ}$

We report superconductivity in Sn$_{x}$NbSe$_{2-δ}$, a topological nodal-line semimetal candidate with a noncentrosymmetric crystal structure. The superconducting transition temperature $T_{c}$ of this compound is extremely sensitive to Sn concentration $x$ and Se deficiency $δ$, 5.0 K for Sn$_{0.13}$NbSe$_{1.70}$ and 8.6 K for Sn$_{0.14}$NbSe$_{1.71}$ and Sn$_{0.15}$NbSe$_{1.69}$. In all samples, the temperature dependence of the upper critical field $H_{c2}(T)$ differs from the prediction of the Werthamer-Helfand-Hohenberg theory. While the zero-temperature value of the in-plane upper critical field of Sn$_{x}$NbSe$_{2-δ}$ with the higher $T_{c}$ is lower than the Pauli paramagnetic limit $H_{P}$, that of the lower $T_{c}$ sample exceeds $H_{P}$ by a factor of $\sim$2. Our observations suggest that odd-parity contribution dominates the superconducting gap function of Sn$_{x}$NbSe$_{2-δ}$, and it can be fine-tuned by the Sn concentration and Se deficiency.

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arXiv2017

Beyond Triplet: Unconventional Superconductivity in a Spin-3/2 Topological Semimetal

In all known fermionic superfluids, Cooper pairs are composed of spin-1/2 quasi-particles that pair to form either spin-singlet or spin-triplet bound states. The "spin" of a Bloch electron, however, is fixed by the symmetries of the crystal and the atomic orbitals from which it is derived, and in some cases can behave as if it were a spin-3/2 particle. The superconducting state of such a system allows pairing beyond spin-triplet, with higher spin quasi-particles combining to form quintet or septet pairs. Here, we report evidence of unconventional superconductivity emerging from a spin-3/2 quasiparticle electronic structure in the half-Heusler semimetal YPtBi, a low-carrier density noncentrosymmetric cubic material with a high symmetry that preserves the $p$-like $j=3/2$ manifold in the Bi-based $Γ_8$ band in the presence of strong spin-orbit coupling. With a striking linear temperature dependence of the London penetration depth, the existence of line nodes in the superconducting order parameter $Δ$ is directly explained by a mixed-parity Cooper pairing model with high total angular momentum, consistent with a high-spin fermionic superfluid state. We propose a $\mathbf{k\cdot p}$ model of the $j=3/2$ fermions to explain how a dominant $J$=3 septet pairing state is the simplest solution that naturally produces nodes in the mixed even-odd parity gap. Together with the underlying topologically non-trivial band structure, the unconventional pairing in this system represents a truly novel form of superfluidity that has strong potential for leading the development of a new generation of topological superconductors.

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arXiv2015

One-dimensional edge state transport in a topological Kondo insulator

Topological insulators, with metallic boundary states protected against time-reversal-invariant perturbations, are a promising avenue for realizing exotic quantum states of matter including various excitations of collective modes predicted in particle physics, such as Majorana fermions and axions. According to theoretical predictions, a topological insulating state can emerge from not only a weakly interacting system with strong spin-orbit coupling, but also in insulators driven by strong electron correlations. The Kondo insulator compound SmB6 is an ideal candidate for realizing this exotic state of matter, with hybridization between itinerant conduction electrons and localized $f$-electrons driving an insulating gap and metallic surface states at low temperatures. Here we exploit the existence of surface ferromagnetism in SmB6 to investigate the topological nature of metallic surface states by studying magnetotransport properties at very low temperatures. We find evidence of one-dimensional surface transport with a quantized conductance value of $e^2/h$ originating from the chiral edge channels of ferromagnetic domain walls, providing strong evidence that topologically non-trivial surface states exist in SmB6.

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arXiv2015

Topological $R$PdBi half-Heusler semimetals: a new family of non-centrosymmetric magnetic superconductors

We report superconductivity and magnetism in a new family of topological semimetals, the ternary half Heusler compounds $R$PdBi ($R$ : rare earth). In this series, tuning of the rare earth $f$-electron component allows for simultaneous control of both lattice density via lanthanide contraction, as well as the strength of magnetic interaction via de Gennes scaling, allowing for a unique tuning of both the normal state band inversion strength, superconducting pairing and magnetically ordered ground states. Antiferromagnetism with ordering vector (0.5,0.5,0.5) occurs below a Neéel temperature that scales with de Gennes factor $dG$, while a superconducting transition is simultaneously linearly suppressed. With superconductivity appearing in a system with non-centrosymmetric crystallographic symmetry, the possibility of spin-triplet Cooper pairing with non-trivial topology analogous to that predicted for the normal state electronic structure provides a unique and rich opportunity to realize both predicted and new exotic excitations in topological materials.

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arXiv2015

High-temperature superconductivity stabilized by electron-hole interband coupling in collapsed tetragonal phase of KFe2As2 under high pressure

We report a high-pressure study of simultaneous low-temperature electrical resistivity and Hall effect measurements on high quality single-crystalline KFe2As2 using designer diamond anvil cell techniques with applied pressures up to 33 GPa. In the low pressure regime, we show that the superconducting transition temperature T_c finds a maximum onset value of 7 K near 2 GPa, in contrast to previous reports that find a minimum T_c and reversal of pressure dependence at this pressure. Upon applying higher pressures, this T_c is diminished until a sudden drastic enhancement occurs coincident with a first-order structural phase transition into a collapsed tetragonal phase. The appearance of a distinct superconducting phase above 13 GPa is also accompanied by a sudden reversal of dominant charge carrier sign, from hole- to electron-like, which agrees with our band calculations predicting the emergence of an electron pocket and diminishment of hole pockets upon Fermi surface reconstruction. Our results suggest the high-temperature superconducting phase in KFe2As2 is substantially enhanced by the presence of nested electron and hole pockets, providing the key ingredient of high-T_c superconductivity in iron pnictide superconductors.

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arXiv2012

Anisotropies and Homogeneities of Superconducting Properties in Iron-Platinum-Arsenide Ca10(Pt3As8)(Fe1.79Pt0.21As2)5

We report a study on the anisotropy of superconducting properties in single crystalline Ca10(Pt4-δAs8)(Fe1.79Pt0.21As2)5 with Tc ~13.6 K. Under a field of 5 Oe, the sample reaches fully-diamagnetic state at ~10 K for H//c, and ~8 K for H//ab, indicating the presence of slight inhomogeneities. The magnetization measurements reveal fish-tail effect in the hysteresis loop for both H//c and H//ab. Averaged critical current densities at low magnetic fields along the c-axis and ab-plane Jc(H//c) and Jc(H//ab) at 5 K are estimated to be 0.9*10^5 and 0.7*10^5 A/cm2, respectively. Resistive transitions under magnetic field show broadening, which is consistent with a relatively large anisotropy of upper critical field. Magneto-optical images reveal homogenous current flow within the ab-plane.

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arXiv2012

Enhancement of critical current density and vortex activation energy in proton-irradiated Co-doped BaFe2As2

The effect of proton irradiation in Ba(Fe0.93Co0.07)2As2 single crystals is reported. We analyze temperature dependence of current density and normalized flux relaxation rate in the framework of collective creep model. Glassy exponent and barrier height for flux creep are directly determined by Maley's method. Our model functions for barrier height and critical current density in the absence of flux creep are explained by the superposition of \deltaTc- and \deltal-pinning. We also approach true critical current density by means of generalized inversion scheme, and the obtained result is in reasonable agreement with our model function. Proton irradiation effect on temperature dependence of current density and normalized relaxation rate can be summarized as doubling of barrier height at the beginning of flux creep.

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arXiv2012

Magnetic and transport properties of iron-platinum arsenide Ca10(Pt4-δAs8)(Fe2-xPtxAs2)5 single crystal

We report superconducting properties of single crystalline Ca10(Pt4-δAs8)(Fe2-xPtxAs2)5 by X-ray diffraction, magnetization, resistivity, and magneto-optical imaging measurements. The magnetization measurements reveal fish-tail hysteresis loop and relatively high critical current density Jc ~ 0.8\times105 A/cm2 at low temperatures. The exponential temperature dependence of Jc, which arises from nonlinear effective flux-creep activation energy, has been observed. Upper critical field determined by resistive transition shows a relatively large anisotropy. The magneto-optical images reveal homogenous current flow within the crystal.

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arXiv2012

Superconducting properties and magneto-optical imaging of Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 PIT wires with Ag addition

We have fabricated (Ba,K)Fe2As2 superconducting wires through ex-situ powder-in-tube method. Silver was used as a chemical addition to improve the performance of these superconducting wires. The transport critical current densities (Jc) have reached 1.3\times104 A/cm and 1.0\times104 A/cm2 at 4.2 K under self field in the wires with and without Ag addition. We used magneto-optical (MO) imaging technique to investigate the properties of grain boundaries in the (Ba,K)Fe2As2 superconducting wire with Ag addition. MO images show the weak links in the Fe-based superconducting wires for the first time. An intragranular Jc of 6.0\times104 A/cm2 at 20 K is obtained from MO image, which is consistent with the estimation from M-H measurement.

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arXiv2011

Instability of vortex-antivortex interface in optimally-doped Ba(Fe_{1-x}Co_{x})_{2}As_{2}

We explore the flux front patterns during virgin penetration and after remagnetization in the iron-based superconductor Ba(Fe_{1-x}Co_{x})_{2}As_{2}. After remagnetization we observe an instability characterized by turbulent dynamics at the vortex-antivortex boundary. Associated with the turbulent flux boundary a band of excess current density is observed. The turbulence is contrasted with the instability observed in the cuprate superconductors. Our results suggest turbulent instability at the vortex-antivortex interface may be a common feature in all remagnetized type-II superconductors.

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arXiv2011

Low-temperature Synthesis of FeTe0.5Se0.5 Polycrystals with a High Transport Critical Current Density

We have prepared high-quality polycrystalline FeTe0.5Se0.5 at temperature as low as 550°C. The transport critical current density evaluated by the current-voltage characteristics is over 700 A/cm2 at 4.2 K under zero field, which is several times larger than FeTe0.5Se0.5 superconducting wires. The critical current density estimated from magneto-optical images of flux penetration is also similar to this value. The upper critical field of the polycrystalline FeTe0.5Se0.5 at T = 0 K estimated by Werthamer-Helfand-Hohenberg theory is 585 kOe, which is comparable to that of single crystals. This study gives some insight into how to improve the performance of FeTe0.5Se0.5 superconducting wires.

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arXiv2010

Transport and magnetic properties of Co-doped BaFe_{2}As_{2} epitaxial thin films

We report resistivity, Hall coefficient, current-voltage characteristics, and magneto-optical imaging measurements of epitaxial Co-doped BaFe_{2}As_{2} thin films deposited on MgO(001) substrate. The Hall resistivity of the films has a substantial contribution arising from anomalous Hall effect of ferromagnetic components. The critical current density (J_{c}) of the films is ~2 MA/cm^{2} at low temperatures. Differential magneto-optical images of the remanent state give similar J_{c} values and also exhibit presence of extended defects in the film.

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arXiv2009

Three-dimensional electronic structure of superconducting iron pnictides observed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

We have performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) study of the undoped and electron-doped iron pnictides BaFe2\_{-x}CoxAs2 (Ba122) (x=0, 0.14) and studied the Fermi surfaces (FSs) and band dispersions near the Fermi level. The FS sheets we observed are consistent with the shrinkage of the hole-like pockets around the Brillouin Zone (BZ) center and the expansion of the electron pockets around the BZ corner in the electron-doped compound as compared to the undoped parent compound. Band dispersions and FSs around the BZ center strongly depend on the photon energy, indicating the three-dimensional (3D) electronic structure. This observation suggests that the antiferromagnetism and superconductivity in the pnictides may have to be considered including the orbital-dependent 3D electronic structure, where FS nesting is not necessarily strong.

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arXiv2008

Possible superconductivity above 25 K in single crystalline Co-doped BaFe$_{2}$As$_{2}$

We present superconducting properties of single crystalline Ba(Fe$_{0.9}$Co$_{0.1}$)$_{2}$As$_{2}$ by measuring magnetization, resistivity, upper critical field, Hall coefficient, and magneto-optical images. The magnetization measurements reveal fish-tail hysteresis loop at high temperatures and relatively high critical current density above $J_{c}=10^{5}$ A/cm$^{2}$ at low temperatures. Upper critical field determined by resistive transition is anisotropic with anisotropic parameter $\sim$ 3.5. Hall effect measurements indicate that Ba(Fe$_{0.9}$Co$_{0.1}$)$_{2}$As$_{2}$ is a multiband system and the mobility of electron is dominant. The magneto-optical imaging reveals prominent Bean-like penetration of vortices although there is a slight inhomogeneity in a sample. Moreover, we find a distinct superconductivity above 25 K, which leads us to speculate that higher transition temperature can be realized by fine tuning Co-doping level.

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