arXiv subjects

Yisheng Chai

Publications and source records attributed to Yisheng Chai.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2024

Probing critical spin fluctuations with a composite magnetoelectric method: A case study on a Kitaev spin liquid candidate Na$_3$Co$_2$SbO$_6$

In correlated quantum materials, divergent critical fluctuations near the quantum critical point are often closely associated with exotic quantum phases of matter, such as unconventional superconductivity and quantum spin liquids. Here we present a simple yet highly sensitive composite magnetoelectric (ME) method for detecting the critical spin fluctuations in quantum magnets. The ME signal is proportional the magnetostriction coefficient, which directly probes the product of magnetization and spin-spin correlation. As a demonstration, the composite ME method is applied to a Kitaev quantum spin liquid candidate Na$_3$Co$_2$SbO$_6$, which shows signs of magnetic field-induced quantum criticality. Notably, the ME signal prominently diverges at the magnetic field-induced tricritical points, particularly at a tricritical point that lies in close proximity to a zero-temperature quantum critical point. A crucial aspect of these tricritical points is their tunability through the modification of the in-plane magnetic field's direction. The direction of magnetic field can thus serve as a handful yet important tuning parameter, alongside pressure and chemical doping, for searching quantum critical points in quantum magnets with pronounced magnetic anisotropy.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Evidence for distortion-induced local electric polarization in $α$-RuCl$_3$

The spin-orbit assisted Mott insulator $α$-RuCl$_3$ is a prime candidate for material realization of the Kitaev quantum spin liquid. While little attention has been paid to charge degrees of freedom, charge effects, such as electric polarization, may arise in this system. Here, we report distortion-induced local electric polarization in $α$-RuCl$_3$ as evidenced by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, second harmonic generation (SHG) and dielectric measurements. The SHG signal appears at room temperature and develops substantially in the Kitaev paramagnetic state when short-range spin correlations come into play. Despite sizable pyroelectric currents in the Kitaev paramagnetic state, the absence of hysteresis in electric field-dependent polariza-tion (P-E) points to the short-range nature of electric polarization. This localized electric polarization is likely the result of distortion-induced charge dimerization, achieved through virtual hopping-induced charge redistribution. In addition, the electric polarization is boosted by short-range spin correlations via spin-phonon coupling in the Kitaev paramagnetic state. Our results emphasize the importance of charge degrees of freedom in $α$-RuCl$_3$, which establish a novel platform to investi-gate charge effects in Kitaev materials.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Annealing-tunable charge density wave in the kagome antiferromagnet FeGe

The unprecedented phenomenon that a charge density wave (CDW) emerges inside the antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase indicates an unusual CDW mechanism associated with magnetism in FeGe. Here, we demonstrate that both the CDW and magnetism of FeGe can be effectively tuned through post-growth annealing treatments. Instead of the short-range CDW reported earlier, a long-range CDW order is realized below 110 K in single crystals annealed at \SI{320}{\degreeCelsius} for over 48 h. The CDW and AFM transition temperatures appear to be inversely correlated with each other. The entrance of the CDW phase significantly reduces the critical field of the spin-flop transition, whereas the CDW transition remains stable against minor variations in magnetic orders such as annealing-induced magnetic clusters and spin-canting transitions. Single-crystal x-ray diffraction measurements reveal substantial disorder on the Ge1 site, which is characterized by displacement of the Ge1 atom from Fe$_3$Ge layer along the $c$ axis and can be reversibly modified by the annealing process. The observed annealing-tunable CDW and magnetic orders can be well understood in terms of disorder on the Ge1 site. Our study provides a vital starting point for the exploration of the unconventional CDW mechanism in FeGe and of kagome materials in general.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2024

Pressure tunable magnetic skyrmion phase in Co8Zn8Mn4 single crystals

In a magnetic skyrmion phase, magnetic moments form vortex-like topological textures which are of both fundamental and industrial interests. In $β$-Mn-type Co-Zn-Mn alloys, chrial magnetic skyrmions emerge above room temperature, providing a unique system for studying the skrymion physics and exploring spintronics applications. However, the magnetic skyrmion phase is typically confined in a narrow and limited temperature ($T$) and magnetic field ($H$) range. Here, we demonstrate that hydrostatic pressure can expand the skyrmion phase in the $T-H$ phase diagram of single-crystalline Co$_8$Zn$_8$Mn$_4$. At ambient pressure, signatures of skyrmions are seen within $T\sim302-308$ K and $H\sim50-100$ Oe. Applying a moderate pressure of 6 kbar extends this range to $T\sim300-310$ K and $H\sim50-150$ Oe. However, further escalation of pressure to 10 kbar results in a slight contraction of the skyrmion phase. These findings underscore the sensitivity of the skyrmion phase in Co$_8$Zn$_8$Mn$_4$ to external pressures, and hint at the potential of strain engineering, particularly in $β$-Mn-type Co-Zn-Mn thin films, as a promising avenue to customize the skyrmion phase.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2023

Electrical and thermal transport properties of kagome metals AV$_3$Sb$_5$ (A=K, Rb, Cs)

The interplay between lattice geometry, band topology and electronic correlations in the newly discovered kagome compounds AV$_3$Sb$_5$ (A=K, Rb, Cs) makes this family a novel playground to investigate emergent quantum phenomena, such as unconventional superconductivity, chiral charge density wave and electronic nematicity. These exotic quantum phases naturally leave nontrivial fingerprints in transport properties of AV$_3$Sb$_5$, both in electrical and thermal channels, which are prominent probes to uncover the underlying mechanisms. In this brief review, we highlight the unusual electrical and thermal transport properties observed in the unconventional charge ordered state of AV3Sb5, including giant anomalous Hall, anomalous Nernst, ambipolar Nernst and anomalous thermal Hall effects. Connections of these anomalous transport properties to time-reversal symmetry breaking, topological and multiband fermiology, as well as electronic nematicity, are also discussed. Finally, a perspective together with challenges of this rapid growing field are given.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

First-principles demonstration of Roman surface topological multiferroicity

The concept of topology has been widely applied to condensed matter, going beyond the band crossover in reciprocal spaces. A recent breakthrough suggested unconventional topological physics in a quadruple perovskite TbMn$_3$Cr$_4$O$_{12}$, whose magnetism-induced polarization manifests a unique Roman surface topology [Nat. Commun. \textbf{13}, 2373 (2022)]. However, the available experimental evidence based on tiny polarizations of polycrystalline samples is far from sufficient. Here, this topological multiferroicity is demonstrated by using density functional theory calculations, which ideally confirms the Roman surface trajectory of magnetism-induced polarization. In addition, an alternative material in this category is proposed to systematically enhance the performance, by promoting its magnetism-induced polarization to an easily detectable level.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2023

Comprehensive characterizing of vortex phases in type-II superconductor YBa2Cu3O7-x by a magnetoelectric technique

The vortex phases in type-II superconductors are very important since they determine many magnetic and electric properties of the parent compound. However, a universal tool to characterize the vortex phases is still lacking. We demonstrate in a type-II superconductors YBa2Cu3O7-x polycrystal sample that its vortex phases and phase boundaries can be comprehensively studied by a magnetoelectric technique. In this method, a thin piezoelectric material 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.3PbTiO3(PMN-PT) is mechanically bonded with YBa2Cu3O7-x to form a laminate structure and act as a strain gauge. The phase diagram of the YBa2Cu3O7-x polycrystalline was explored by this method. Surprisingly, it can accurately estimate the Hc1, irreversible line, Hc2 and distinguish among vortex glass, vortex liquid, non-vortex states. Moreover, it can probe the dynamic response under different frequencies and observe the threshold phenomena of vortex liquid phase. It can even account for the density of vortices in the vortex solid phase. Our technique is readily extended to investigate the vortex phases in other type-II superconductors.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2023

Comprehensive investigation of Quantum Oscillations in Semimetal Using an ac Composite Magnetoelectric Technique with Ultrahigh Sensitivity

Quantum oscillation (QO), a physical phenomenon that reflects the characteristics of the Fermi surface and transport fermions, has been extensively observed in metals and semimetals through various approaches, like magnetostriction, magnetization, resistivity, and thermoelectric power. However, only some allowed oscillation frequencies can be revealed by each individual method, particularly in semimetals with intricate Fermi pockets and associated magnetic breakdown phenomena. In this paper, we present the application of an ac composite magnetoelectric (ME) technique to measure the QOs of a topological nodal-line semimetal, ZrSiS, which possesses six fundamental QO frequencies. By employing the ME technique with a maximum magnetic field of 13 T and a minimum temperature of 2 K, we are able to capture all the fundamental frequencies and most of the permissible magnetic breakdown frequencies. In comparison, some of the frequencies were missing in the aforementioned four methods under identical measurement conditions. Remarkably, a series of magnetic breakdown frequencies around 8000 T were revealed even in a magnetic field as low as 7.5 T. These findings highlight the ME technique as an ultrahigh-sensitive tool for studying Dirac Fermions and other topological semimetals with complex Fermi surfaces.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2023

Spin-phonon scattering-induced low thermal conductivity in a van der Waals layered ferromagnet Cr$_2$Si$_2$Te$_6$

Layered van der Waals (vdW) magnets are prominent playgrounds for developing magnetoelectric, magneto-optic and spintronic devices. In spintronics, particularly in spincaloritronic applications, low thermal conductivity ($κ$) is highly desired. Here, by combining thermal transport measurements with density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate low $κ$ down to 1 W m$^{-1}$ K$^{-1}$ in a typical vdW ferromagnet Cr$_2$Si$_2$Te$_6$. In the paramagnetic state, development of magnetic fluctuations way above $T_\mathrm{c}=$ 33 K strongly reduces $κ$ via spin-phonon scattering, leading to low $κ\sim$ 1 W m$^{-1}$ K$^{-1}$ over a wide temperature range, in comparable to that of amorphous silica. In the magnetically ordered state, emergence of resonant magnon-phonon scattering limits $κ$ below $\sim$ 2 W m$^{-1}$ K$^{-1}$, which would be three times larger if magnetic scatterings were absent. Application of magnetic fields strongly suppresses the spin-phonon scattering, giving rise to large enhancements of $κ$. Our calculations well capture these complex behaviours of $κ$ by taking the temperature- and magnetic-field-dependent spin-phonon scattering into account. Realization of low $κ$ which is easily tunable by magnetic fields in Cr$_2$Si$_2$Te$_6$, may further promote spincaloritronic applications of vdW magnets. Our theoretical approach may also provide a generic understanding of spin-phonon scattering, which appears to play important roles in various systems.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2023

Charge fluctuations above $T_\mathrm{CDW}$ revealed by glasslike thermal transport in kagome metals $A$V$_3$Sb$_5$ ($A$ = K, Rb, Cs)

We present heat capacity, electrical and thermal transport measurements of kagome metals $A$V$_3$Sb$_5$ ($A$ = K, Rb, Cs). In all three compounds, development of short-range charge fluctuations above the charge density wave (CDW) transition temperature $T_\mathrm{CDW}$ strongly scatters phonons via electron-phonon coupling, leading to glasslike phonon heat transport, i.e., phonon thermal conductivity decreases weakly upon cooling. Once the long-range charge order sets in below $T_\mathrm{CDW}$, short-range charge fluctuations are quenched, and the typical Umklapp scattering dominated phonon heat transport is recovered. The charge-fluctuations-induced glasslike phonon thermal conductivity implies sizable electron-phonon coupling in $A$V$_3$Sb$_5$.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2023

Electrical and thermal transport properties of kagome metals $A$Ti$_3$Bi$_5$ ($A$ = Rb, Cs)

We report electrical and thermal transport properties of single crystalline kagome metals $A$Ti$_3$Bi$_5$ ($A$ = Rb, Cs). Different from the structural similar kagome superconductors $A$V$_3$Sb$_5$, no charge density wave instabilities are found in $A$Ti$_3$Bi$_5$. At low temperatures below 5 K, signatures of superconductivity appear in $A$Ti$_3$Bi$_5$ as seen in magnetization measurements. However, bulk superconductivity is not evidenced by specific heat results. Similar to $A$V$_3$Sb$_5$, $A$Ti$_3$Bi$_5$ show nonlinear magnetic field dependence of the Hall effect below about 70 K, pointing to a multiband nature. Unlike $A$V$_3$Sb$_5$ in which phonons and electron-phonon coupling play important roles in thermal transport, the thermal conductivity in $A$Ti$_3$Bi$_5$ is dominated by electronic contributions. Moreover, our calculated electronic structure suggests that van Hove singularities are sitting well above the Fermi energy. Compared with $A$V$_3$Sb$_5$, the absence of charge orders in $A$Ti$_3$Bi$_5$ is closely associated with minor contributions from electron-phonon coupling and/or van Hove singularities.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2023

Anomalous Nernst effect in a ferrimagnetic nodal-line semiconductor Mn$_3$Si$_2$Te$_6$

In the ferrimagnetic nodal-line semiconductor Mn$_3$Si$_2$Te$_6$, colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) arises below $T_\mathrm{c}=78$ K due to the interplay of magnetism and topological nodal-line fermiology. The Berry curvature associated with the topological nodal-line is expected to produce an anomalous Nernst effect. Here, we present sizable anomalous Nernst signal in Mn$_3$Si$_2$Te$_6$ below $T_\mathrm{c}$. In the low-magnetic-field region where CMR is most apparent, the scaling ratio between the Nernst signal and magnetization is significantly enhanced compared to that in conventional magnetic materials. The enhanced Nernst effect and CMR likely share the same mechanisms, which are closely linked to the nodal-line topology.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2022

Tuning of Quantum Paraelectricity of M-type Hexaferrite BaFe12O19 by External Parameters

M-type hexaferrite BaFe12O19 was recently reported to be a new type of quantum paraelectrics with triangular lattice by showing a low temperature dielectric plateau due to quantum fluctuation. It has also been proposed to have a possible quantum-dipole liquid ground state. To suppress its quantum fluctuations and reach a possible quantum critical point, we have tuned its quantum paraelectricity in three ways: (i) 57Fe isotope replacement; (ii) in-plane compressive strain; and (iii) hydrostatic pressure. It is found that 95% 57Fe replacement and the in-plane strain are more effective to drive its ground state closer to a critical region by inducing a peak feature in the temperature dependence of dielectric constant. In contrast, the application of hydrostatic pressure pushed the system away from the quantum critical point by gradually suppressing the plateau feature in dielectric constant. Our combined efforts reveal the potential of the M-type hexaferrites for studying the quantum critical behaviors.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2022

Multiband effects in thermoelectric and electrical transport properties of kagome superconductors $A$V$_3$Sb$_5$ ($A$ = K, Rb, Cs)

We studied the effects of multiband electronic structure on the thermoelectric and electrical transport properties in the normal state of kagome superconductors $A$V$_3$Sb$_5$ ($A$ = K, Rb, Cs). In all three members, the multiband nature is manifested by sign changes in the temperature dependence of the Seebeck and Hall resistivity, together with sublinear response of the isothermal Nernst and Hall effects to external magnetic fields in the charge ordered state. Moreover, ambipolar transport effects appear ubiquitously in all three systems, giving rise to sizable Nernst signal. Finally, possible origins of the sign reversal in the temperature dependence of the Hall effect are discussed.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2022

Observation of enhanced spin-spin correlations at triple point in 2D ferromagnetic Cr2X2Te6 (X=Si, Ge)

The domain dynamics and spin-spin correlation of 2D ferromagnets Cr2X2Te6 (X=Si, Ge) are investigated by a composite magnetoelectric method. The magnetic field-temperature phase diagrams for both in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic fields disclose a triple point around TC and 1 kOe, where ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, and spin-polarized phases coexist. The magnetoelectric signal shows peak features at the phase boundaries and reaches the maximum at the triple point, suggesting significant enhancement of spin-spin correlations at this point. A comparison between two systems reveals that the spin-spin correlations in Cr2Si2Te6 are stronger than that in Cr2Ge2Te6.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2022

Comparison of skyrmion phases between poly and single-crystal MnSi by composite magnetoelectric method

We have explored the skyrmion phases and phase diagram of poly and single-crystal MnSi by the measurements of the magnetoelectric coefficient alfaE and ac magnetic susceptibility of the MnSi/PMN-PT composite. We found that the regular skyrmion lattice phase in single crystal sample has been averaged in the MnSi polycrystal due to random grain orientations which results in an extended skyrmion lattice-conical mixture phase down to 25 K. The magnitude of the out-of-phase component in alfaE of the polycrystal, not single crystal, decreases gradually with decreasing frequency. With the changing of the driven ac field, it reveals a depinning threshold behavior in both samples. The depinning field is stronger in the polycrystal than that in single crystal and maybe responsible for the diminishing of dissipative behavior at lower frequency due to grain boundaries and defects. The composite magnetoelectric method provides a unique approach to probe topological phase dynamics.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2022

Physical realization of topological Roman surface by spin-induced ferroelectric polarization in cubic lattice

Topology, a mathematical concept in geometry, has become an ideal theoretical tool for describing topological states and phase transitions. Many topological concepts have found their physical entities in real or reciprocal spaces identified by topological/geometrical invariants, which are usually defined on orientable surfaces such as torus and sphere. It is natural to quest whether it is possible to find the physical realization of more intriguing non-orientable surfaces. Herein, we show that the set of spin-induced ferroelectric polarizations in cubic perovskite oxides AMn3Cr4O12 (A = La and Tb) resides on the topological Roman surface, a non-orientable two-dimensional manifold formed by sewing a Mobius strip edge to that of a disc. The induced polarization may travel in a loop along the non-orientable Mobius strip or orientable disc depending on how the spin evolves as controlled by external magnetic field. Experimentally, the periodicity of polarization can be the same or the twice of the rotating magnetic field, being well consistent with the orientability of disc and Mobius strip, respectively. This path dependent topological magnetoelectric effect presents a way to detect the global geometry of the surface and deepens our understanding of topology in both mathematics and physics

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2021

Charge-driven transtive devices via electric field control of magnetism in a helimagnet

Transtor and memtranstor are the fourth basic linear and memory elements, which allows direct coupling of charge (q) to magnetic flux (ϕ) via linear and non-linear ME effects, respectively. It is found here that large variation of magnetization by electric field is realized in both linear and nonlinear hysteretic styles in a magnetoelectric Y-type hexaferrite Ba0.5Sr1.5Zn2(Fe0.92Al0.08)12O22 single-crystal. Moreover, based on the spin current model, the underlying microscopic mechanisms for generating the two types of linear and nonlinear M vs E curves are understood as E induced changes of cone angle and sign of P respectively, establishing the charge-driven transtor and memtranstor in the Y-type hexaferrite system. This work points to a promising pathway to develop unique circuit functionalities using the magnetoelectric materials.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗