Search

Network-based biocomputation (NBC) is an alternative parallel computing paradigm that encodes combinatorial problems into a nanofabricated device's graphical network of channels, enabling cytoskeletal filaments propelled by molecular motors to explore the problems' solution space. NBC promises to require significantly less energy than traditional computers due to the high energy efficiency of molecular motors. However, error rates associated with the pass junction crossing, the primary path-regulating geometry, pose a bottleneck for scaling up this technology. Here, we optimize the geometry of the pass junction for low error rates for the actin-myosin system. To do so, we evaluate various pass junction designs that differ in features, such as the nanochannel width, junction crossing area, and angles of a funnel-shaped output part of the junction. Error rates were measured experimentally by using gliding motility assay and as well as by simulation methods. The final optimized design displayed a decreased error rate of under 1 percent compared to the previous 2-4 percent. We anticipate this improvement will enable scaling up NBC networks from tens to hundreds of pass junctions. However, the results of 2D junction optimizations also suggest that further drastic reduction of error rates in two-dimensional pass junctions is unlikely, necessitating three-dimensional junctions, such as bridges or tunnels, for complete error rate mitigation. Furthermore, the simulation results demonstrate that including a layer of myosin motor on the channel provides a better fit between simulation and experimental results., Comment: 22 pages plus supplementary information, 6 figures

Low-dimensional quantum magnets are a versatile materials platform for studying the emergent many-body physics and collective excitations that can arise even in systems with only short-range interactions. Understanding their low-temperature structure and spin Hamiltonian is key to explaining their magnetic properties, including unconventional quantum phases, phase transitions, and excited states. We study the metal-organic coordination compound (C$_5$H$_9$NH$_3$)$_2$CuBr$_4$ and its deuterated counterpart, which upon its discovery was identified as a candidate two-leg quantum ($S = 1/2$) spin ladder in the strong-leg coupling regime. By growing large single crystals and probing them with both bulk and microscopic techniques, we deduce that two previously unknown structural phase transitions take place between 136 K and 113 K. The low-temperature structure has a monoclinic unit cell giving rise to two inequivalent spin ladders. We further confirm the absence of long-range magnetic order down to 30 mK and discuss the implications of this two-ladder structure for the magnetic properties of (C$_5$H$_9$NH$_3$)$_2$CuBr$_4$.

ReRecent studies in machine learning are based on models in which parameters or state variables are bounded restricted. These restrictions are from prior information to ensure the validity of scientific theories or structural consistency based on physical phenomena. The valuable information contained in the restrictions must be considered during the estimation process to improve estimation accuracy. Many researchers have focused on linear regression models subject to linear inequality restrictions, but generalized linear models have received little attention. In this paper, the parameters of beta Bayesian regression models subjected to linear inequality restrictions are estimated. The proposed Bayesian restricted estimator, which is demonstrated by simulated studies, outperforms ordinary estimators. Even in the presence of multicollinearity, it outperforms the ridge estimator in terms of the standard deviation and the mean squared error. The results confirm that the proposed Bayesian restricted estimator makes sparsity in parameter estimating without using the regularization penalty. Finally, a real data set is analyzed by the new proposed Bayesian estimation method., Comment: 16 pages, 7 tables

Strongly correlated electron materials are often characterized by competition and interplay of multiple quantum states. For example, in high-temperature cuprate superconductors unconventional superconductivity, spin- and charge-density wave orders coexist. A key question is whether competing states coexist on the atomic scale or if they segregate into distinct 'islands'. Using X-ray diffraction, we investigate the competition between charge order and superconductivity in the archetypal cuprate La(2-x)BaxCuO4, around the x = 1/8-doping, where uniaxial stress restores optimal 3D superconductivity at approximately 0.06 GPa. We find that the charge order peaks and the correlation length along the stripe are strongly reduced up to the critical stress, above which they stay constant. Simultaneously, the charge order onset temperature only shows a modest decrease. Our findings suggest that optimal 3D superconductivity is not linked to the absence of charge stripes but instead requires their arrangement into smaller 'islands'. Our results provide insight into the length scales over which the interplay between superconductivity and charge order takes place.

The collective response of metal nanostructures to optical excitation leads to localized plasmon generation with nanoscale field confinement driving applications in e.g. quantum optics, optoelectronics, and nanophotonics, where a bottleneck is the ultrafast loss of coherence by different damping channels. The present understanding is built-up on indirect measurements dictated by the extreme timescales involved. Here, we introduce a straightforward field sampling method that allows to measure the plasmonic field of arbitrary nanostructures in the most relevant petahertz regime. We compare experimental data for colloidal nanoparticles to finite-difference-time-domain calculations, which show that the dephasing of the plasmonic excitation can be resolved with sub-cycle resolution. Furthermore, we observe a substantial reshaping of the spectral phase of the few-cycle pulse induced by this collective excitation and we demonstrate ad-hoc pulse shaping by tailoring the plasmonic sample. The results pave the way towards both a fundamental understanding of ultrafast energy transformation in nanosystems and practical applications of nanostructures in extreme scale spatio-temporal control of light., Comment: 31 pages, 19 figures

Appearance of quantum oscillations (QO) in both thermodynamic and transport properties of metals at low temperatures is the most striking experimental consequence of the existence of a Fermi surface (FS). The frequency of these oscillations and the temperature dependence of their amplitude provides essential information about the FS topology and fermionic quasiparticle properties. Here, we report the observation of an anomalous suppression of the QO amplitude seen in resistivity (Shubnikov de-Haas effect) at sub-kelvin temperatures in ZrTe5 samples with a single small FS sheet comprising less than 5% of the first Brillouin zone. By comparing these results with measurements of the magneto-acoustic QO and the recovery of the usual Lifshitz-Kosevich behavior of the Shubnikov de-Haas (SdH) effect in ZrTe$_5$ samples with a multi-sheet FS, we show that the suppression of the SdH effect originates from a decoupling of the electron liquid from the lattice. On crossing the so-called Bloch-Gr\"uneisen temperature, T$_BG$, electron-phonon scattering becomes strongly suppressed and in the absence of Umklapp scattering the electronic liquid regains Galilean invariance. In addition, we show, using a combination of zero-field electrical conductivity and ultrasonic-absorption measurements, that entering this regime leads to an abrupt increase of electronic viscosity.

We investigated the electronic structure of the antiferromagnetic Kondo lattice CePd5Al2 using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The experimentally determined band structure of the conduction electrons is predominated by the Pd 4d character. It contains multiple hole and electron Fermi pockets, in good agreement with density functional theory calculations. The Fermi surface is folded over Q0 = (0, 0, 1), manifested by Fermi surface reconstruction and band folding. Our results suggest that Fermi surface nesting drives the formation of antiferromagnetic order in CePd5Al2., Comment: 6 pages,3 figure

We report on the synthesis of LiCrTe$_2$ single crystals and on their anisotropic magnetic properties. We have obtained these single crystals by employing a Te/Li-flux synthesis method. We find LiCrTe$_2$ to crystallize in a TlCdS$_2$ -type structure with cell parameters of $a$ = 3.9512(5) \r{A} and $c$ = 6.6196(7) \r{A} at $T$ = 175 K. The content of lithium in these crystals was determined to be near stoichiometric by means of neutron diffraction. We find a pronounced magnetic transition at $T^{\rm ab}_{\rm N}$ = 144 K and $T^{\rm c}_{\rm N}$ = 148 K, respectively. These transition temperatures are substantially higher than earlier reports on polycrystalline samples. We have performed neutron powder diffraction measurements that reveal that the long-range low-temperature magnetic structure of single crystalline LiCrTe$_2$ is an A-type antiferromagnetic (AFM) structure. Our DFT calculations are in good agreement with these experimental observations. We find the system to be easy axis with moments oriented along the $c$-direction experimentally as well as in our calculations. Thereby, the magnetic Hamiltonian can be written as $H = H_{\rm Heisenberg} + \sum_i K_c (S_i^z)^2$ with $K_c=-0.34K$ (where $|S^z|=\frac{3}{2}$). We find LiCrTe$_2$ to be highly anisotropic, with a pronounced metamagnetic transition for $H \perp ab$ with a critical field of $\mu H_{MM}$(5 K) $\approx$ 2.5 T. Using detailed orientation-dependent magnetization measurements, we have determined the magnetic phase diagram of this material. Our findings suggest that LiCrTe$_2$ is a promising material for exploring the interplay between crystal structure and magnetism, and could have potential applications in spin-based 2D devices.

This paper reports the first experimental observation of phonons and their softening on single crystalline LaPt$_2$Si$_2$ via inelastic neutron scattering. From the temperature dependence of the phonon frequency in close proximity to the charge-density wave (CDW) $q$-vector, we obtain a CDW transition temperature of T$_{CDW}$ = 230 K and a critical exponent $\beta$ = 0.28 $\pm$ 0.03. This value is suggestive of a non-conventional critical behavior for the CDW phase transition in LaPt$_2$Si$_2$, compatible with a scenario of CDW discommensuration (DC). The DC would be caused by the existence of two CDWs in this material, propagating separately in the non equivalent (Si1-Pt2-Si1) and (Pt1-Si2-Pt1) layers respectively, with transition temperatures T$_{CDW-1}$ = 230 K and T$_{CDW-2}$ = 110 K. A strong $q$-dependence of the electron-phonon coupling has been identified as the driving mechanism for the CDW transition at T$_{CDW-1}$ = 230 K while a CDW with 3-dimensional character, and Fermi surface quasi-nesting as a driving mechanism, is suggested for the transition at T$_{CDW-2}$ = 110 K. Our results clarify some aspects of the CDW transition in LaPt$_2$Si$_2$, which have been so far misinterpreted by both theoretical predictions and experimental observations, and give direct insight into its actual temperature dependence.

Molecular chirality is a key design property for many technologies including bioresponsive imaging, circularly polarized light detection and emission, molecular motors and switches. Imaging and manipulating the primary steps of transient chirality is therefore central for controlling numerous physical, chemical and biological properties that arise from chiral molecules in response to external stimuli. So far, the manifestation of electron-driven chiral dynamics in neutral molecules has not been demonstrated at their intrinsic timescale. Here, we use time-resolved photoelectron circular dichroism (TR-PECD) with an unprecedented instrument response function of 2.9 fs to image the dynamics of coherent electronic motion activated by prompt UV-excitation in neutral chiral molecules, disclosing its impact on the molecular chiral response. We find that electronic beatings between Rydberg states lead to periodic modulations of the chiroptical response on the few-femtosecond timescale, showing a sign inversion in less than 10 fs. Calculations including both the molecular UV-excitation and subsequent photoionization confirm this interpretation and provide further evidence that the combination of the resulting photoinduced chiral current with a circularly polarized probe pulse realizes an enantio-selective filter of molecular orientations upon photoionization, opening up a route towards enantio-selective charge-directed reactivity.

A Muon Spin Rotation ($\mu$+SR) study was conducted to investigate the magnetic properties of SrCu2(BO3)2 (SCBO) as a function of temperature/pressure. Measurements in zero field and transverse field confirm the absence of long range magnetic order at high pressures and low temperatures. These measurements suggest changes in the Cu spin fluctuations characteristics above 21 kbar, consistent with the formation of a plaquette phase as previously suggested by inelastic neutron scattering measurements. SCBO is the only known realisation of the Shatry-Sutherland model, thus the ground state mediating the dimer and antiferromagnetic phase is likekly to be a plaquette state.

LiFePO$_4$ (LFPO) is an archetypical and well-known cathode material for rechargeable Li-ion batteries. However, its quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) structure along with the Fe ions, LFPO also displays interesting low-temperature magnetic properties. Our team has previously utilized the muon spin rotation ($\mu^+$SR) technique to investigate both magnetic spin order as well as Li-ion diffusion in LFPO. In this initial study we extend our investigation and make use of high-pressure $\mu^+$SR to investigate effects on the low-$T$ magnetic order. Contrary to theoretical predictions we find that the magnetic ordering temperature as well as the ordered magnetic moment increase at high pressure (compressive strain)., Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, submitted as a part of the International Conference on Muon Spin Rotation, Relaxation and Resonance 2022. Accepted Dec 2022

The mixed valence Cr compound NaCr$_2$O$_4$, synthesized using a high-pressure technique, offers a unique playground for investigating unconventional physical properties in condensed matter. In the present study, muon spin rotation/relaxation ($\mu^+$SR) and high-resolution neutron powder diffraction (NPD) measurements were carried out to clarify the true magnetic ground state of this interesting compound. Our detailed study brings new insight, allowing us to confirm the existence of a commensurate antiferromagnetic order (C-AFM) and to extract its ordered Cr moment $\mu^{\rm C}_{\rm Cr}=(4.30\pm0.01)\mu_B$. Such a value of the ordered moment is in fact compatible with the existence of high-spin Cr sites. Further, the value of the canting angle of the Cr spin axial vector is refined as $\theta_{\rm c}=(8.8\pm0.5)^{\circ}$. Employing high-quality samples in combination with time-of-flight NPD, a novel magnetic supercell was also revealed. Such supercell display an incommensurate (IC)-AFM propagation vector (0~0~${\textstyle \frac{1}{2}-}\delta$), having an ordered moment $\mu^{\rm IC}_{\rm Cr}=(2.20\pm0.03)\mu_B$. It is suggested that the C-AFM and IC-AFM modulations are due to itinerant and localized contributions to the magnetic moment, respectively. Finally, the direct measurement of the magnetic order parameter provided a value of the critical exponent $\beta = 0.245 \approx \frac{1}{4}$, suggesting a non conventional critical behavior for the magnetic phase transition in NaCr$_2$O$_4$.

In this work we present systematic set of measurements carried out by muon spin rotation/relaxation ($\mu^+$SR) and neutron powder diffraction (NPD) on the solid solution Na$_{\rm x}$Ca$_{1- \rm x}$Cr$_2$O$_4$. This study investigates Na-ion dynamics in the quasi-1D (Q1D) diffusion channels created by the honeycomb-like arrangement of CrO$_6$ octahedra, in the presence of defects introduced by Ca doping. With increasing Ca content, the size of the diffusion channels is enlarged, however, this effect does not enhance the Na ion mobility. Instead the overall diffusivity is hampered by the local defects and the Na hopping probability is lowered. The diffusion mechanism in Na$_{\rm x}$Ca$_{1- \rm x}$Cr$_2$O$_4$ was found to be interstitial and the activation energy as well as diffusion coefficient were determined for all the members of the solid solution.

The quasi-2D Pt-based rare earth intermetallic material LaPt$_2$Si$_2$ has attracted attention as it exhibits strong interplay between charge density wave (CDW) and and superconductivity (SC). However, the most of the results reported on this material come from theoretical calculations, preliminary bulk investigations and powder samples, which makes it difficult to uniquely determine the temperature evolution of its crystal structure and, consequently, of its CDW transition. Therefore, the published literature around LaPt$_2$Si$_2$ is often controversial. In this paper, we clarify the complex evolution of the crystal structure, and the temperature dependence of the development of density wave transitions, in good quality LaPt$_2$Si$_2$ single crystals, with high resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction data. According to our findings, on cooling from room temperature LaPt$_2$Si$_2$ undergoes a series of subtle structural transitions which can be summarised as follows: second order commensurate tetragonal ($P4/nmm$)-to-incommensurate structure followed by a first order incommensurate-to-commensurate orthorhombic ($Pmmn$) transition and then a first order commensurate orthorhombic ($Pmmn$)-to-commensurate tetragonal ($P4/nmm$). The structural transitions are accompanied by both incommensurate and commensurate superstructural distortions of the lattice. The observed behavior is compatible with discommensuration of the CDW in this material.

The recent synthesis of the chromium selenide compound LiCrSe$_2$ constitutes a valuable addition to the ensemble of two-dimensional triangular lattice antiferromagnets (2D-TLA). In this work we present the very first comprehensive study of the combined low temperature nuclear and magnetic structure established in this material. Details on the connection between Li-ion dynamics and structural changes are also presented along with a direct link between atomic structure and spin order via a strong magnetoelastic coupling. LiCrSe$_2$ was found to undergo a first order structural transition from a trigonal crystal system with space group $P\bar{3}m1$ to a monoclinic one with space group $C2/m$ at $T_{\rm s}=30$~K. Such restructuring of the lattice is accompanied by a magnetic transition at $T_{\rm N}=30$~K, with the formation of a complex spin arrangement for the Cr$^{3+}$ moments. Refinement of the magnetic structure with neutron diffraction data and complementary muon spin rotation analysis reveal the presence of two incommensurate magnetic domains with a up-up-down-down arrangement of the spins with ferromagnetic (FM) double chains coupled antiferromagnetically (AFM). In addition to this unusual arrangement, the spin axial vector is modulated both in direction and modulus, resulting in a spin density wave-like order with periodic suppression of the Cr moment along the chains. This behavior is believed to appear as a result of strong competition between direct exchange AFM and superexchange FM couplings established between both nearest neighbor and next nearest neighbor Cr$^{3+}$ ions. We finally conjecture that the resulting magnetic order is stabilized via subtle vacancy/charge order within the Li layers, potentially causing a mix of two different magnetic phases within the sample.

The van der Waals ferromagnet (FM), VI$_3$, was studied by muon spin relaxation ($\mu^+$SR) and first principle calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). Temperature dependent zero field muon spin relaxation ($\mu^+$SR) measurements confirm the onset of long range FM order and the time spectra exhibits clear muon spin precession frequencies for $T

For quantum systems or materials, a common procedure for probing their behaviour is to tune electronic/magnetic properties using external parameters, e.g. temperature, magnetic field or pressure. Pressure application as an external stimuli is a widely used tool, where the sample in question is inserted into a pressure cell providing a hydrostatic pressure condition. Such device causes some practical problems when using in Muon Spin Rotation/Relaxation ($\mu^+$SR) experiments as a large proportion of the muons will be implanted in the pressure cell rather than in the sample, resulting in a higher background signal. This issue gets further amplified when the temperature dependent response from the sample is much smaller than that of the pressure cell,which may cause the sample response to be lost in the background and cause difficulties in aligning the sample within the beam. To tackle this issue, we have used pySRIM to construct a practical and helpful simulation tool for calculating muon stopping fractions, specifically for the pressure cell setup at the $\mu$E1 beamline using the GPD spectrometer at the Paul Scherrer Institute, with the use of TRIM simulations. The program is used to estimate the number of muon stopping in both the sample and the pressure cell at a given momentum. The simulation tool is programmed into a GUI, making it accessible to user to approximate prior to their experiments at GPD what fractions will belong to the sample and the pressure cell in their fitting procedure., Comment: 8 Pages, 3 Figures, Conference proceedings for 15th international conference on muon spin rotation, relaxation and resonance

Two$-$dimensional (2D) triangular lattices antiferromagnets (2D$-$TLA) often manifest intriguing physical and technological properties, due to the strong interplay between lattice geometry and electronic properties. The recently synthesized 2$-$dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide LiCrTe$_2$, being a 2D$-$TLA, enriched the range of materials which can present such properties. In this work, muon spin rotation ($\mu^+$SR) and neutron powder diffraction (NPD) have been utilized to reveal the true magnetic nature and ground state of LiCrTe$_2$. From high$-$resolution NPD the magnetic spin order at base$-$temperature is not, as previously suggested, helical, but rather collinear antiferromagnetic (AFM) with ferromagnetic (FM) spin coupling within the $ab-$plane and AFM coupling along the $c-$axis. The ordered magnetic Cr moment is established as $\mu_{\rm Cr}=$ 2.36 $\mu_{\rm B}$. From detailed $\mu^+$SR measurements we observe an AFM ordering temperature $T_{\rm N}\approx$ 125 K. This value is remarkably higher than the one previously reported by magnetic bulk measurements. From $\mu^+$SR we are able to extract the magnetic order parameter, whose critical exponent allows us to categorize LiCrTe$_2$ in the 3D Heisenberg AFM universality class. Finally, by combining our magnetic studies with high$-$resolution synchrotron X$-$ray diffraction (XRD), we find a clear coupling between the nuclear and magnetic spin lattices. This suggests the possibility for a strong magnon$-$phonon coupling, similar to what has been previously observed in the closely related compound LiCrO$_2$.

Rhenium oxides belonging to the family $A$ReO$_4$ where $A$ is a metal cation, exhibit interesting electronic and magnetic properties. In this study we have utilized the muon spin rotation/relaxation ($\mu^+$SR) technique to study the magnetic properties of the MgReO$_4$ compound. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation reported on this interesting material, that is stabilized in a wolframite crystal structure using a special high-pressure synthesis technique. Bulk magnetic studies show the onset of an antiferromagnetic (AF) long range order, or a possible singlet spin state at $T_{\rm C1}\approx90$~K, with a subtle second high-temperature transition at $T_{\rm C2}\approx280$~K. Both transitions are also confirmed by heat capacity ($C_p$) measurements. From our $\mu^+$SR measurements, it is clear that the sample enters an AF order below $T_{\rm C1}=T_{\rm N}\approx85$~K. We find no evidence of magnetic signal above $T_{\rm N}$, which indicates that $T_{\rm C2}$ is likely linked to a structural transition. Further, via sensitive zero field (ZF) $\mu^+$SR measurements we find evidence of a spin reorientation at $T_{\rm Cant}\approx65$~K. This points towards a transition from a collinear AF into a canted AF order at low temperature, which is proposed to be driven by competing magnetic interactions.

Real-world topological semimetals typically exhibit Dirac and Weyl nodes that coexist with trivial Fermi pockets. This tends to mask the physics of the relativistic quasiparticles. Using the example of ZrTe5, we show that strain provides a powerful tool for in-situ tuning of the band structure such that all trivial pockets are pushed far away from the Fermi energy, but only for a certain range of Van der Waals gaps. Our results naturally reconcile contradicting reports on the presence or absence of additional pockets in ZrTe$_5$, and provide a clear map of where to find a pure three-dimensional Dirac semimetallic phase in the structural parameter space of the material., Comment: 17 pages

The coupling of spin, charge and lattice degrees of freedom results in the emergence of novel states of matter across many classes of strongly correlated electron materials. A model example is unconventional superconductivity, which is widely believed to arise from the coupling of electrons via spin excitations. In cuprate high-temperature superconductors, the interplay of charge and spin degrees of freedom is also reflected in a zoo of charge and spin-density wave orders that are intertwined with superconductivity. A key question is whether the different types of density waves merely coexist or are indeed directly coupled. Here we use a novel neutron diffraction technique with superior beam-focusing that allows us to probe the subtle spin-density wave order in the prototypical high-temperature superconductor La1.88Sr0.12CuO4 under applied uniaxial pressure to demonstrate that it is immediately coupled with charge-density wave order. Our result shows that suitable models for high-temperature superconductivity must equally account for charge and spin degrees of freedom via uniaxial charge-spin stripe fluctuations.

The 3-Satisfiability Problem (3-SAT) is a demanding combinatorial problem, of central importance among the non-deterministic polynomial (NP) complete problems, with applications in circuit design, artificial intelligence and logistics. Even with optimized algorithms, the solution space that needs to be explored grows exponentially with increasing size of 3-SAT instances. Thus, large 3-SAT instances require excessive amounts of energy to solve with serial electronic computers. Network-based biocomputation (NBC) is a multidisciplinary parallel computation approach with drastically reduced energy consumption. NBC uses biomolecular motors to propel cytoskeletal filaments through nanofabricated networks that encode the mathematical problems. By stochastically exploring possible paths through the networks, the cytoskeletal filaments find possible solutions to the encoded problem instance. Here we first report a novel algorithm that converts 3-SAT into NBC-compatible network format. We demonstrate that this algorithm works in practice, by experimentally solving four small 3-SAT instances (with up to 3 variables and 5 clauses) using the actin-myosin biomolecular motor system. This is a key step towards the broad general applicability of NBC because polynomial conversions to 3-SAT exist for a wide set of important NP-complete problems.

Static stripe order is detrimental to superconductivity. Yet, it has been proposed that transverse stripe fluctuations may enhance the inter-stripe Josephson coupling and thus promote superconductivity. Direct experimental studies of stripe dynamics, however, remain difficult. From a strong-coupling perspective, transverse stripe fluctuations are realized in the form of dynamic "kinks" -- sideways shifting stripe sections. Here, we show how modest uniaxial pressure tuning reorganizes directional kink alignment. Our starting point is La$_{1.88}$Sr$_{0.12}$CuO$_4$, where transverse kink ordering results in a rotation of stripe order away from the crystal axis. Application of mild uniaxial pressure changes the ordering pattern and pins the stripe order to the crystal axis. This reordering occurs at a much weaker pressure than that to detwin the stripe domains and suggests a rather weak transverse stripe stiffness. Weak spatial stiffness and transverse quantum fluctuations are likely key prerequisites for stripes to coexist with superconductivity., Comment: Accepted in Nature Communications

X-ray absorption (XAS) and Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS) spectra of LaPt$_2$Si$_2$ single crystal at the Si L and La N edges are presented. The data are interpreted in terms of density functional theory, showing that the Si spectra can be described in terms of Si $s$ and $d$ local partial density of states (LPDOS), and the La spectra are due to quasi-atomic local $4f$ excitations. Calculations show that Pt $d$-LPDOS dominates the occupied states, and a sharp localized La $f$ state is found in the unoccupied states, in line with the observations.