Search

The interplay of topology, magnetism, and correlations gives rise to intriguing phases of matter. In this study, through state-of-the-art angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, density functional theory, and dynamical mean-field theory calculations, we visualize a fourfold degenerate Dirac nodal line at the boundary of the bulk Brillouin zone in the antiferromagnet YMn2Ge2. We further demonstrate that this gapless, antiferromagnetic Dirac nodal line is enforced by the combination of magnetism, space-time inversion symmetry, and nonsymmorphic lattice symmetry. The corresponding drumhead surface states traverse the whole surface Brillouin zone. YMn2Ge2 thus serves as a platform to exhibit the interplay of multiple degenerate nodal physics and antiferromagnetism. Interestingly, the magnetic nodal line displays a d-orbital dependent renormalization along its trajectory in momentum space, thereby manifesting Hund's coupling. Our findings offer insights into the effect of electronic correlations on magnetic Dirac nodal lines, leading to an antiferromagnetic Hund nodal line. The interplay of magnetism, various symmetries and correlations can lead to intriguing physics in the solid state. Here, the authors report signatures of a Hund nodal line in the antiferromagnet YMn2Ge2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using the two distinct methods known as the exp (- ϕ (η)) and the E x p a -function methods, various forms of soliton solutions of the modified equal width wave equation (MEWE) with beta time derivative (BTD) are produced in this study. This model is used as a model in partial differential equations for the simulation of one-dimensional wave transmission in nonlinear media with dispersion processes. The obtained solutions are in the form of rational, trigonometry and hyperbolic trigonometry functions. Using Mathematica software, the resulting solitons are validated. Graphs are also used at the conclusion to explain the findings. These soliton solutions imply that these two methods are more dependable, simple and efficient than other methods. The findings can be used to explain how studious structures and other comparable non-linear physical structures are substantially understood. The obtained results are very helpful in the fields of optics, kinetics solid-state physics and hydro-magnetic waves in cold plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kagome lattice is an exciting solid state physics platform for the emergence of nontrivial quantum states driven by electronic correlations: topological effects, unconventional superconductivity, charge and spin density waves, and unusual magnetic states such as quantum spin liquids. While kagome lattices have been realized in complex multi-atomic bulk compounds, here we demonstrate from first-principles a process that we dub kagomerization, in which we fabricate a two-dimensional kagome lattice in monolayers of transition metals utilizing an hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) overlayer. Surprisingly, h-BN induces a large rearrangement of the transition metal atoms supported on a fcc(111) heavy-metal surface. This reconstruction is found to be rather generic for this type of heterostructures and has a profound impact on the underlying magnetic properties, ultimately stabilizing various topological magnetic solitons such as skyrmions and bimerons. Our findings call for a reconsideration of h-BN as merely a passive capping layer, showing its potential for not only reconstructing the atomic structure of the underlying material, e.g. through the kagomerization of magnetic films, but also enabling electronic and magnetic phases that are highly sought for the next generation of device technologies. Using first-principles calculations, the authors highlight h-BN's role in reshaping transition metal monolayers into kagome lattices—a key structure in 2D physics—and in stabilizing topological solitons vital for advanced data storage solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive physical electro-thermal modeling approach is explored to investigate the intricate mechanisms underlying filament formation and the effect of surface perturbation in nanoscale Y2O3-based memristors. The approach integrates fundamental principles of solid-state physics, electrochemistry, and materials science to develop a detailed physical model that captures the key phenomena governing the operation of Y2O3 memristors. The simulation is carried out in a semiconductor physics-based tool, i.e., COMSOL Multiphysics with a defined MATLAB script, wherein simulation is based on the minimum free energy of the used materials at an applied input voltage. The fundamental processes in filament growth include ion migration, redox reactions, and vacancy dynamics within the Y2O3 lattice. Furthermore, the influence of surface perturbation on the overall device behavior, grain boundaries, and electrode interactions impact on memristor performance is also investigated. The surface perturbations significantly influenced the switching dynamics of the memristor, including variations in switching voltages, ON/OFF current ratio, filament radius, and filament temperature during the switching process. Therefore, the presented findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the physical mechanisms at play in Y2O3 memristors, offering valuable guidance for the design and engineering of these nanoscale devices for next-generation memory and neuromorphic computing applications. This physical modeling approach not only enhances our comprehension of memristor behavior but also paves the way for the development of more efficient and reliable memristor-based technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charge density waves (CDWs) involved with electronic and phononic subsystems simultaneously are a common quantum state in solid-state physics, especially in low-dimensional materials. However, CDW phase dynamics in various dimensions are yet to be studied, and their phase transition mechanism is currently moot. Here we show that using the distinct temperature evolution of orientation-dependent ultrafast electron and phonon dynamics, different dimensional CDW phases are verified in CuTe. When the temperature decreases, the shrinking of c-axis length accompanied with the appearance of interchain and interlayer interactions causes the quantum fluctuations (QF) of the CDW phase until 220 K. At T < 220 K, the CDWs on the different ab-planes are finally locked with each other in anti-phase to form a CDW phase along the c-axis. This study shows the dimension evolution of CDW phases in one CDW system and their stabilized mechanisms in different temperature regimes. Some materials host multiple charge density wave states, however, their dynamics and the nature of phase transitions are often unclear. Here, using temperature and orientation resolved ultrafast spectroscopy, the authors reveal charge density waves of different dimensionality in CuTe and elucidate their mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I describe aspects of my life in physics: the name I publish under, great physicists I have known, how I got into quantum foundations, what role I've played in it. My form is autobiographical, but my personal experience may illustrate what it was like being a physicist over the past sixty years. I offer some offbeat ways of thinking about some orthodox physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is devoted to one of the most interesting and actively developing fields in condensed matter physics—theory of topological insulators. Apart from its importance for theoretical physics, this theory enjoys numerous connections with modern mathematics, in particular, with topology and homotopy theory, Clifford algebras, K-theory and non-commutative geometry. From the physical point of view topological invariance is equivalent to adiabatic stability. Topological insulators are characterized by the broad energy gap, stable under small deformations, which motivates application of topological methods. A key role in the study of topological objects in the solid state physics is played by their symmetry groups. There are three main types of symmetries—time reversion symmetry, preservation of the number of particles (charge symmetry) and PH-symmetry (particle-hole symmetry). Based on the study of symmetry groups and representation theory of Clifford algebras Kitaev proposed a classification of topological objects in solid state physics. In this review we pay special attention to the topological insulators invariant under time reversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well-established and rapidly expanding field of molecular processes in excited systems, facilitated by the use of light sources, garners significant research interest from numerous experimental and theoretical groups worldwide. This highly interdisciplinary field establishes extensive connections with atomic, molecular and optical physics, astrophysics, biophysics, physical chemistry, solid-state physics and even molecular biology. The present topic provides an advanced overview of research activities in cutting-edge areas such as ultrafast lasers, nanoscale systems, atomic and molecule collisions on surfaces and molecular photofragmentation processes. The contributions to this subject encompass experimental, theoretical and computational studies conducted both at the fundamental level, exploring elementary mechanisms, and at a more applied level, addressing the requirements of diverse applications in nanotechnology and materials science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peierls transition that modifies electronic band structure has attracted intensive attention in solid state physics. In the present work, we report that a photonic analog of Peierls transition has been observed in a 1-D triangular metal diaphragm array, where the photonic bandgap structures have been designed at will by adjusting periodically metal diaphragm positions. It is shown by the numerical analysis that the transmission and radiation effect of the present periodic metal structure designed through the Peierls transition rule exhibits the behavior significantly different from an original periodic structure with each unit cell containing a metal diaphragm. The near- and far-field measurement results are in good agreement with our theoretical simulation. The present effect of photonic Peierls transition can serve as a working mechanism for designing new types of guided wave devices. It can be seen that the photonic Peierls transition would be one of the simplest ways for modifying the transport characteristics of electromagnetic waves in periodic structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tavis-Cummings (TC) cavity quantum electrodynamical effects, describing the interaction of N atoms with an optical resonator, are at the core of atomic, optical and solid state physics. The full numerical simulation of TC dynamics scales exponentially with the number of atoms. By restricting the open quantum system to a single excitation, typical of experimental realizations in quantum optics, we analytically solve the TC model with an arbitrary number of atoms with linear complexity. This solution allows us to devise the Quantum Mapping Algorithm of Resonator Interaction with N Atoms (Q-MARINA), an intuitive TC mapping to a quantum circuit with linear space and time scaling, whose N+1 qubits represent atoms and a lossy cavity, while the dynamics is encoded through 2N entangling gates. Finally, we benchmark the robustness of the algorithm on a quantum simulator and superconducting quantum processors against the quantum master equation solution on a classical computer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantum Hall effect is widely used for the investigation of fundamental phenomena, ranging from topological phases to composite fermions. In particular, the discovery of a room temperature resistance quantum in graphene is significant for compact resistance standards that can operate above cryogenic temperatures. However, this requires large magnetic fields that are accessible only in a few high magnetic field facilities. Here, we report on the quantum Hall effect in graphene encapsulated by the ferroelectric insulator CuInP2S6. Electrostatic gating of the graphene channel enables the Fermi energy to be tuned so that electrons in the localized states of the insulator are in equilibrium with the current-carrying, delocalized states of graphene. Due to the presence of strongly bound states in this hybrid system, a quantum Hall plateau is observed over a wide range of temperatures in relatively modest magnetic fields. The quantum Hall effect has had a profound impact on solid-state physics and has been investigated using different two-dimensional systems, including graphene. Here, the authors investigate graphene encapsulated by a ferroelectric insulator, CuInP2S6, where they observe a quantum Hall effect that endures over a wide temperature range in relatively modest magnetic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid state ionics is one of the key research topics of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia since its establishment. The research direction included topics ranging from electrochromic phenomena in transition metal oxides through gas sensors and electronic nose to materials for rechargeable battery electrodes and materials for hydrogen energy. By the late 1980s, the institute had become one of the biggest and most prolific solid state ionic centres in the USSR and Eastern Europe and continues to maintain its position among the regional leaders in the field. Regular regional conferences and workshops were organized and some of the published works can be ranked among the pioneering works in the world of science. This extensive historical review summarizes information on the development of solid state ionics, actual research and achievements from establishment of the institute to the present day. Currently many collaborations are ongoing with partners across Europe and beyond in research ranging from battery materials and smart windows for zero energy buildings to hydrogen production, maintaining and growing its strength as key national, regional, and international centre of research excellence in solid state ionics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tzitzéica equation, the Dodd–Bullough–Mikhailov equation, and the Tzitzéica–Dodd–Bullough equation arise in various branches of science and technology, such as solid state physics, nonlinear dynamics, nonlinear optics, and quantum field theory problems. In this paper, we discuss how to find more general wave solutions of these three nonlinear evolution equations with physical applications using the unified method. The unified method straightforwardly gives many more general solutions with free parameters without the need for extra hardware support. After performing calculations, the graphs of the solutions are plotted using Maple to give insight into the physical structure of the wave solution. Only some selected solutions are plotted to visualize their behavior. Considering the importance of having solutions for nonlinear wave phenomena, we clearly see that the method has many merits and demonstrates a comprehensive application to obtaining solutions in an efficient way. In addition, diverse types of geometrically structured solitons such as an anti-bell-shaped soliton, a flat soliton, a kink, and a singular soliton are produced by using arbitrary parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essay on the 100-year history of the formation and development of the Department of X-ray Diffraction Analysis, subsequently transformed into the Department of Solid State Physics of the Faculty of Physics of Moscow State University, is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the Mössbauer spectroscopy studies in the field of mechanochemical synthesis of functional composites, carried out for more than 25 years at Moscow State University (Faculty of Physics, Department of Solid State Physics) and at the Institute of Solid-State Chemistry and Mechanochemistry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Laboratory of Chemical Materials Science), are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the performance of soft barriers installed in the ground for screening shear and compression waves in saturated and dry grounds. The proposed barriers include the soil as a core surrounded by a soft material like foam. The barriers are arranged in periodic structures, and it is aimed to find their bandgaps using solid-state physics theories. Firstly, an ideal infinite lattice is considered, and its bandgaps and attenuation zones are found using Bloch–Floquet theory. Thereafter, a finite lattice of barriers is also investigated for practical purposes, and the minimum required number of barrier rows to obtaining similar bandgaps is obtained. The infinite and finite lattices are simulated using finite element COMSOL Multiphysics software with its inbuilt features. Also, the analyses are performed in dry and saturated grounds using elastodynamic and Biot's poroelastodynamic theories, respectively. Extensive parametric studies are also conducted on the material and geometric properties of the barriers, and the corresponding bandgap properties are discussed. The finite element simulations are performed in both frequency and time domains. The obtained results indicate the effectiveness of using soft barriers around the soil in a unit cell for screening the waves in dry and saturated grounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-invasive probes are keystones of fundamental research. Their size and maneuverability (in terms of, for example, speed, dissipated power) define their applicability range for a specific use. As such, solid-state physics possesses, e.g. atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), or scanning SQUID microscopy. In comparison, quantum fluids (superfluid 3 He, 4 He) are still lacking probes able to sense them (in a fully controllable manner) down to their smallest relevant lengthscales, namely the coherence length ξ 0 . In this work, we report on the fabrication and cryogenic characterisation of fully suspended (hanging over an open window, with no substrate underneath) Si 3 N 4 nano-beams, of width down to 50 nm and quality factor up to 10 5 . As a benchmark experiment we used them to investigate the Knudsen boundary layer of a rarefied gas: 4 He at very low pressures. The absence of the rarefaction effect due to the nearby chip surface discussed in Gazizulin et al. (Phys Rev Lett 120:036802, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.036802) is attested, while we report on the effect of the probe size itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an educational application of virtual reality that we created to help students gain an in-depth understanding of the internal structure of crystals and related key concepts. Teachers can use it to give lectures to small groups (10-15) of students in a shared virtual environment, both remotely (with teacher and students in different locations) and locally (while sharing the same physical space). Lectures can be recorded, stored in an online repository, and shared with students who can either review a recorded lecture in the same virtual environment or can use the application for self-studying by exploring a large collection of available crystal structures. We validated our application with human subjects receiving positive feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ever since its inception, coherent excited states of semiconductors have been the focus of semiconductor materials research to evolve into a vibrant field of low-dimensional solid-state physics. The field is gaining new momentum these days due to emerging transdimensional semiconductors such as van der Waals bound layers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) of controlled thickness. Here, we develop the theory of magnetic-field-induced Wigner crystallization for charged interlayer excitons (CIE) discovered recently in TMD heterobilayers. We derive the ratio of the potential interaction energy to the kinetic energy for the many-particle CIE system in the perpendicular magnetostatic field of an arbitrary strength and predict the crystallization effect in the strong field regime. We show that magnetic-field-induced Wigner crystallization and melting of CIEs can be observed in magneto-photoluminescence experiments with TMD bilayers of systematically varied electron-hole doping concentrations. Our results advance the capabilities of this new generation of transdimensional quantum materials. In a bilayer semiconductor system, electron-hole excitations, of which the simplest are electron-hole pairs known as excitons, can form by the interaction of charge carriers across the layers to come in various guises depending on the number and type of the charge carriers involved. Here, the authors theoretically investigate the Wigner crystallization of charged interlayer excitons as a function of perpendicular magnetic field applied, discussing how this phase transition could be detected in photoluminescence experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallogeny is the science of ore and mineral deposit formation in geological space and time. Metallogeny is interdisciplinary by nature, comprising elements of natural science disciplines such as planetology to solid state physics and chemistry, and volcanology. It is the experimental forefront of research and bold thinking, based on an ever-growing foundation of solid knowledge. Therefore, metallogeny is not a closed system of knowledge but a fast-growing assemblage of structured and unstructured information in perpetual flux. This paper intends to review its current state and trends. The latter may introduce speculation and fuzziness. Metallogeny has existed for over 100 years as a branch of Earth Science. From the discovery of plate tectonics (ca. 1950) to the end of the last century, metallogeny passed through a worldwide phase of formally published 'metallogenetic' maps. In the last decades, a rapidly growing number of scientists, digitization and splendid new tools fundamentally boosted research. More innovations may be expected by the growing use of an evolving systematic 'Geodata Science' for metallogenic research by an increasingly global human talent pool. Future requirements for metallic and mineral raw materials, especially the critical natural elements and compounds that are needed for the nascent carbon-free economy, already drive activities on stock markets and in the resource industry. State geological surveys, academia and private companies embrace the challenges. The new age requires intensified metallogenic backing. In this paper, principles of metallogeny are recalled concerning concepts and terms. A metallogenic classification of ore and mineral deposits is proposed, and the intimate relations of metallogenesis with geodynamics are sketched (ancient lid tectonics and modern plate tectonics). Metallogenic models assemble a great diversity of data that allow an ever better understanding of ore formation, foremost by illuminating the geological source-to-trap migration of ore metals, the petrogenetic and geodynamic–tectonic setting, the spatial architecture of ore deposits and the nature and precise timing of involved processes. Applied metallogeny allows companies to choose strategy and tactics for exploration investment and for planning the work. Based on comprehensive metallogenic knowledge, mineral system analysis (MSA) selects those elements of complex metallogenic models, which are detectable and can guide exploration in order to support applications such as mineral prospectivity mapping, mineral potential evaluation and targeting of detailed investigations. MSA founded on metallogenic models can be applied across whole continents, or at the scale of regional greenfield search, or in brownfields at district to camp scale. By delivering the fundamental keys for MSA, supported by unceasing innovative research, the stream of new metallogenic insights is essential for improving endowment estimates and for successful exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isospectral flows appear in a variety of applications, e.g. the Toda lattice in solid state physics or in discrete models for two-dimensional hydrodynamics. The isospectral property thereby often corresponds to mathematically or physically important conservation laws. The most prominent feature of these systems, i.e. the conservation of the eigenvalues of the matrix state variable, should therefore be retained when discretizing these systems. Recently, it was shown how isospectral Runge-Kutta methods can in the Lie-Poisson case be obtained through Hamiltonian reduction of symplectic Runge-Kutta methods on the cotangent bundle of a Lie group. We provide the Lagrangian analogue and, in the case of symplectic diagonally implicit Runge-Kutta methods, derive the methods through a discrete Euler-Poincaré reduction. Our derivation relies on a formulation of diagonally implicit isospectral Runge-Kutta methods in terms of the Cayley transform, generalizing earlier work that showed this for the implicit midpoint rule. Our work is also a generalization of earlier variational Lie group integrators that, interestingly, appear when these are interpreted as update equations for intermediate time points. From a practical point of view, our results allow for a simple implementation of higher order isospectral methods and we demonstrate this with numerical experiments where both the isospectral property and energy are conserved to high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many phenomena in electronics, optics, solid-state physics, and cell biology are explained by dielectrics. Despite the name insulator, polarizable materials are typically referred to as dielectrics, as they have low electrical conduction. However, with temperature and suitable dopant, such materials can enhance their conduction. Single crystals of pure and L-Leucine (1 mol% and 2 mol%) doped potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals were grown from aqueous solutions at room temperature. Paper chromatography indicated the existence of the dopant in the crystals. L-Leucine, for instance, has aliphatic side chains which assume a zwitterionic state at neutral pH. The crystals were subjected to impedance spectroscopy to study their dielectric behaviour and conduction mechanism in the temperature range of 323–373 K and the frequency range of 100 Hz to 1 MHz. For both pure and L-Leucine doped KDP crystals, electrical parameters such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss, complex impedance modulus, alternating current (a.c.), and direct current (d.c.) conductivities have been measured as functions of frequency, temperature, and doping. The conductivity of the crystals changes with temperature suggesting it to be a thermally induced process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article highlights two aspects at the intersection between Rashba physics and topological matter. Topologically nontrivial matter has been in the focus for almost two decades. It depends strongly on spin–orbit coupling but, in contrast to large parts of modern solid state physics, strong electron correlation does not play a major role. In this context, SmB6 has been suggested as the first topological insulator driven by strong electron correlation and the first topological Kondo insulator. We review the important role of the Rashba splitting in determining that the observed surface states are not topological. Moreover, we point out that the Rashba splitting of SmB6 represents the extreme case of a large splitting in momentum space at a small Rashba parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article highlights two aspects at the intersection between Rashba physics and topological matter. Topologically nontrivial matter has been in the focus for almost two decades. It depends strongly on spin–orbit coupling but, in contrast to large parts of modern solid state physics, strong electron correlation does not play a major role. In this context, SmB6 has been suggested as the first topological insulator driven by strong electron correlation and the first topological Kondo insulator. We review the important role of the Rashba splitting in determining that the observed surface states are not topological. Moreover, we point out that the Rashba splitting of SmB6 represents the extreme case of a large splitting in momentum space at a small Rashba parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Together with Max Planck, his doctoral advisor, Laue (the "von" entered his name in 1913) counts among the first physicists who accepted and further developed Einstein's theory of relativity. As with Laue's work on the special theory of relativity, no effort is made to discuss his contributions to general relativity in relation to historical studies on this subject such as I The Genesis of General Relativity i edited by Jürgen Renn in 2007. Michael Eckert studied physics at the Technical University in Munich with a diploma in 1976. [Extracted from the article]

The freight train-induced vibrations and noise generate increasing environmental problems owing to its heavier axle loads and longer pass-by duration. To develop useful mitigation measures, the vibration characteristic induced by this type of rail transportation needs to be better learned. In the present work, firstly, the in situ measurements were carried out on two railway lines which were used for mixed freight and passenger trains. Both the track vibrations and ground vibrations resulted from different train types were measured and compared. Then, based on the dominant frequencies of ground vibrations from experimental results, the mitigation measure of periodic piles was proposed as a mitigation measure by impeding propagation. The periodic theory of solid-state physics was introduced and three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) simulation was employed to analyse the vibration reduction performance of periodic piles, while the attenuation zone (AZ) of the piles was also calculated. The measurement results indicate that the freight train can generate a larger level of vibrations on both the track structure and ground at the near field, especially below 10 Hz. Even though the speed of freight trains is as low as 40–55 km/h, the vibration exposure level (VEL) is higher than normal passenger trains (80–90 km/h) and EMU trains (120 km/h). The simulation results show that the proposed solution of installing periodic piles at the propagation path raises the positive influence on vibration reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defect engineering is one of the key technologies in materials science, enriching the modern semiconductor industry and providing good test-beds for solid-state physics. While homogenous doping prevails in conventional defect engineering, various artificial defect distributions have been predicted to induce desired physical properties in host materials, especially associated with symmetry breakings. Here, we show layer-by-layer defect-gradients in two-dimensional PtSe2 films developed by selective plasma treatments, which break spatial inversion symmetry and give rise to the Rashba effect. Scanning transmission electron microscopy analyses reveal that Se vacancies extend down to 7 nm from the surface and Se/Pt ratio exhibits linear variation along the layers. The Rashba effect induced by broken inversion symmetry is demonstrated through the observations of nonreciprocal transport behaviors and first-principles density functional theory calculations. Our methodology paves the way for functional defect engineering that entangles spin and momentum of itinerant electrons for emerging electronic applications. Materials with strong Rashba-type spin-orbit coupling hold promise for spintronic applications and the investigation of topological phases of matter. Here, the authors report a method to generate layer-by-layer defect gradients in a van der Waals material, inducing broken spatial inversion symmetry and Rashba effect in the engineered layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of nanocomposite samples which contain Cu, Fe-species, prepared by the sol-gel method, was established by Nikolić et al., in a previous article (Nikolić et al. in Journal of Solid State Physics 513:1, 2021). In this study, the magnetic behavior of nanocomposite samples was examined. The basic parameters of the room- and low-temperature magnetic hysteresis loops are discussed. To better describe the shape of magnetic hysteresis loop, the authors proposed to consider additional parameters - measures of the exterior angles of the hysteresis curve. Behavior of hysteresis parameters and exterior angles, caused by annealing treatment, was investigated by measuring hysteresis loops at two measured temperatures: 298K, and 5K. Correlation between changes in the behavior of hysteresis parameters and exterior angles was discussed. An attempt has been made to attribute physical meaning to chosen measured angles, which would allow a better understanding of the magnetic hysteresis curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal transport in amorphous materials has remained one of the fundamental questions in solid state physics while involving a very large field of applications. Using a heat conduction theory incorporating coherence, we demonstrate that the strong phase correlation between local and non-propagating modes, commonly named diffusons in the terminology of amorphous systems, triggers the conduction of heat. By treating the thermal vibrations as collective excitations, the significant contribution of diffusons, predominantly relying on coherence, further reveals interesting temperature and length dependences of thermal conductivity. The propagation length of diffuson clusters is found to reach the micron, overpassing the one of propagons. The explored wavelike behavior of diffusons uncovers the unsolved physical picture of mode correlation in prevailing models and further provides an interpretation of their ability to transport heat. This work introduces a framework for understanding thermal vibrations and transport in amorphous materials, as well as an unexpected insight into the wave nature of thermal vibrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After ultrafast laser irradiation, a target enters a poorly explored regime where physics of a solid state overlaps with plasma physics and chemistry, creating an unusual synergy—a warm dense matter state (WDM). We study theoretically the WDM kinetics and chemistry in a number of group III-metal oxides with highly excited electronic system. We employ density functional theory to investigate a possibility of nonthermal transition of the materials into a superionic state under these conditions. Atomic and electronic properties of the materials are analyzed during the transitions to acquire insights into physical mechanisms guiding such transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of Berry phase and Berry curvature has become ubiquitous in solid state physics as it relates to variety of phenomena, such as topological insulators, polarization, and various Hall effects. It is well known that large Berry curvatures arise from close proximity of hybridizing bands, however, the vectorial nature of the Berry curvature is not utilized in current research. On bulk bcc Fe, we demonstrate the flow of the Berry curvature vector field which features not only monopoles but also higher dimensional structures with its own topological features. They can provide a novel unique view on the electronic structure in all three dimensions. This knowledge is also used to quantify particular contributions to the intrinsic anomalous Hall effect in a simple analytical form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floquet engineering presents a versatile method of dynamically controlling material properties. The light-induced Floquet-Bloch bands of graphene feature band gaps, which have not yet been observed directly. We propose optical longitudinal conductivity as a realistic observable to detect light-induced Floquet band gaps in graphene. These gaps manifest as resonant features in the conductivity, when resolved with respect to the probing frequency and the driving field strength. The electron distribution follows the light-induced Floquet-Bloch bands, resulting in a natural interpretation as occupations of these bands. Furthermore, we show that there are population inversions of the Floquet-Bloch bands at the band gaps for sufficiently strong driving field strengths. This strongly reduces the conductivity at the corresponding frequencies. Therefore our proposal puts forth not only an unambiguous demonstration of light-induced Floquet-Bloch bands, which advances the field of Floquet engineering in solids, but also points out the control of transport properties via light, that derives from the electron distribution on these bands. Subjecting materials to strong, carefully tuned light pulses are an increasingly popular route to realise novel physics and functionalities for solid-state systems, with one such example being Floquet engineering. Here, the authors propose to employ optical longitudinal conductivity to probe Floquet-Bloch bands, and demonstrate optical controllability of the conductivity of graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floquet-Bloch lattices are systems in which wave packets are subjet to periodic modulations both in time and space, showing rich dynamics. While this type of lattice is difficult to implement in solid-state physics, optical systems have provided excellent platforms to probe their physics: among other effects, they have revealed genuine phenomena such as the anomalous Floquet topological insulator and the funnelling of light into localised interface modes. Despite the crucial importance of the band dispersion in the photon dynamics and the topological properties of the lattice, the direct experimental measurement of the Floquet-Bloch bands has remained elusive. Here we report the direct measurement of the Floquet-Bloch bands of a photonic lattice with a single shot method. We use a system of two coupled fibre rings that implements a time-multiplexed Floquet-Bloch lattice. By Fourier transforming the impulse response of the lattice we obtain the band structure together with an accurate characterization of the lattice eigenmodes, i. e. the amplitudes and the phases of the Floquet-Bloch eigenvectors over the entire Brillouin zone. Our results open promising perspectives for the observation of topological effects in the linear and nonlinear regime in Floquet systems. Floquet-Bloch lattices are systems that are relatively difficult to implement in solid-state physics. Here, using a photonic lattice as an alternative, the authors experimentally observe Floquet-Bloch bands using a single-shot method which allows them to fully characterise the lattice eigenmode structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron-electron (e-e) interactions assume a cardinal role in solid-state physics. Quantifying the e-e scattering length is hence critical. In this paper we show that the mesoscopic phenomenon of transverse magnetic focusing (TMF) in two-dimensional electron systems forms a precise and sensitive technique to measure this length scale. Conversely we quantitatively demonstrate that e-e scattering is the predominant effect limiting TMF amplitudes in high-mobility materials. Using high-resolution kinetic simulations, we show that the TMF amplitude at a maximum decays exponentially as a function of the e-e scattering length, which leads to a ready approach to extract this length from the measured TMF amplitudes. The approach is applied to measure the temperature-dependent e-e scattering length in high-mobility GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures. The simulations further reveal current vortices that accompany the cyclotron orbits - a collective phenomenon counterintuitive to the ballistic transport underlying a TMF setting. Electron-electron scattering plays a crucial role in many solid state phenomena; however, the direct measurement of electron-electron scattering length is challenging. Here, the authors use transverse magnetic focusing to measure this quantity in high-mobility GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the propagation of wave packets through general Hamiltonian systems presenting codimension one eigenvalue crossings. The class of time-dependent Hamiltonians we consider is of general pseudodifferential form with subquadratic growth. It comprises Schrödinger operators with matrix-valued potential, as they occur in quantum molecular dynamics, but also covers matrix-valued models of solid state physics describing the motion of electrons in a crystal. We calculate precisely the non-adiabatic effects of the crossing in terms of a transition operator, whose action on coherent states can be spelled out explicitly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass transition is one of the unresolved critical issues in solid-state physics and materials science, during which a viscous liquid is frozen into a solid or structurally arrested state. On account of the uniform arrested mechanism, the calorimetric glass transition temperature (Tg) always follows the same trend as the dynamical glass transition (or α-relaxation) temperature (Tα) determined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Here, we explored the correlations between the calorimetric and dynamical glass transitions of three prototypical high-entropy metallic glasses (HEMGs) systems. We found that the HEMGs present a depressed dynamical glass transition phenomenon, i.e., HEMGs with moderate calorimetric Tg represent the highest Tα and the maximum activation energy of α-relaxation. These decoupled glass transitions from thermal and mechanical measurements reveal the effect of high configurational entropy on the structure and dynamics of supercooled liquids and metallic glasses, which are associated with sluggish diffusion and decreased dynamic and spatial heterogeneities from high mixing entropy. The results have important implications in understanding the entropy effect on the structure and properties of metallic glasses for designing new materials with plenteous physical and mechanical performances. Here the authors study thermodynamic and dynamic glass transition of high entropy metallic glasses. Results show retarded α-relaxation and distinct crystallization resistance attributed to their sluggish diffusion and high-entropy mixing that is different from the traditional metallic glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu/AlN–Al2O3 nano-multilayer (NML) was deposited by magnetron sputtering method on 42CrMo4 steel samples, starting with a 15 nm AlN–Al2O3 layer and followed by 200 alternating layers of 5 nm thick Cu and 5 nm thick AlN–Al2O3 layers. The microstructure and thermal behaviour of the as-deposited and heat-treated multilayer was studied. Starting from about 400 °C, extensive coarsening of Cu nanocrystallites and the migration of Cu within the multilayer were observed via solid-state diffusion. Part of the initial Cu even formed micron-sized reservoirs within the NML. Due to increased temperature and to the different heat expansion coefficients of Cu and the AlN–Al2O3, the latter cracked and Cu appeared on the top surface of the NML at around 250 °C. Below 900 °C, the transport of Cu to the top surface of the NML probably took place as a solid-state flow, leading to faceted copper micro-crystals. However, above 900 °C, the Cu micro-crystals found on the top of the NML have rounded shape, so they were probably formed by pre-melting of nano-layered Cu due to its high specific surface area in the NML. Even if the Cu crystals appear on the top surface of the NML via solid-state flow without pre-melting, the Cu crystals on the top surface of the NML can be potentially used in joining applications at and above 250 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronegativity is a key property of the elements. Being useful in rationalizing stability, structure and properties of molecules and solids, it has shaped much of the thinking in the fields of structural chemistry and solid state chemistry and physics. There are many definitions of electronegativity, which can be roughly classified as either spectroscopic (these are defined for isolated atoms) or thermochemical (characterizing bond energies and heats of formation of compounds). The most widely used is the thermochemical Pauling's scale, where electronegativities have units of eV−1/2. Here we identify drawbacks in the definition of Pauling's electronegativity scale—and, correcting them, arrive at our thermochemical scale, where electronegativities are dimensionless numbers. Our scale displays intuitively correct trends for the 118 elements and leads to an improved description of chemical bonding (e.g., bond polarity) and thermochemistry. Pauling's electronegativity scale has a fundamental value and uses accessible thermochemical data, but fails at predicting the bonding behavior for several elements. The authors propose their thermochemical scale based on experimental dissociation energies that provides dimensionless values for the electronegativity and recovers the correct trends throughout the periodic table. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IBR-2 (JINR) pulsed reactor is used in the field of solid state physics for experiments on extracted beams. It is predicted that the IBR-2 reactor will reach resource limits in 2032–2037. To keep and develop beam research at JINR, the development of a new pulsed neutron source has begun. According to estimates, the reactor will have average thermal power 12–15 MW, extracted by sodium coolant. At this power, the average flux density of thermal neutrons on the surface of the water moderator will reach 1014 sec–1·cm–2 and the peak density 5·1016 sec–1·cm–2, which is more than 10 times higher than the analogous parameters of the operating IBR-2 reactor. The new reactor is supposed to use neptunium-based fuel. The main characteristics and concept of the new reactor are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical sources of nonlinear damping play a central role in modern physics, from solid-state physics to thermodynamics. The microscopic theory of mechanical dissipation suggests that nonlinear damping of a resonant mode can be strongly enhanced when it is coupled to a vibration mode that is close to twice its resonance frequency. To date, no experimental evidence of this enhancement has been realized. In this letter, we experimentally show that nanoresonators driven into parametric-direct internal resonance provide supporting evidence for the microscopic theory of nonlinear dissipation. By regulating the drive level, we tune the parametric resonance of a graphene nanodrum over a range of 40–70 MHz to reach successive two-to-one internal resonances, leading to a nearly two-fold increase of the nonlinear damping. Our study opens up a route towards utilizing modal interactions and parametric resonance to realize resonators with engineered nonlinear dissipation over wide frequency range. Nonlinear dissipation is frequently observed in nanomechanical resonators, but its microscopic origin remains unclear. Here, nonlinear damping is found to be enhanced in graphene nanodrums close to internal resonance conditions, providing insights on the mechanisms at the basis of this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an electro-optically controllable cascaded second-order optical process that mimics as a third-order nonlinear process which is utilized for the compression of ultrashort pulses. Effective compression of optical pulses has been achieved by making efficient use of frequency doubling into an extraordinarily advantageous crystal like beta-barium-borate which is capable of generating shorter pulses within a few cycles. In accordance with simulation, it endeavors ≈ threefold compression in femtosecond pulse, i.e., 47 fs has been achieved by applying a voltage of ∓ 6.2 kV which delivers a phase mismatch (Δk) = ± 117.236 m−1 and effective cascaded refractive index (n2cascade) of ± 3.045 × 10–20 m2/W. This competent compression leads to an increase in the value of peak intensity from 50 to 288 GW/cm2. On account of the decent control in peak intensity, this promising methodology can be utilized for advanced scientific research, and also implemented easily in a large variety of applications in solid-state physics and medical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Merons are nontrivial topological spin textures highly relevant for many phenomena in solid state physics. Despite their importance, direct observation of such vortex quasiparticles is scarce and has been limited to a few complex materials. Here, we show the emergence of merons and antimerons in recently discovered two-dimensional (2D) CrCl3 at zero magnetic field. We show their entire evolution from pair creation, their diffusion over metastable domain walls, and collision leading to large magnetic monodomains. Both quasiparticles are stabilized spontaneously during cooling at regions where in-plane magnetic frustration takes place. Their dynamics is determined by the interplay between the strong in-plane dipolar interactions and the weak out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy stabilising a vortex core within a radius of 8–10 nm. Our results push the boundary to what is currently known about non-trivial spin structures in 2D magnets and open exciting opportunities to control magnetic domains via topological quasiparticles. Merons are a type of topological spin texture, with relevance for both fundamental and technological problems. In this theoretical work, Augustin et al. show that the van der Waals ferromagnetic CrCl3 can host merons and anti-merons, and explore the dynamics and interactions of these quasi-particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) in three-dimensional (3D) anisotropic lattices is studied. We present theoretical results for the critical temperature for BEC, chemical potential, condensate fraction and relevant thermodynamic quantities like: internal energy, entropy, specific heat and compressibility as a function of anisotropy parameter being the ratio of the nearest-neighbor in-plane ( t ‖ ) and out-of-plane ( t ⊥ ) hopping amplitudes. In particular, considered scenarios include weakly coupled two-dimensional (2D) planes ( t ⊥ / t ‖ ≪ 1 , relevant for layered structures) as well as a rod-like geometry of interacting one-dimensional (1D) chains ( t ‖ / t ⊥ ≪ 1 ). The impact of the dimensional crossover as the system is tuned away from a set of disconnected 2D layers, or traverses from a set of separate 1D chains to a regime where a fully isotropic 3D structure emerges is elucidated. Both numerical and analytic approaches are employed, (the latter in a form of series expansions involving t ‖ , t ⊥ amplitudes) for internal energy, entropy, specific heat and isothermal compressibility. The theoretical outcome of the present study may be of interest to a number of scenarios in solid-state physics, where the relevant quasi-particles are bosonic-like, as well as might be applicable to the physics of cold bosons loaded in artificially engineered 3D optical lattices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been much controversy over weak and strong emergence in physics and biology. As pointed out by Phil Anderson in many papers, the existence of broken symmetries is the key to emergence of properties in much of solid state physics. By carefully distinguishing between different types of symmetry breaking and tracing the relation between broken symmetries at micro and macro scales, I demonstrate that the emergence of the properties of semiconductors is a case of strong emergence. This is due to the existence of quasiparticles such as phonons. Furthermore time dependent potentials enable downward causation as in the case of digital computers. Additionally I show that the processes of evolutionary emergence of living systems is also a case of strong emergence, as is the emergence of properties of life out of the underlying physics. A useful result emerges: standard physics theories and the emergent theories arising out of them are all effective theories that are equally valid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causal closure of physics is usually discussed in a context free way. Here I discuss it in the context of engineering systems and biology, where strong emergence takes place due to a combination of upwards emergence and downwards causation (Ellis, Emergence in Solid State Physics and Biology, 2020, arXiv:2004.13591). Firstly, I show that causal closure is strictly limited in terms of spatial interactions because these are cases that are of necessity strongly interacting with the environment. Effective Spatial Closure holds ceteris parabus, and can be violated by Black Swan Events. Secondly, I show that causal closure in the hierarchy of emergence is a strictly interlevel affair, and in the cases of engineering and biology encompasses all levels from the social level to the particle physics level. However Effective Causal Closure can usefully be defined for a restricted set of levels, and one can experimentally determine Effective Theories that hold at each level. This does not however imply those effective theories are causally complete by themselves. In particular, the particle physics level is not causally complete by itself in the contexts of solid state physics (because of interlevel wave–particle duality), digital computers (where algorithms determine outcomes), or biology (because of time dependent constraints). Furthermore Inextricably Intertwined Levels occur in all these contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central question of systems biology is to understand how individual components of a biological system such as genes or proteins cooperate in emerging phenotypes resulting in the evolution of diseases. As living cells are open systems in quasi-steady state type equilibrium in continuous exchange with their environment, computational techniques that have been successfully applied in statistical thermodynamics to describe phase transitions may provide new insights to the emerging behavior of biological systems. Here we systematically evaluate the translation of computational techniques from solid-state physics to network models that closely resemble biological networks and develop specific translational rules to tackle problems unique to living systems. We focus on logic models exhibiting only two states in each network node. Motivated by the apparent asymmetry between biological states where an entity exhibits boolean states i.e. is active or inactive, we present an adaptation of symmetric Ising model towards an asymmetric one fitting to living systems here referred to as the modified Ising model with gene-type spins. We analyze phase transitions by Monte Carlo simulations and propose a mean-field solution of a modified Ising model of a network type that closely resembles a real-world network, the Barabási–Albert model of scale-free networks. We show that asymmetric Ising models show similarities to symmetric Ising models with the external field and undergoes a discontinuous phase transition of the first-order and exhibits hysteresis. The simulation setup presented herein can be directly used for any biological network connectivity dataset and is also applicable for other networks that exhibit similar states of activity. The method proposed here is a general statistical method to deal with non-linear large scale models arising in the context of biological systems and is scalable to any network size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here an overview of Late P. W. Anderson's doctoral thesis on Spectral Line shapes in the backdrop of his very intimate relation with the physics community of Japan—in particular, R. Kubo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid state physics deals with systems composed of atoms with strongly bound electrons. The tunneling probability of each electron is determined by interactions that typically extend to neighboring sites, as their corresponding wave amplitudes decay rapidly away from an isolated atomic core. This kind of description is essential in condensed-matter physics, and it rules the electronic transport properties of metals, insulators and many other solid-state systems. The corresponding phenomenology is well captured by tight-binding models, where the electronic band structure emerges from atomic orbitals of isolated atoms plus their coupling to neighboring sites in a crystal. In this work, a mechanical system that emulates dynamically a quantum tightly bound electron is built. This is done by connecting mechanical resonators via locally periodic aluminum bars acting as couplers. When the frequency of a particular resonator lies within the frequency gap of a coupler, the vibrational wave amplitude imitates a bound electron orbital. The localization of the wave at the resonator site and its exponential decay along the coupler are experimentally verified. The quantum dynamical tight-binding model and frequency measurements in mechanical structures show an excellent agreement. Some applications in atomic and condensed matter physics are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular tessellations are known in solid state systems and their formation is often induced or supported by a periodic surface lattice. Here we discover a complex tessellation on the 10 nm length scale, spontaneously formed in the highly dynamic liquid crystalline state. It is composed of overlapping dodecagonal supertiles combining prismatic cells with triangular and square cross sections. This complex honeycomb occurs between a triangular honeycomb at high and a square at low temperature, being opposite to the sequence expected for a thermal expansion of the side chains in the prismatic cells. Formation of the supertiles is supported by the segregation of alkyl chains with different length. The emergent behaviour of this complex soft matter structure is demonstrated, and intriguing connections between self-assembly on surfaces, in liquid crystals, and in block copolymers are drawn. Moreover, the tessellation represents a close approximant of the elusive columnar liquid quasicrystal with dodecagonal symmetry. Bolaamphiphiles can form liquid crystalline phases with unusual honeycomb-like structures. Here a periodic dodecagonal supertiled structure is observed in liquid crystals, emerging at the transition from triangular to square tiling patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]