Electrical transport and optical properties of Cd_3As_2 thin films

Cd_3As_2, as a three-dimensional(3D) topological Dirac semimetal, has attracted wide attention due to its unique physical properties originating from the 3D massless Dirac fermions. While many efforts have been devoted to the exploration of novel physical phenomena such as chiral anomaly and phase transitions by using bulk crystals, the development of high-quality and large-scale thin films becomes necessary for practical electronic and optical applications. Here, we report our recent progress in developing single-crystalline thin films with improved quality and their optical devices including Cd_3As_2-based heterojunctions and ultrafast optical switches. We find that a post-annealing process can significantly enhance the crystallinity of Cd_3As_2 in both intrinsic and Zn-doped thin films. With excellent characteristics of high mobility and linear band dispersion, Cd_3As_2 exhibits a good optical response in the visible-to-mid-infrared range due to an advantageous optical absorption, which is reminiscent of 3D graphene. It also behaves as an excellent saturable absorber in the mid-infrared regime. Through the delicate doping process in this material system, it may further open up the long-sought parameter space crucial for the development of compact and high-performance mid-infrared ultrafast sources.     

Non-Monotonic Evolution of Carrier Density and Mobility under Thermal Cycling Treatments in Dirac Semimetal Cd_3As_2 Microbelts

Tunable carrier density plays a key role in the investigation of novel transport properties in three-dimensional topological semimetals.We demonstrate that the carrier density,as well as the mobility,of Dirac semimetal Cd_3As_2 nanoplates can be effectively tuned via in situ thermal treatment at 350 K for one hour,resulting in non-monotonic evolution by virtue of the thermal cycling treatments.The upward shift of Fermi level relative to the Dirac nodes blurs the surface Fermi-arc states,accompanied by an anomalous phase shift in the oscillations of bulk states,due to a change in the topology of the electrons.Meanwhile,the oscillation peaks of bulk longitudinal magnetoresistivity shift at high fields,due to their coupling to the oscillations of the surface Fermi-arc states.Our work provides a thermal control mechanism for the manipulation of quantum states in Dirac semimetal Cd_3As_2 at high temperatures,via their carrier density.     

Coherent Acoustic Phonon and Its Chirping in Dirac Semimetal Cd_3As_2

Ultrafast optical spectroscopy of a single crystal of a Dirac semimetal Cd_3As_(2 )is carried out.An acoustic phonon(AP)mode with central frequency f=0.037 THz(i.e.,1.23 cm~(-1)or 0.153 meV)is unambiguously generated and detected,which we attribute to laser-induced thermal strain.An AP chirping(i.e.,variation of the phonon frequency)is clearly detected,which is ascribed to heat capacity variation with time.By comparing our experimental results and the theoretical model,we obtain a chirping time constant,which is 31.2 ps at 6 K and 19.8 ps at 300 K,respectively.Significantly,we identify an asymmetry in the AP frequency domain peak and find that it is caused by the chirping,instead of a Fano resonance.Moreover,we experimentally demonstrate that the central frequency of AP is extremely stable with varying laser fluence,as well as temperature,which endows Cd_3As_2application potentials in thermoelectric devices.     

A New Quasi-One-Dimensional Ternary Molybdenum Pnictide Rb_2Mo_3As_3 with Superconducting Transition at 10.5K

We report superconductivity in a new ternary molybdenum pnictide Rb_2 Mo_3 As_3,synthesized via the solid state reaction method.Powder x-ray diffraction analysis reveals a hexagonal crystal structure with space group P6 m2(No.187), and the refined lattice parameters are a=10.431(5) A,c=4.460(4) A.SEM images show rod-like grains with good ductility,confirming a quasi-one-dimensional(Q1 D) structure.Electrical resistivity and dc magnetic susceptibility characterizations exhibit superconductivity with an onset of T_c=10.5 K.The upper critical field of Rb_2 Mo_3 As_3 is estimated to be 28.2 T at zero temperature,providing an evidence of possible unconventional superconductivity.Our recent discovery of MoAs-based superconductors above 10 K provides a unique platform for the study of exotic superconductivity in 4 d electron systems with Q1 D crystal structures.     

Quantum transport properties of the three-dimensional Dirac semimetal Cd_3As_2 single crystals

The discovery of the three-dimensional Dirac semimetals have expanded the family of topological materials,and attracted massive attentions in recent few years.In this short review,we briefly overview the quantum transport properties of a well-studied three-dimensional Dirac semimetal,Cd_3As_2.These unusual transport phenomena include the unexpected ultra-high charge mobility,large linear magnetoresistivity,remarkable Shubnikov-de Hass oscillations,and the evolution of the nontrivial Berry's phase.These quantum transport properties not only reflect the novel electronic structure of Dirac semimetals,but also give the possibilities for their future device applications.     

Long-Time Magnetic Relaxation in Antiferromagnetic Topological Material EuCd_2As_2

Magnetic topological materials have attracted much attention due to the correlation between topology and magnetism. Recent studies suggest that EuCd_2As_2 is an antiferromagnetic topological material. Here by carrying out thorough magnetic, electrical and thermodynamic property measurements, we discover a long-time relaxation of the magnetic susceptibility in EuCd_2As_2. The(001) in-plane magnetic susceptibility at 5 K is found to continuously increase up to ~10% over the time of ~14 hours. The magnetic relaxation is anisotropic and strongly depends on the temperature and the applied magnetic field. These results will stimulate further theoretical and experimental studies to understand the origin of the relaxation process and its effect on the electronic structure and physical properties of the magnetic topological materials.     

Magnetism and superconductivity in Eu(Fe_(1-x)Ni_x)As_2(x= 0,0.04)

We report Eu-local-spin magnetism and Ni-doping-induced superconductivity(SC)in a 112-type ferroarsenide system Eu(Fe_(1-x)Ni_x)As_2.The non-doped EuFeAs_2exhibits two primary magnetic transitions at ~100 and ~40 K,probably associated with a spin-density-wave(SDW)transition and an antiferromagnetic ordering in the Fe and Eu sublattices,respectively.Two additional successive transitions possibly related to Eu-spin modulations appear at 15.5 and 6.5 K.For the Ni-doped sample with x=0.04,the SDW transition disappears,and SC emerges at T_c=17.5 K.The Eu-spin ordering remains at around 40 K,followed by the possible reentrant magnetic modulations with enhanced spin canting.Consequently,SC coexists with a weak spontaneous magnetization below 6.2 K in Eu(Fe_(0.96)Ni_(0.04))As_2,which provides a complementary playground for the study of the interplay between SC and magnetism.     

压力诱导酌拓扑绝缘体化合物Bi2Te3常压相的超导性

通过高压电阻测量,发现了拓扑绝缘体化合物BizTe3压力诱导的超导性,在3-6GPa的压力范围内,超导临界温度L约为3K．高压下原位同步辐射的结果证明这个超导相来源于常压相结构．通过霍尔效应的测量,发现超导的Bi2Te3样品的载流子为P型．对高压同步辐射结果Reitveld精修得到的晶格参数和原子位置,并以此进行第一性...     

Topological Superconductivity in Cu(x)Bi(2)Se(3)

A topological superconductor (TSC) is characterized by the topologically protected gapless surface state that is essentially an Andreev bound state consisting of Majorana fermions. While a TSC has not yet been discovered, the doped topological insulator Cu(x)Bi(2)Se(3), which superconducts below ～3 K, has been predicted to possess a topological superconducting state. We report that the point-contact spectra on the cleaved surface of superconducting Cu(x)Bi(2)Se(3) present a zero-bias conductance peak (ZBCP) which signifies unconventional superconductivity. Theoretical considerations of all possible superconducting states help us conclude that this ZBCP is due to Majorana fermions and gives evidence for a topological superconductivity in Cu(x)Bi(2)Se(3). In addition, we found an unusual pseudogap that develops below ～20 K and coexists with the topological superconducting state.     

Measurement of Superconductivity and Edge States in Topological Superconductor Candidate TaSe_3

Topological superconductors(TSCs) have been widely investigated in recent years due to their novel physics and ability to host Majorana fermions(MFs) which are key to topological quantum computation. Despite the great interest, only a few compounds have been proposed as candidates of intrinsic TSCs, such as ironbased superconductor FeSe_(0.55)Te_(0.45) and 2 M-WS_2. Among them, quasi-one-dimensional superconductor TaSe_3 possesses fascinating properties such as its simple stoichiometry, layered nature and chemical stability. Here,using scanning tunneling microscope/spectroscopy(STM/STS), we systematically investigate the topography and electronic structure of TaSe_3. Our STM/STS measurement reveals large atomically flat, defect-free surfaces suitable for the search of MF; electronic density of states consistent with our angle-resolved photoemission result and band-structure calculations, and a uniform superconducting gap with a typical size of ~0.25 meV. Remarkably,additional edge states are observed in the vicinity of the terrace edge, suggesting they may have a topological origin. Our result proves the coexistence of superconductivity and topological electronic structure in TaSe_3,making it an intriguing platform to investigate topological superconductivity.     

拓扑材料中的超导

近来,人们在凝聚态体系中发现了由拓扑不变量定义的物相,其中最重要的有拓扑绝缘体、拓扑半金属和拓扑超导体等.这些物相的拓扑性质由非平凡的拓扑数描述,相应的材料被称为拓扑材料,具有诸多新奇的物理特性.其中拓扑超导体由于边界上有满足非阿贝尔统计的Majorana零能模,成为实现拓扑量子计算的主要候选材料.除了探索本征的拓扑超导体外,由于拓扑性质上的相似性,在不超导的拓扑材料中调制出超导自然成为了实现拓扑超导的重要手段.目前,人们发展了栅极调制、掺杂、高压、近邻效应调制和硬针尖点接触等多种技术,已经成功地在许多拓扑绝缘体和半金属中诱导出了超导,并对超导的拓扑性和Majorana零能模进行了研究.本文回顾了本征拓扑超导候选材料,以及拓扑绝缘体和半金属中诱导出超导的代表性工作,评述了不同实验手段的优势和缺陷、分析了其超导拓扑性的证据,并提出展望.     

Raman scattering studies on the collapsed phase of CaCo_2As_2

In this work,Raman scattering measurements have been performed on the collapsed phase CaCo_2As_2 crystals.At least 8 Raman modes were observed at room temperature though CaCo_2As_2 is structurally similar to other 122 compounds like BaFe_2As_2.Two Raman modes are assigned to the intrinsic A_(1g)and B_(1g)of this material system respectively.The other ones are considered to originate from the local vibrations relevant to cobalt vacancies.Careful polarized measurements allow us to clearly resolve the four-fold symmetry of the B_(1g)mode,which put strong constraints on possible point group symmetries of the system with Co vacancies.The temperature-dependent measurements demonstrate that the anomalies in both frequency and width of the B_(1g)mode occur around Neel temperature T_N.The anomalies are considered to be related to the gap opening near the magnetic transition.The study may shed light on the structural and magnetic changes and their correlations with superconductivity in 122 systems.     

Bi2Te3拓扑绝缘体表面颗粒化铅膜诱导的超导邻近效应

拓扑绝缘体的出现为寻找拓扑超导体和Majorana费米子提供了一种可能的途径. 在拓扑绝缘体Bi₂Te₃表面沉积极薄的不连续铅膜, 试图通过邻近效应感应出大片的超导区, 为下一步研究拓扑超导电性创造条件.借助四引线电输运测量实验, 在0.25 K的低温下看到了超流现象, 表明沉积在Bi₂Te₃表面的厚度小于20 nm的颗粒化铅膜能够诱导邻近效应, 并且使大片Bi₂Te₃超导. 关键词： 超导邻近效应 S-N-S结 拓扑绝缘体     

Tip-Pressure-Induced Incoherent Energy Gap in CaFe_2As_2

In CaFe_2As_2,superconductivity can be achieved by applying a modest c-axis pressure of several kbar.Here we use scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy(STM/S) to explore the STM tip pressure effect on single crystals of CaFe_2As_2.When performing STM/S measurements,the tip-sample interaction can be controlled to act repulsive with reduction of the junction resistance,thus to apply a tip pressure on the sample.We End that an incoherent energy gap emerges at the Fermi level in the differential conductance spectrum when the tip pressure is increased.This energy gap is of the similar order of magnitude as the superconducting gap in the chemical doped compound Ca_(0.4)Na_(0.6)Fe_2As_2 and disappears at the temperature well below that of the bulk magnetic ordering.Moreover,we also observe the rhombic distortion of the As lattice,which agrees with the orthorhombic distortion of the underlying Fe lattice.These Endings suggest that the STM tip pressure can induce the local Cooper pairing in the orthorhombic phase of CaFe_2As_2.     

Point-contact tunneling spectroscopy between a Nb tip and an ideal topological insulator Sn-doped Bi_(1.1)Sb_(0.9)Te_2S

The lightly Sn-doped Bi_(1.1)Sb_(0.9)Te_2S is a good material to investigate the pure topological surface state because the bulk bands are far away from the Fermi level. By measuring point-contact tunneling spectra on the topological insulator Bi_(1.08)Sn_(0.02)Sb_(0.9)Te_2S samples with a superconducting Nb tip, we observed the suppression of differential conductance near zero bias, instead of the enhancement due to Andreev reflection on the spectra. The fitting to the measured spectrum results in a superconducting gap of more than 4 meV, and this value is much larger than the superconducting gap of the bulk Nb. The gaped feature exists at temperatures even above the critical temperature of bulk Nb, and is visible when the magnetic field is as large as 9 T at 3 K. We argue that such behaviors may be related to the pressure induced superconductivity by the tip in the junction area, or just some novel phenomena arising from the junction between an s-wave superconductor and an ideal topological insulator.     

Multiple magnetic transitions in single crystals of Ce_(12)Fe_(57.5)As_(41) and La_(12)Fe_(57.5)As_(41)

Measurements of magnetic and transport properties were performed on needle-shaped single crystals of Ce_(12)Fe_(57.5)As_(41)and La_(12)Fe_(57.5)As_(41).The availability of a complete set of data enabled a side-by-side comparison between these two rare earth compounds.Both compounds exhibited multiple magnetic orders within 2-300 K and metamagnetic transitions at various fields.Ferromagnetic transitions with Curie temperatures of 100 and 125 K were found for Ce_(12)Fe_(57.5)As_(41)and La_(12)Fe_(57.5)As_(41),respectively,followed by antiferromagnetic type spin reorientations near Curie temperatures.The magnetic properties underwent complex evolution in the magnetic field for both compounds.An antiferromagnetic phase transition at about 60 K and 0.2 T was observed merely for Ce_(12)Fe_(57.5)As_(41).The field-induced magnetic phase transition occurred from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic structure.A strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy was evident from magnetization measurements of Ce_(12)Fe_(57.5)As_(41).A temperature-field phase diagram was present for these two rare earth systems.In addition,a logarithmic temperature dependence of electrical resistivity was observed in the two compounds within a large temperature range of 150-300 K,which is rarely found in 3D-based compounds.It may be related to Kondo scattering described by independent localized Fe 3d moments interacting with conduction electrons.     

Hybrid crystals of cuprates and iron-based superconductors

We propose two possible new compounds, Ba_2CuO_2Fe_2As_2and K_2CuO_2Fe_2Se_2, which hybridize the building blocks of two high temperature superconductors, cuprates and iron-based superconductors. These compounds consist of square CuO_2 layers and antifluorite-type Fe_2X_2(X = As, Se) layers separated by Ba/K. The calculations of binding energies and phonon spectra indicate that they are dynamically stable, which ensures that they may be experimentally synthesized. The Fermi surfaces and electronic structures of the two compounds inherit the characteristics of both cuprates and iron-based superconductors. These compounds can be superconductors with intriguing physical properties to help to determine the pairing mechanisms of high Tc superconductivity.     

Negative Magnetoresistance in Antiferromagnetic Topological Insulator EuSn_2As_2

The measurements of magnetization,longitudinal and Hall resistivities are carried out on the intrinsic antiferromagnetic(AFM) topological insulator ElSn_2 As_2.It is confirmed that our ElSn_2 As_2 crystal is a heavily hole doping A-type AFM metal with the Neel temperature T_N=24 K,with a metamagnetic transition from an AFM to a ferromagnetic(FIM) phase occurring at a certain critical magnetic Held for the different Held orientations.Meanwhile,we also find that the carrier concentration does not change with the evolution of magnetic order,indicating that the weak interaction between the localized magnetic moments from Eu~(2+)4f~7 orbits and the electronic states near the Fermi level.Although the quantum anomalous Hall effect(AHE) is not observed in our crystals,it is found that a relatively large negative magnetoresistance (-13%) emerges in the AFM phase,and exhibits an exponential dependence upon magnetic Held,whose microscopic origin is waiting to be clarified in future research.     

High-pressure study of topological semimetals XCd2Sb2 (X = Eu and Yb)

Topological materials have aroused great interest in recent years, especially when magnetism is involved. Pressure can effectively tune the topological states and possibly induce superconductivity. Here we report the high-pressure study of topological semimetals $X$Cd$_{2}$Sb$_{2}$ ($X = {\rm Eu} $ and Yb), which have the same crystal structure. In antiferromagnetic (AFM) Weyl semimetal EuCd$_{2}$Sb$_{2}$, the Néel temperature (${T}_{\rm N}$) increases from 7.4 K at ambient pressure to 50.9 K at 14.9 GPa. When pressure is above 14.9 GPa, the AFM peak of resistance disappears, indicating a non-magnetic state. In paramagnetic Dirac semimetal candidate YbCd$_{2}$Sb$_{2}$, pressure-induced superconductivity appears at 1.94 GPa, then ${ T}_{\rm c}$ reaches to a maximum of 1.67 K at 5.22 GPa and drops to zero at about 30 GPa, displaying a dome-shaped temperature-pressure phase diagram. High-pressure x-ray diffraction measurement demonstrates that a crystalline-to-amorphous phase transition occurs at about 16 GPa in YbCd$_{2}$Sb$_{2}$, revealing the robustness of pressure-induced superconductivity against structural instability. Similar structural phase transition may also occur in EuCd$_{2}$Sb$_{2}$, causing the disappearance of magnetism. Our results show that $X$Cd$_{2}$Sb$_{2}$ ($X = {\rm Eu}$ and Yb) is a novel platform for exploring the interplay among magnetism, topology, and superconductivity.     

Tip-induced superconductivity commonly existing in the family of transition-metal dipnictides MPn_2

We report the tip-induced superconductivity on the topological semimetal NbSb₂, similar to the observation on TaAs₂ and NbAs₂. Belonging to the same family of MPn₂, all these materials possess similar band structures, indicating that the tip-induced superconductivity may be closely related to their topological nature and share a common mechanism. Further analysis suggests that a bulk band should play the dominant role in such local superconductivity most likely through interface coupling. In addition, the compatibility between the induced superconductivity and tips’ ferromagnetism gives an evidence for its unconventional nature. These results provide further clues to elucidate the mechanism of the tip-induced superconductivity observed in topological materials.