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Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of High-Resolution X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (HR-XAS) at the Cu K-Edge for Cu2ZnSnSe4
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Conductivity Sum Rule in the Nearly Free Two-Dimensional Electron Gas in an Uniaxial Potential
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Magnetic Studies of Iron-Doped Probable Weyl Semimetal WTe2
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Ordered Bose Glass of Vortices in Nanopatterned YBa2Cu3O7-δ Thin Films: Angular Magnetoresistance
Journal Description
Condensed Matter
Condensed Matter
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the physics of condensed matter published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), Inspec, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Condensed Matter Physics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 19.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
1.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
1.6 (2022)
Latest Articles
Single-Band versus Two-Band Description of Magnetism in Infinite-Layer Nickelates
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040107 - 06 Dec 2023
Abstract
We present a weak-coupling analysis of magnetism in infinite-layer nickelates, where we compare a single-band description with a two-band model. Both models predict that (i) hybridization due to hopping is negligible, and ( ) the magnetic properties are characterized
[...] Read more.
We present a weak-coupling analysis of magnetism in infinite-layer nickelates, where we compare a single-band description with a two-band model. Both models predict that (i) hybridization due to hopping is negligible, and ( ) the magnetic properties are characterized by very similar dynamic structure factors, , at the points and . This gives effectively a two-dimensional description of the magnetic properties.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Superstripes Physics, 2nd Edition)
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Impact of Solid-State Charge Injection on Spectral Photoresponse of NiO/Ga2O3 p–n Heterojunction
by
, , , , , , , and
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040106 - 02 Dec 2023
Abstract
Forward bias hole injection from 10-nm-thick p-type nickel oxide layers into 10-μm-thick n-type gallium oxide in a vertical NiO/Ga2O3 p–n heterojunction leads to enhancement of photoresponse of more than a factor of 2 when measured from this junction. While it
[...] Read more.
Forward bias hole injection from 10-nm-thick p-type nickel oxide layers into 10-μm-thick n-type gallium oxide in a vertical NiO/Ga2O3 p–n heterojunction leads to enhancement of photoresponse of more than a factor of 2 when measured from this junction. While it takes only 600 s to obtain such a pronounced increase in photoresponse, it persists for hours, indicating the feasibility of photovoltaic device performance control. The effect is ascribed to a charge injection-induced increase in minority carrier (hole) diffusion length (resulting in improved collection of photogenerated non-equilibrium carriers) in n-type β-Ga2O3 epitaxial layers due to trapping of injected charge (holes) on deep meta-stable levels in the material and the subsequent blocking of non-equilibrium carrier recombination through these levels. Suppressed recombination leads to increased non-equilibrium carrier lifetime, in turn determining a longer diffusion length and being the root-cause of the effect of charge injection.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wide-Band-Gap Semiconductors for Energy and Electronics)
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Advances in P(VDF-TrFE) Composites: A Methodical Review on Enhanced Properties and Emerging Electronics Applications
by
, , , and
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040105 - 01 Dec 2023
Abstract
Piezoelectric polymers are a class of material that belong to carbon–hydrogen-based organic materials with a long polymer chain. They fill the void where single crystals and ceramics fail to perform. This characteristic of piezoelectric polymers made them unique. Their piezoelectric stress constant is
[...] Read more.
Piezoelectric polymers are a class of material that belong to carbon–hydrogen-based organic materials with a long polymer chain. They fill the void where single crystals and ceramics fail to perform. This characteristic of piezoelectric polymers made them unique. Their piezoelectric stress constant is higher than ceramics and the piezoelectric strain is lower compared to ceramics. This study’s goal is to present the most recent information on poly(vinylidene fluoride) with trifluoroethylene P(VDF-TrFE), a major copolymer of poly(vinylidene fluoride) PVDF with piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric characteristics. The fabrication of P(VDF-TrFE) composites and their usage in a variety of applications, including in actuators, transducers, generators, and energy harvesting, are the primary topics of this work. The report provides an analysis of how the addition of fillers improves some of the features of P(VDF-TrFE). Commonly utilized polymer composite preparation techniques, including spinning, Langmuir–Blodgett (LB), solution casting, melt extrusion, and electrospinning are described, along with their effects on the pertinent characteristics of the polymer composite. A brief discussion on the literature related to different applications (such as bio-electronic devices, sensors and high energy-density piezoelectric generators, low mechanical damping, and easy voltage rectifiers of the polymer composite is also presented.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Condensed Matter Physics)
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Hybrid Superconducting/Superconducting Mesoscopic Heterostructure Studied by Modified Ginzburg–Landau Equations
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040104 - 01 Dec 2023
Abstract
Studies involving vortexes in hybrid superconducting devices and their interactions with different components inside samples are important for reaching higher values of critical parameters in superconducting materials. The vortex distribution on each side of a sample with different fundamental parameters, such as temperature
[...] Read more.
Studies involving vortexes in hybrid superconducting devices and their interactions with different components inside samples are important for reaching higher values of critical parameters in superconducting materials. The vortex distribution on each side of a sample with different fundamental parameters, such as temperature T, penetration depth , coherence length , electron mass m, and the order parameter , may help to improve the superconducting properties. Thus, in this work, we used the modified Ginzburg–Landau theory to investigate a hybrid superconductor (HS), as well as to provide a highly tunable and adjustable theoretical tool for theoretically explaining the experimental results involving the HS in order to study the vortex behavior in superconductors of mesoscopic dimensions with extreme differences among their fundamental parameters. Therefore, we evaluated the influence of the HS on the vortex configuration and its effects on field-dependent magnetization. The results show that when the applied magnetic field H was increased, the diamagnetic response of the HS (Meissner effect) included additional jumps in magnetization, while diamagnetism continued to increase in the sample. In addition, the differences among parameters created an interface between both components, and two different magnitudes of supercurrent and vortex sizes caused less degradation of the local superconductivity, which increased the upper critical field. On the other hand, this type of HS with differences in parameters on both sides can be used to control the vortex movement in the selected sample of the superconducting region with more accuracy.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multicomponent Superconductivity and Superfluidity)
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Fluorescence and Raman Micro-Spectroscopy of LiF Films Containing Radiation-Induced Defects for X-ray Detection
by
, , , , , and
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040103 - 30 Nov 2023
Abstract
Lithium fluoride (LiF) film detectors for extreme ultraviolet radiation, soft and hard X-rays, based on the photoluminescence of radiation-induced electronic defects, have been proposed and are currently under further development and investigation. LiF film detectors are versatile and can be integrated in different
[...] Read more.
Lithium fluoride (LiF) film detectors for extreme ultraviolet radiation, soft and hard X-rays, based on the photoluminescence of radiation-induced electronic defects, have been proposed and are currently under further development and investigation. LiF film detectors are versatile and can be integrated in different experimental apparatus and imaging configurations. LiF can be grown in the form of polycrystalline thin films and it is compatible with several substrates. The radiation-induced color center (CCs) photoluminescence (PL) response can be enhanced through the appropriate choice of substrates and multilayer designs, and by tailoring the micro-structural properties of polycrystalline LiF films through the control of the growth conditions. In this work, we present the characterization, through fluorescence and Raman micro-spectroscopy, of LiF films, thermally evaporated on different substrates with thicknesses of up to 1 μm, irradiated with soft X-rays produced by a laser plasma source. The combination of these micro-spectroscopy techniques could represent an advanced method to investigate the role of the polycrystalline film structures in CC formation efficiency at the microscopic level, a fundamental aspect of the development of LiF film radiation-imaging detectors.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Precision X-ray Measurements 2023)
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Effect of Growth and Calcination Temperatures on the Optical Properties of Ruthenium-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040102 - 29 Nov 2023
Abstract
This study aimed to probe the effect of heat treatment on zinc oxide nanoparticles doped with ruthenium through a chemical co-preparation technique. Pure ZnO and Ru-doped ZnO nanoparticles, with the general formula Zn1−x−RuxO, were synthesized for 0 ≤ x
[...] Read more.
This study aimed to probe the effect of heat treatment on zinc oxide nanoparticles doped with ruthenium through a chemical co-preparation technique. Pure ZnO and Ru-doped ZnO nanoparticles, with the general formula Zn1−x−RuxO, were synthesized for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04. Using the same starting precursors, the growth temperature was 60 °C and 80 °C for set A and set B, respectively, whereas the calcination temperature was 450 °C and 550 °C for set A and set B, respectively. For the structure investigation, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) revealed that the crystallite size of set A was smaller than that of set B. For x = 0.04 in set B, the maximum value of the crystallite size was attributed to the integration of Ru3+ ions into interstitial sites in the host causing this expansion. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles by showing a Zn-O bonding peak at 421 cm−1. For x = 0.04 in set B, the divergence confirmed the change in bonding properties of Zn2+ distributed by Ru3+ doping, which verifies the presence of secondary-phase RuO2. Using UV–visible spectroscopy, the energy gap of set A swings as ruthenium doping increases. However, in set B, as the crystallite size decreases, the energy gap increases until reversing at the highest concentration of x = 0.04. The transition from oxygen vacancy to interstitial oxygen, which is associated with the blue peak (469 nm), increases in set A under low heating conditions and decreases in set B as Ru doping increases, as revealed in the photoluminescence optical spectra of the samples. Therefore, ruthenium doping proves a useful surface defect and generates distortion centers in the lattice, leading to more adsorption and a remarkable advantage in sunscreen and paint products used for UV protection.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 8th International Conference on Superconductivity and Magnetism (ICSM2023))
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The Implementation of MuDirac in Geant4: A Preliminary Approach to the Improvement of the Simulation of the Muonic Atom Cascade Process
by
, , , , , and
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040101 - 17 Nov 2023
Abstract
Muonic Atom X-ray Emission spectroscopy (µ-XES) is a novel elemental technique that exploits the high-energy X-rays emitted from the muonic atom cascade process to characterize materials. At the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, the technique is performed at Port4 of the RIKEN-RAL facility,
[...] Read more.
Muonic Atom X-ray Emission spectroscopy (µ-XES) is a novel elemental technique that exploits the high-energy X-rays emitted from the muonic atom cascade process to characterize materials. At the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, the technique is performed at Port4 of the RIKEN-RAL facility, with a user demand that is increasing every year. To cope with this demand, it is necessary to continue to improve the method, either for the hardware (detectors, acquisition, etc.) or software (data analysis and interpretation). In both cases, Monte Carlo codes play an important role: with a simulation, it is possible to reproduce the experimental setup and provide a reliable quantitative analysis. In this work, we investigate the capabilities of GEANT4 for such applications. From the results, we observed that the generation of X-rays, especially the kα and kβ transition for high Z atoms, are not in agreement with the experimental ones. A solution to this issue, other than an attempt with a small modification of the GEANT4 cascade class, could be provided by a database of transition energy calculated by a Dirac equation software called MuDirac. The software, developed by the UKRI scientific computing department and the ISIS muon group, can compute all the transition energy for a given nuclide. Here, preliminary results of the implementation of the MuDirac database in GEANT4 are reported.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Precision X-ray Measurements 2023)
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Two-Dimensional Discommensurations: An Extension to McMillan’s Ginzburg–Landau Theory
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040100 - 17 Nov 2023
Abstract
Charge density waves (CDWs) profoundly affect the electronic properties of materials and have an intricate interplay with other collective states, like superconductivity and magnetism. The well-known macroscopic Ginzburg–Landau theory stands out as a theoretical method for describing CDW phenomenology without requiring a microscopic
[...] Read more.
Charge density waves (CDWs) profoundly affect the electronic properties of materials and have an intricate interplay with other collective states, like superconductivity and magnetism. The well-known macroscopic Ginzburg–Landau theory stands out as a theoretical method for describing CDW phenomenology without requiring a microscopic description. In particular, it has been instrumental in understanding the emergence of domain structures in several CDW compounds, as well as the influence of critical fluctuations and the evolution towards or across lock-in transitions. In this context, McMillan’s foundational work introduced discommensurations as the objects mediating the transition from commensurate to incommensurate CDWs, through an intermediate nearly commensurate phase characterised by an ordered array of phase slips. Here, we extended the simplified, effectively one-dimensional, setting of the original model to a fully two-dimensional analysis. We found exact and numerical solutions for several types of discommensuration patterns and provide a framework for consistently describing multi-component CDWs embedded in quasi-two-dimensional atomic lattices.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Superstripes Physics, 2nd Edition)
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Improving the Time Resolution of Large-Area LaBr3:Ce Detectors with SiPM Array Readout
by
, , , , and
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040099 - 17 Nov 2023
Abstract
LaBr :Ce crystals have good scintillation properties for X-ray spectroscopy. Initially, they were introduced for radiation imaging in medical physics with either a photomultiplier or SiPM readout, and they found extensive applications in homeland security and gamma-ray astronomy. We used 1
[...] Read more.
LaBr :Ce crystals have good scintillation properties for X-ray spectroscopy. Initially, they were introduced for radiation imaging in medical physics with either a photomultiplier or SiPM readout, and they found extensive applications in homeland security and gamma-ray astronomy. We used 1 round LaBr :Ce crystals to realize compact detectors with the SiPM array readout. The aim was a good energy resolution and a fast time response to detect low-energy X-rays around 100 keV. A natural application was found inside the FAMU experiment, at RIKEN RAL. Its aim is a precise measurement of the proton Zemach radius with impinging muons, to contribute to the solution to the so-called “proton radius puzzle”. Signals to be detected are characteristic X-rays around 130 KeV. A limit for this type of detector, as compared to the ones with a photomultiplier readout, is its poorer timing characteristics due to the large capacity of the SiPM arrays used. In particular, long signal falltimes are a problem in experiments such as FAMU, where a “prompt” background component must be separated from a “delayed” one (after 600 ns) in the signal X-rays to be detected. Dedicated studies were pursued to improve the timing characteristics of the used detectors, starting from hybrid ganging of SiPM cells; then developing a suitable zero pole circuit with a parallel ganging, where an increased overvoltage for the SiPM array was used to compensate for the signal decrease; and finally designing ad hoc electronics to split the 1 detector’s SiPM array into four quadrants, thus reducing the involved capacitances. The aim was to improve the detectors’ timing characteristics, especially falltime, while keeping a good FWHM energy resolution for low-energy X-ray detection.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Precision X-ray Measurements 2023)
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Combined Spectroscopy System Utilizing Gas Electron Multiplier and Timepix3 Technology for Laser Plasma Experiments
by
, , , , , , and
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040098 - 17 Nov 2023
Abstract
We present an innovative X-ray spectroscopy system to address the complex study of the X-ray emissions arising from laser–target interactions, where the emissions occur within extremely brief intervals from femtoseconds to nanoseconds. Our system combines a Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detector with a
[...] Read more.
We present an innovative X-ray spectroscopy system to address the complex study of the X-ray emissions arising from laser–target interactions, where the emissions occur within extremely brief intervals from femtoseconds to nanoseconds. Our system combines a Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detector with a silicon-based Timepix3 (TPX3) detector. These detectors work in tandem, allowing for a spectroscopic radiation analysis along the same line of sight. With an active area of 10 × 10 cm , the GEM detector allows for 1D measurements for X-ray energies (2–50 keV) by utilizing the full 10 cm gas depth. The high-energy part of the radiation beam exits through a downstream side window of the GEM without being absorbed in the gas volume. Positioned side-on at the GEM detector’s exit, the TPX3 detector, equipped with a pixelated sensor (55 µm × 55 µm; active area 14 mm × 14 mm), uses its full 14 mm silicon sensor to detect hard X-rays (50–500 keV) and gamma rays (0.5–10 MeV). We demonstrate the correct operation of the entire detection system and provide a detailed description of the Timepix3 detector’s calibration procedure, highlighting the suitability of the combined system to work in laser plasma facilities.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Precision X-ray Measurements 2023)
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Topological Gauge Theory of Josephson Junction Arrays: The Discovery of Superinsulation
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040097 - 16 Nov 2023
Abstract
We review the topological gauge theory description of Josephson junction arrays (JJA), fabricated systems which exhibit the superconductor-to-insulator transition (SIT). This description revealed the topological nature of the phases around the SIT and led to the discovery of a new state of matter,
[...] Read more.
We review the topological gauge theory description of Josephson junction arrays (JJA), fabricated systems which exhibit the superconductor-to-insulator transition (SIT). This description revealed the topological nature of the phases around the SIT and led to the discovery of a new state of matter, the superinsulator, characterized by infinite resistance, even at finite temperatures, due to linear confinement of electric charges. This discovery is particularly relevant for the physics of superconducting films with emergent granularity, which are modeled with JJAs and share the same phase diagram.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 8th International Conference on Superconductivity and Magnetism (ICSM2023))
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Laser Fabrication of Gold–sp-Carbon Films
by
, , , , , , and
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040096 - 14 Nov 2023
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We develop a method for the laser synthesis and deposition of carbon–gold films formed by a net of linear sp-carbon chains and stabilized by gold nanoparticles. The originality of the method is in the simultaneous production of carbon chains and gold nanoparticles due
[...] Read more.
We develop a method for the laser synthesis and deposition of carbon–gold films formed by a net of linear sp-carbon chains and stabilized by gold nanoparticles. The originality of the method is in the simultaneous production of carbon chains and gold nanoparticles due to the laser fragmentation of the amorphous carbon and hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (III) or chloroauric acid. We study how surface resistivity alters the effect of the obtained films via the illumination in the visible spectral range.
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On the Evaluation of Higher-Harmonic-Current Responses for High-Field Spectroscopies in Disordered Superconductors
by
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040095 - 13 Nov 2023
Abstract
We discuss a formalism that allows for the calculation of a higher-harmonic-current response to a strong applied electric field for disordered superconducting systems described on the basis of tight-binding models with on- and/or intersite interactions. The theory is based on an expansion of
[...] Read more.
We discuss a formalism that allows for the calculation of a higher-harmonic-current response to a strong applied electric field for disordered superconducting systems described on the basis of tight-binding models with on- and/or intersite interactions. The theory is based on an expansion of the density matrix in powers of the field amplitudes, where we solve the equation of motion for the individual components. This allows the evaluation of higher-order response functions on significantly larger lattices than one can achieve with a previously used approach, which is based on a direct temporal integration of the equation of motion for the complete density matrix. In the case of small lattices, where both methods can be applied by including also the contribution of collective modes, we demonstrate the agreement of the corresponding results.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Superstripes Physics, 2nd Edition)
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Experimental and Numerical Investigations on the Parameters of a Synchronous Machine Prototype with High-Temperature Superconductor Armature Windings
by
and
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040094 - 09 Nov 2023
Abstract
In their applications in electrical machines, high-temperature superconductors (HTSs) are mainly used as inductors in synchronous machines due to the AC losses which can lead to high cryogenic costs. In this work, we show the possibility of their use as armature windings, handling
[...] Read more.
In their applications in electrical machines, high-temperature superconductors (HTSs) are mainly used as inductors in synchronous machines due to the AC losses which can lead to high cryogenic costs. In this work, we show the possibility of their use as armature windings, handling some precautions. The approach is based on the combined use of modeling and measurements. The construction and the preliminary tests of a handmade prototype of an axial field HTS synchronous machine are presented. Several tests have been conducted at liquid nitrogen temperature. The measurements have been confirmed by modeling results. The preliminary tests on the prototype, in both modeling and measurements, are very promising.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 8th International Conference on Superconductivity and Magnetism (ICSM2023))
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Vortex Dynamics and Pinning in CaKFe4As4 Single Crystals from DC Magnetization Relaxation and AC Susceptibility
by
, , , , , and
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040093 - 29 Oct 2023
Abstract
Among various “families” of iron-based superconductors, the quite recently discovered AeAFe4As4 (where Ae is an alkali-earth metal and A is an alkali metal) has high critical current density, a very high upper critical field, and a low anisotropy, and
[...] Read more.
Among various “families” of iron-based superconductors, the quite recently discovered AeAFe4As4 (where Ae is an alkali-earth metal and A is an alkali metal) has high critical current density, a very high upper critical field, and a low anisotropy, and has recently received much interest for the possibility of high magnetic field applications at the liquid hydrogen temperature. We have performed DC magnetization relaxation and frequency-dependent AC susceptibility measurements on high-quality single crystals of CaKFe4As4 with the aim of determining the pinning potential U*. The temperature dependence of U* displays a clear crossover between elastic creep and plastic creep. At temperatures around 27–28 K, U* has a very high value, up to 1200 K, resulting in an infinitesimally small probability of thermally activated flux jumps. From the dependence of the normalized pinning potential on irreversible magnetization, we have determined the creep exponents in the two creep regimes, which are in complete agreement with theoretical models. The estimation of the pinning potential from multifrequency AC susceptibility measurements was possible only near the critical temperature due to equipment limitations, and the resulting value is very close to the one that resulted from the magnetization relaxation data. Magnetic hysteresis loops revealed a second magnetization peak and very high values of the critical current density.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 8th International Conference on Superconductivity and Magnetism (ICSM2023))
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Obtaining Boron Carbide and Nitride Matrix Nanocomposites for Neutron-Shielding and Therapy Applications
by
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , and
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040092 - 28 Oct 2023
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The very high capture cross-section of (epi)thermal neutrons by the boron isotope 10B makes elemental boron and its compounds and composites prospective for serving as materials intensively interacting with neutron irradiation. In their nanostructured form, boron-rich materials reveal properties that improve their
[...] Read more.
The very high capture cross-section of (epi)thermal neutrons by the boron isotope 10B makes elemental boron and its compounds and composites prospective for serving as materials intensively interacting with neutron irradiation. In their nanostructured form, boron-rich materials reveal properties that improve their radiation-performance characteristics. In this regard, new technologies have been proposed for the synthesis of nanocomposites with matrices of boron carbide B4C and hexagonal boron nitride h-BN. For the first time, boron carbide-tungsten and hexagonal boron nitride–(iron,magnetite) composites were obtained, respectively, in the form of layered/sandwich structures of components B4C and W and h-BN nanopowders coated/intercalated with magnetic nanoclusters of iron Fe or magnetite Fe3O4. Studying of their chemical/phase composition, structure/morphology, and some other properties leads to the conclusion that the developed B4C–W and h-BN–(Fe,Fe3O4) composites would be useful for solving important problems of boron-based neutron shielding and BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy), such as attenuating the gamma-radiation accompanying the absorption of neutrons by 10B nuclei and targeted delivery of 10B nuclei, as BNCT therapeutic agents, to tumor tissues using control by an external magnetic field, respectively.
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Open AccessCommunication
The Depairing Current Density of a Fe(Se,Te) Crystal Evaluated in Presence of Demagnetizing Factors
by
, , , , , , and
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040091 - 23 Oct 2023
Abstract
The effect of the demagnetizing factor, regarding the determination of the de-pairing current density , has been studied in the case of a Fe(Se,Te) crystal, using DC magnetic measurements as a function of a magnetic field (H)
[...] Read more.
The effect of the demagnetizing factor, regarding the determination of the de-pairing current density , has been studied in the case of a Fe(Se,Te) crystal, using DC magnetic measurements as a function of a magnetic field (H) at different temperatures (T). First, the lower critical field (T) values were obtained, and the demagnetization effects acting on them were investigated after calculating the demagnetizing factor. The temperature behaviors of both the original values and the ones obtained after considering the demagnetization effects ( ) were analyzed, and the temperature dependence of the London penetration depth (T) was obtained in both cases. In particular, the (T) curves were fitted with a power law dependence, indicating the presence of low-energy quasiparticle excitations. Furthermore, by plotting as a function of T, we found that our sample behaves as a multigap superconductor, which is similar to other Fe-11 family iron-based compounds. After that, the coherence length values were extracted, starting with the (T) curve. The knowledge of and allowed us to determine the values and to observe how they are influenced by the demagnetizing factor.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 8th International Conference on Superconductivity and Magnetism (ICSM2023))
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Effects of the Exciton Fine Structure Splitting on the Entanglement-Based Quantum Key Distribution
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040090 - 10 Oct 2023
Abstract
The reliable transmission of secure keys is one of the essential tasks to be efficiently accomplished by quantum information processing, and the use of entangled particles is a very important tool toward that goal. However, efficient production of maximally entangled states is still
[...] Read more.
The reliable transmission of secure keys is one of the essential tasks to be efficiently accomplished by quantum information processing, and the use of entangled particles is a very important tool toward that goal. However, efficient production of maximally entangled states is still a challenge for further progress in quantum computing and quantum communication. In the search for optimal sources of entanglement, quantum dots have emerged as promising candidates, but the presence of dephasing in the generated entangled states raises questions about their real usefulness in large-scale quantum networks. In this work, we evaluate the effects of the exciton fine structure splitting, present in most quantum dot samples, on the fidelity of the BBM92 protocol for quantum key distribution. We find that the protocol’s performance is heavily impacted by such splitting and establish an upper limit for the product between the energy splitting and the exciton lifetime to have a dependable distributed key.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physics of Light-Matter Coupling in Nanostructures)
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Suppression of Stacking Order with Doping in 1T-TaS2−xSex
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040089 - 10 Oct 2023
Abstract
In 1T-TaS Se , the charge density wave (CDW) state features a star of David lattice that expands across layers as the system becomes commensurate upon cooling. The layers can also order along the c-axis, and different stacking orders
[...] Read more.
In 1T-TaS Se , the charge density wave (CDW) state features a star of David lattice that expands across layers as the system becomes commensurate upon cooling. The layers can also order along the c-axis, and different stacking orders have been proposed. Using neutron scattering on powder samples, we compared the stacking order previously observed in 1T-TaS when the system is doped with Se. While at low temperature, a 13c layer sequence stacking was observed in TaS ; this type of ordering was not evident with doping. Doping with Se results in a metallic state in which the Mott transition is suppressed, which may be linked to the absence of layer stacking.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Superstripes Physics, 2nd Edition)
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Ultrafast Pump–Probe Spectroscopy in Organic Dirac Electron Candidate α-(BETS)2I3
Condens. Matter 2023, 8(4), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/condmat8040088 - 10 Oct 2023
Abstract
Photo-induced carrier dynamics were measured in the organic Dirac electron candidate -(BETS) I to investigate why resistivity increases below = 50 K. We found a change in carrier dynamics due to an insulating gap formation below
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Photo-induced carrier dynamics were measured in the organic Dirac electron candidate -(BETS) I to investigate why resistivity increases below = 50 K. We found a change in carrier dynamics due to an insulating gap formation below = 50 K. On the other hand, the relaxation time and polarization anisotropy of the observed dynamics differ from those in the charge-ordering (CO) state of the isostructural salt -(ET) I . Based on the difference, it can be concluded that the insulating phase has a different origin than the CO state.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Superstripes Physics, 2nd Edition)
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