DC Field Science Highlights
Exploring topological semimetals in high magnetic fields
Topological semimetals are an exciting new area of research due to their number of predicted and unexpected quantum mechanical states. Understanding these materials may also lead to quantum devices that function at near room temperature.
Nematic Phase Weakens Superconductivity
A nematic phase is where the molecular/atomic dynamics show elements of both liquids and solids, like in liquid crystal displays on digital watches or calculators. Using high magnetic fields and high pressure, researchers probed the electronic states of an iron-based superconductor and found that its nematic state weakened superconductivity.
Extreme re-entrant superconductivity
Studies of uranium ditelluride in high magnetic fields show superconductivity switching off at 35 T, but reoccurring at higher magnetic fields between 40 and 65 T.
Emergent states of matter in chemically doped quantum magnets
Research on doped SrCu2(BO3)2 shows anomalies in the magnetization.
Spin-lattice and electron–phonon coupling in 3d/5d hybrid Sr3NiIrO6
In Sr3NiIrO6 vibrations in the crystal lattice (phonons) play an important role in its intriguing magnetic properties that result in a very high coercive field of 55 T. Using a combination of pulsed and DC magnetic fields coupled with magnetization and far-infrared spectroscopy, researchers were able to conclusively link the phonons to the magnetic behavior.
Fifty Percent Boost for Niobium–tin
MagLab users have modified the critical current of Nb3SN, a material that was thought to be fully exploited, and boosted its performance by 50%.
Evidence Supporting BiPd as a Topological Superconductor
The observation of topological states coupled with superconductivity represents an opportunity for scientists to manipulate nontrivial superconducting states via the spin-orbit interaction. While superconductivity has been extensively studied since its discovery in 1910, the advent of topological materials gives scientists a new avenue to explore quantum matter. BiPd is being studied using "MagLab-sized fields" by scientists from LSU in an effort to determine if it is indeed a topological superconductor.
Even denominator fractional quantum Hall states in graphene
Scientists revealed previously unobserved and unexpected FQH states in monolayer graphene that raise new questions regarding the interaction between electrons in these states.
Quasi-2D to 3D Fermi surface topology change in Nd-doped CeCoIn5
Scientists found that the emergence of an exotic quantum mechanical phase in Ce1-xNdxCoIn5 is due to a shape change in the Fermi surface. This finding ran counter to theoretical arguments and has led investigators in new directions.
Dirac fermions detected via quantum oscillations
This work provides important insight into one of the parent materials of iron-based superconductors.
Switchable transmission of quantum Hall edge states in bilayer graphene
In the 14 years since its discovery, graphene has amazed scientists around the world with both the ground-breaking physics and technological potential it displays. Recently, scientists from Penn State University added to graphene's gallery of impressive scientific achievements and constructed a map that will aid future exploration of this material. This work is emblematic of the large number of university-based materials research efforts that use the MagLab to explore the frontiers of science.
2D electron-hole "superconductor": Topological excitonic insulator
Decades ago a mechanism was proposed that described a quantum phase transition to an insulating ground state from a semi-metal (excitonic insulator, or EI) using very similar mechanics to those found in the BCS description of superconductivity. The discovery of this transition to an EI in InAs/GaSb quantum wells is striking not only for the long-sought experimental realization of important physics, but also the presence of recently proposed topological behavior.
New magnetic topological semimetal has energy-saving potential
Researchers discover that Sr1-yMn1-zSb2 (y,z < 0.1) is a so-called Weyl material that holds great promise for building devices that require far less power.
Selective mass enhancement close to a quantum critical point
This finding sheds light on the role of quasiparticle mass enhancement near a quantum critical point in one of the leading families of high-temperature superconductors.
Cheaper ways to make strong permanent magnets
New technique transforms common materials into powerful magnets.
Researchers observe exotic superfluid in graphene
Two independent research teams observed same behavior in double bilayer graphene.
Pressure converts an insulator into a metal
The novel behavior could help scientists better understand the mechanisms behind high-temperature superconductivity.
Electrons at "extreme quantum limit" form new kind of state
At high magnetic field, free-flowing particles condense into “puddles.”
New technique for identifying Weyl materials
The work gives physicists a new tool for exploring and understanding a class of materials that could lead to faster electronics.
High field changes phase transitions in “shape-shifting” molecules
With a sufficiently high magnetic field, scientists can manipulate certain phase transitions in some molecules, a discovery that hints at future technological applications.
