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“Structure and vacancy distribution in copper telluride nanoparticles influence plasmonic activity in the near-infrared”. Willhammar T, Sentosun K, Mourdikoudis S, Goris B, Kurttepeli M, Bercx M, Lamoen D, Partoens B, Pastoriza-Santos I, Pérez-Juste J, Liz-Marzán LM, Bals S, Van Tendeloo G, Nature communications 8, 14925 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms14925
Abstract: Copper chalcogenides find applications in different domains including photonics, photothermal therapy and photovoltaics. CuTe nanocrystals have been proposed as an alternative to noble metal particles for plasmonics. Although it is known that deviations from stoichiometry are a prerequisite for plasmonic activity in the near-infrared, an accurate description of the material and its (optical) properties is hindered by an insufficient understanding of the atomic structure and the influence of defects, especially for materials in their nanocrystalline form. We demonstrate that the structure of Cu1.5±xTe nanocrystals canbe determined using electron diffraction tomography. Real-space high-resolution electron tomography directly reveals the three-dimensional distribution of vacancies in the structure. Through first-principles density functional theory, we furthermore demonstrate that the influence of these vacancies on the optical properties of the nanocrystals is determined. Since our methodology is applicable to a variety of crystalline nanostructured materials, it is expected to provide unique insights concerning structure–property correlations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 37
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14925
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“Exciton states in a circular graphene quantum dot: Magnetic field induced intravalley to intervalley transition”. Li LL, Zarenia M, Xu W, Dong HM, Peeters FM, Physical review B 95, 045409 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.045409
Abstract: The magnetic-field dependence of the energy spectrum, wave function, binding energy, and oscillator strength of exciton states confined in a circular graphene quantum dot (CGQD) is obtained within the configuration interaction method. We predict that (i) excitonic effects are very significant in the CGQD as a consequence of a combination of geometric confinement, magnetic confinement, and reduced screening; (ii) two types of excitons (intravalley and intervalley) are present in the CGQD because of the valley degree of freedom in graphene; (iii) the intravalley and intervalley exciton states display different magnetic-field dependencies due to the different electron-hole symmetries of the single-particle energy spectra; (iv) with increasing magnetic field, the exciton ground state in the CGQD undergoes an intravalley to intervalley transition accompanied by a change of angular momentum; (v) the exciton binding energy does not increase monotonically with the magnetic field due to the competition between geometric and magnetic confinements; and (vi) the optical transitions of the intervalley and intravalley excitons can be tuned by the magnetic field, and valley-dependent excitonic transitions can be realized in a CGQD.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.045409
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“Large CO2 uptake on a monolayer of CaO”. Berdiyorov GR, Neek-Amal M, Hussein IA, Madjet ME, Peeters FM, Journal of materials chemistry A : materials for energy and sustainability 5, 2110 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C6TA08810D
Abstract: Density functional theory calculations are used to study gas adsorption properties of a recently synthesized CaO monolayer, which is found to be thermodynamically stable in its buckled form. Due to its topology and strong interaction with the CO2 molecules, this material possesses a remarkably high CO2 uptake capacity (similar to 0.4 g CO2 per g adsorbent). The CaO + CO2 system shows excellent thermal stability (up to 1000 K). Moreover, the material is highly selective towards CO2 against other major greenhouse gases such as CH4 and N2O. These advantages make this material a very promising candidate for CO2 capture and storage applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.867
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1039/C6TA08810D
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“Reversible structural transition in nanoconfined ice”. Satarifard V, Mousaei M, Hadadi F, Dix J, Sobrino Fernández M, Carbone P, Beheshtian J, Peeters FM, Neek-Amal M, Physical review B 95, 064105 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.064105
Abstract: The report on square ice sandwiched between two graphene layers by Algara-Siller et al. [Nature (London) 519, 443 (2015)] has generated a large interest in this system. By applying high lateral pressure on nanoconfined water, we found that monolayer ice is transformed to bilayer ice when the two graphene layers are separated by H = 6,7 angstrom. It was also found that three layers of a denser phase of ice with smaller lattice constant are formed if we start from bilayer ice and apply a lateral pressure of about 0.7 GPa with H = 8,9 angstrom. The lattice constant (2.5-2.6 angstrom) in both transitions is found to be smaller than those typical for the known phases of ice and water, i.e., 2.8 angstrom. We validate these results using ab initio calculations and find good agreement between ab initio O-O distance and those obtained from classical molecular dynamics simulations. The reversibility of the mentioned transitions is confirmed by decompressing the systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.064105
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“Electronic and transport properties of n-type monolayer black phosphorus at low temperatures”. Han FW, Xu W, Li LL, Zhang C, Dong HM, Peeters FM, Physical review B 95, 115436 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.95.115436
Abstract: We present a detailed theoretical study of the electronic and transport properties of monolayer black phosphorus (BP). This study is motivated by recent experimental activities in investigating n-type few-layer BP systems. The electron density of states, the screening length, and the low-temperature electron mobility are calculated for monolayer BP (MLBP). In particular, the electron transport mobilities along the armchair and zigzag directions are examined on the basis of the momentum-balance equation derived from a semiclassical Boltzmann equation. The anisotropic electron mobilities in MLBP along different directions are demonstrated where the electron-impurity scattering is considered. Furthermore, we compare the results obtained from two electronic band structures of MLBP and find that the simplified model can describe quite rightly the electronic and transport properties of MLBP. This study is relevant to the application of few-layer BP based electronic systems as advanced electronic devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.95.115436
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“Structural and electronic properties of defects at grain boundaries in CuInSe2”. Saniz R, Bekaert J, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 19, 14770 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1039/C7CP02033C
Abstract: We report on a first-principles study of the structural and electronic properties of a Sigma3 (112) grain boundary model in CuInSe2. The study focuses on a coherent, stoichiometry preserving, cation–Se terminated grain boundary, addressing the properties of the grain boundary as such, as well as the effect
of well known defects in CuInSe2. We show that in spite of its apparent simplicity, such a grain boundary exhibits a very rich phenomenology, providing an explanation for several of the experimentally observed properties of grain boundaries in CuInSe2 thin films. In particular, we show that the combined effect of Cu vacancies and cation antisites can result in the observed Cu depletion with no In enrichment at the grain boundaries. Furthermore, Cu vacancies are unlikely to produce a hole barrier at the grain boundaries, but Na may indeed have such an effect. We find that Na-on-Cu defects will tend to form abundantly at
the grain boundaries, and can provide a mechanism for the carrier depletion and/or type inversion experimentally reported.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1039/C7CP02033C
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“Dependence of the shape of graphene nanobubbles on trapped substance”. Ghorbanfekr-Kalashami H, Vasu KS, Nair RR, Peeters FM, Neek-Amal M, Nature communications 8, 15844 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms15844
Abstract: Van der Waals (vdW) interaction between two-dimensional crystals (2D) can trap substances in high pressurized (of order 1 GPa) on nanobubbles. Increasing the adhesion between the 2D crystals further enhances the pressure and can lead to a phase transition of the trapped material. We found that the shape of the nanobubble can depend critically on the properties of the trapped substance. In the absence of any residual strain in the top 2D crystal, flat nanobubbles can be formed by trapped long hydrocarbons (that is, hexadecane). For large nanobubbles with radius 130 nm, our atomic force microscopy measurements show nanobubbles filled with hydrocarbons (water) have a cylindrical symmetry (asymmetric) shape which is in good agreement with our molecular dynamics simulations. This study provides insights into the effects of the specific material and the vdW pressure on the microscopic details of graphene bubbles.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 44
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15844
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“Ab initio study of hydrogenic effective mass impurities in Si nanowires”. Peelaers H, Durgun E, Partoens B, Bilc DI, Ghosez P, Van de Walle CG, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 29, 095303 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-648X/AA5768
Abstract: The effect of B and P dopants on the band structure of Si nanowires is studied using electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory. At low concentrations a dispersionless band is formed, clearly distinguishable from the valence and conduction bands. Although this band is evidently induced by the dopant impurity, it turns out to have purely Si character. These results can be rigorously analyzed in the framework of effective mass theory. In the process we resolve some common misconceptions about the physics of hydrogenic shallow impurities, which can be more clearly elucidated in the case of nanowires than would be possible for bulk Si. We also show the importance of correctly describing the effect of dielectric confinement, which is not included in traditional electronic structure calculations, by comparing the obtained results with those of G(0)W(0) calculations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1088/1361-648X/AA5768
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“Band alignment of lateral two-dimensional heterostructures with a transverse dipole”. Leenaerts O, Vercauteren S, Partoens B, Applied physics letters 110, 181602 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4982791
Abstract: It was recently shown that the electronic band alignment in lateral two-dimensional heterostructures is strongly dependent on the system geometry, such as heterostructure width and layer thickness. This is so even in the absence of polar edge terminations because of the appearance of an interface dipole between the two different materials. In this study, this work is expanded to include two-dimensional materials that possess an electronic dipole over their surface, i.e., in the direction transverse to the crystal plane. To this end, a heterostucture consisting of polar hydrofluorinated graphene and non-polar graphane layers is studied with first-principles calculations. As for nonpolar heterostructures, a significant geometry dependence is observed with two different limits for the band offset. For infinitely wide heterostructures, the potential step in the vacuum is equally divided over the two sides of the heterostructure, resulting in a finite potential step in the heterostructure. For infinitely thick heterostructure slabs, on the other hand, the band offset is reduced, similar to the three-dimensional case.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1063/1.4982791
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“Carbon-rich carbon nitride monolayers with Dirac cones : Dumbbell C4N”. Li L, Kong X, Leenaerts O, Chen X, Sanyal B, Peeters FM, Carbon 118, 285 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CARBON.2017.03.045
Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) carbon nitride materials play an important role in energy-harvesting, energy-storage and environmental applications. Recently, a new carbon nitride, 2D polyaniline (C3N) was proposed [PNAS 113 (2016) 7414-7419]. Based on the structure model of this C3N monolayer, we propose two new carbon nitride monolayers, named dumbbell (DB) C4N-I and C4N-II. Using first-principles calculations, we systematically study the structure, stability, and band structure of these two materials. In contrast to other carbon nitride monolayers, the orbital hybridization of the C/N atoms in the DB C4N monolayers is sp(3). Remarkably, the band structures of the two DB C4N monolayers have a Dirac cone at the K point and their Fermi velocities (2.6/2.4 x 10(5) m/s) are comparable to that of graphene. This makes them promising materials for applications in high-speed electronic devices. Using a tight-binding model, we explain the origin of the Dirac cone. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 6.337
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1016/J.CARBON.2017.03.045
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Petrovic M (2017) Characterization of scanning gate technique and transport in nanostructured graphene. Antwerpen
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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“Dynamics of skyrmions and edge states in the resistive regime of mesoscopic p-wave superconductors”. Fernández Becerra V, Milošević, MV, Physica: C : superconductivity 533, 91 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYSC.2016.07.002
Abstract: In a mesoscopic sample of a chiral p-wave superconductor, novel states comprising skyrmions and edge states have been stabilized in out-of-plane applied magnetic field. Using the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations we shed light on the dynamic response of such states to an external applied current. Three different regimes are obtained, namely, the superconducting (stationary), resistive (non-stationary) and normal regime, similarly to conventional s-wave superconductors. However, in the resistive regime and depending on the external current, we found that moving skyrmions and the edge state behave distinctly different from the conventional kinematic vortex, thereby providing new fingerprints for identification of p-wave superconductivity. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/J.PHYSC.2016.07.002
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Milovanović, S (2017) Electronic transport properties in nano- and micro-engineered graphene structures. Antwerpen
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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“Fundamental mechanisms responsible for the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency in microwave dielectric ceramics”. Zhang S, Sahin H, Torun E, Peeters F, Martien D, DaPron T, Dilley N, Newman N, Journal of the American Ceramic Society 100, 1508 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1111/JACE.14648
Abstract: The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency ((f)) of a microwave resonator is determined by three materials parameters according to the following equation: (f)=-(1/2 (epsilon) + 1/2 + (L)), where (L), (epsilon), and are defined as the linear temperature coefficients of the lattice constant, dielectric constant, and magnetic permeability, respectively. We have experimentally determined each of these parameters for Ba(Zn1/3Ta2/3)O-3, 0.8 at.% Ni-doped Ba(Zn1/3Ta2/3)O-3, and Ba(Ni1/3Ta2/3)O-3 ceramics. These results, in combination with density functional theory calculations, have allowed us to develop a much improved understanding of the fundamental physical mechanisms responsible for the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency, (f).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.841
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1111/JACE.14648
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“Gallium bismuth halide GaBi-X2 (X = I, Br, Cl) monolayers with distorted hexagonal framework: Novel room-temperature quantum spin Hall insulators”. Li L, Leenaerts O, Kong X, Chen X, Zhao M, Peeters FM, Nano Research 10, 2168 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1007/S12274-017-1464-Z
Abstract: Quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulators with a large topologically nontrivial bulk gap are crucial for future applications of the QSH effect. Among these, group III-V monolayers and their halides, which have a chair structure (regular hexagonal framework), have been widely studied. Using first-principles calculations, we formulate a new structure model for the functionalized group III-V monolayers, which consist of rectangular GaBi-X-2 (X = I, Br, Cl) monolayers with a distorted hexagonal framework (DHF). These structures have a far lower energy than the GaBi-X-2 monolayers with a chair structure. Remarkably, the DHF GaBi-X-2 monolayers are all QSH insulators, which exhibit sizeable nontrivial band gaps ranging from 0.17 to 0.39 eV. The band gaps can be widely tuned by applying different spin-orbit coupling strengths, resulting in a distorted Dirac cone.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 7.354
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1007/S12274-017-1464-Z
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Ferná,ndez Becerra VL (2017) Novel mesoscopic effects and topological states in chiral p-wave superconductors. Antwerpen
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
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“Pattern formation in vortex matter with pinning and frustrated intervortex interactions”. Zhao HJ, Misko VR, Tempere J, Nori F, Physical review B 95, 104519 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.104519
Abstract: We investigate the effects related to vortex-core deformations when vortices approach each other. As a result of these vortex-core deformations, the vortex-vortex interaction effectively acquires an attractive component leading to a variety of vortex patterns typical for systems with nonmonotonic repulsive-attractive interaction, such as stripes and labyrinths. The core deformations are anisotropic and can induce frustration in the vortex-vortex interaction. In turn, this frustration has an impact on the resulting vortex patterns, which are analyzed in the presence of additional random pinning, as a function of the pinning strength. This analysis can be applicable to vortices in multiband superconductors or to vortices in Bose-Einstein condensates.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Theory of quantum systems and complex systems; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.104519
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“Piezoelectricity in two-dimensional materials : comparative study between lattice dynamics and ab initio calculations”. Michel KH, Çakir D, Sevik C, Peeters FM, Physical review B 95, 125415 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.125415
Abstract: The elastic constant C-11 and piezoelectric stress constant e(1),(11) of two-dimensional (2D) dielectric materials comprising h-BN, 2H-MoS2, and other transition-metal dichalcogenides and dioxides are calculated using lattice dynamical theory. The results are compared with corresponding quantities obtained with ab initio calculations. We identify the difference between clamped-ion and relaxed-ion contributions with the dependence on inner strains which are due to the relative displacements of the ions in the unit cell. Lattice dynamics allows us to express the inner-strain contributions in terms of microscopic quantities such as effective ionic charges and optoacoustical couplings, which allows us to clarify differences in the piezoelectric behavior between h-BN and MoS2. Trends in the different microscopic quantities as functions of atomic composition are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 29
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.125415
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“Quantum transport in graphene Hall bars : effects of side gates”. Petrovic MD, Peeters FM, Solid state communications 257, 20 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SSC.2017.03.012
Abstract: Quantum electron transport in side-gated graphene Hall bars is investigated in the presence of quantizing external magnetic fields. The asymmetric potential of four side-gates distorts the otherwise flat bands of the relativistic Landau levels, and creates new propagating states in the Landau spectrum (i.e. snake states). The existence of these new states leads to an interesting modification of the bend and Hall resistances, with new quantizing plateaus appearing in close proximity of the Landau levels. The electron guiding in this system can be understood by studying the current density profiles of the incoming and outgoing modes. From the fact that guided electrons fully transmit without any backscattering (similarly to edge states), we are able to analytically predict the values of the quantized resistances, and they match the resistance data we obtain with our numerical (tight-binding) method. These insights in the electron guiding will be useful in predicting the resistances for other side-gate configurations, and possibly in other system geometries, as long as there is no backscattering of the guided states.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.554
DOI: 10.1016/J.SSC.2017.03.012
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“Scanning gate microscopy of magnetic focusing in graphene devices : quantum versus classical simulation”. Petrovic MD, Milovanović, SP, Peeters FM, Nanotechnology 28, 185202 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6528/AA677A
Abstract: We compare classical versus quantum electron transport in recently investigated magnetic focusing devices (Bhandari et al 2016 Nano Lett. 16 1690) exposed to the perturbing potential of a scanning gate microscope (SGM). Using the Landauer-Buttiker formalism for a multi-terminal device, we calculate resistance maps that are obtained as the SGM tip is scanned over the sample. There are three unique regimes in which the scanning tip can operate (focusing, repelling, and mixed regime) which are investigated. Tip interacts mostly with electrons with cyclotron trajectories passing directly underneath it, leaving a trail of modified current density behind it. Other (indirect) trajectories become relevant when the tip is placed near the edges of the sample, and current is scattered between the tip and the edge. We point out that, in contrast to SGM experiments on gapped semiconductors, the STM tip can induce a pn junction in graphene, which improves contrast and resolution in SGM. We also discuss possible explanations for spatial asymmetry of experimentally measured resistance maps, and connect it with specific configurations of the measuring probes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/AA677A
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“Transmission in graphene-topological insulator heterostructures”. De Beule C, Zarenia M, Partoens B, Physical review B 95, 115424 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.115424
Abstract: We investigate scattering of the topological surface state of a three-dimensional time-reversal invariant topological insulator when graphene is deposited on the topological-insulator surface. Specifically, we consider the (111) surface of a Bi2Se3-like topological insulator. We present a low-energy model for the graphene-topological insulator heterostructure and we calculate the transmission probability at zigzag and armchair edges of the deposited graphene, and the conductance through graphene nanoribbon barriers, and show that its features can be understood from antiresonances in the transmission probability.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.115424
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“Unusual quantum confined Stark effect and Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in semiconductor quantum rings with anisotropic effective masses”. de Sousa GO, da Costa DR, Chaves A, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Physical review B 95, 205414 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.205414
Abstract: The effects of external electric and magnetic fields on the energy spectrum of quantum rings made out of a bidimensional semiconductor material with anisotropic band structures are investigated within the effective-mass model. The interplay between the effective-mass anisotropy and the radial confinement leads to wave functions that are strongly localized at two diametrically opposite regions where the kinetic energy is lowest due to the highest effective mass. We show that this quantum phenomenon has clear consequences on the behavior of the energy states in the presence of applied in-plane electric fields and out-of-plane magnetic fields. In the former, the quantum confined Stark effect is observed with either linear or quadratic shifts, depending on the direction of the applied field. As for the latter, the usual Aharonov-Bohm oscillations are not observed for a circularly symmetric confining potential, however they can be reinstated if an elliptic ring with an appropriate aspect ratio is chosen.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.205414
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“Wigner crystallization in transition metal dichalcogenides : a new approach to correlation energy”. Zarenia M, Neilson D, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Physical review B 95, 115438 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.115438
Abstract: We introduce a new approach for the correlation energy of one- and two-valley two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) systems. Our approach is based on an interpolation between two limits, a random phase approximation at high densities and a classical approach at low densities which gives excellent agreement with available Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) calculations. The two-valley 2DEG model is introduced to describe the electron correlations in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). We study the zero-temperature transition from a Fermi liquid to a quantum Wigner crystal phase in monolayer TMDs. Consistent with QMC, we find that electrons crystallize at r(s) = 31 in one-valley 2DEG. For two valleys, we predict Wigner crystallization at r(s) = 30, implying that valley degeneracy has little effect on the critical r(s), in contrast to an earlier claim.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.115438
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“Auger electron emission initiated by the creation of valence-band holes in graphene by positron annihilation”. Chirayath VA, Callewaert V, Fairchild AJ, Chrysler MD, Gladen RW, Mcdonald AD, Imam SK, Shastry K, Koymen AR, Saniz R, Barbiellini B, Rajeshwar K, Partoens B, Weiss AH, Nature communications 8, 16116 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms16116
Abstract: Auger processes involving the filling of holes in the valence band are thought to make important contributions to the low-energy photoelectron and secondary electron spectrum from many solids. However, measurements of the energy spectrum and the efficiency with which electrons are emitted in this process remain elusive due to a large unrelated background resulting from primary beam-induced secondary electrons. Here, we report the direct measurement of the energy spectra of electrons emitted from single layer graphene as a result of the decay of deep holes in the valence band. These measurements were made possible by eliminating competing backgrounds by employing low-energy positrons (<1.25 eV) to create valence-band holes by annihilation. Our experimental results, supported by theoretical calculations, indicate that between 80 and 100% of the deep valence-band holes in graphene are filled via an Auger transition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 12.124
Times cited: 20
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms16116
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“Visualizing redox orbitals and their potentials in advanced lithium-ion battery materials using high-resolution x-ray Compton scattering”. Hafiz H, Suzuki K, Barbiellini B, Orikasa Y, Callewaert V, Kaprzyk S, Itou M, Yamamoto K, Yamada R, Uchimoto Y, Sakurai Y, Sakurai H, Bansil A, Science Advances 3, e1700971 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1700971
Abstract: Reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions are the key processes that underlie the batteries powering smartphones, laptops, and electric cars. A redox process involves transfer of electrons between two species. For example, in a lithium-ion battery, current is generated when conduction electrons from the lithium anode are transferred to the redox orbitals of the cathode material. The ability to visualize or image the redox orbitals and how these orbitals evolve under lithiation and delithiation processes is thus of great fundamental and practical interest for understanding the workings of battery materials. We show that inelastic scattering spectroscopy using high-energy x-ray photons (Compton scattering) can yield faithful momentum space images of the redox orbitals by considering lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) as an exemplar cathode battery material. Our analysis reveals a new link between voltage and the localization of transition metal 3d orbitals and provides insight into the puzzling mechanism of potential shift and how it is connected to the modification of the bond between the transition metal and oxygen atoms. Our study thus opens a novel spectroscopic pathway for improving the performance of battery materials.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1700971
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“Artificial living crystals in confined environment”. Yang W, Misko VR, Tempère J, Kong M, Peeters FM, Physical Review E 95, 062602 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVE.95.062602
Abstract: Similar to the spontaneous formation of colonies of bacteria, flocks of birds, or schools of fish, “living crystals” can be formed by artificial self-propelled particles such as Janus colloids. Unlike usual solids, these “crystals” are far from thermodynamic equilibrium. They fluctuate in time forming a crystalline structure, breaking apart and re-forming again. We propose a method to stabilize living crystals by applying a weak confinement potential that does not suppress the ability of the particles to perform self-propelled motion, but it stabilizes the structure and shape of the dynamical clusters. This gives rise to such configurations of living crystals as “living shells” formed by Janus colloids. Moreover, the shape of the stable living clusters can be controlled by tuning the potential strength. Our proposal can be verified experimentally with either artificial microswimmers such as Janus colloids, or with living active matter.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Theory of quantum systems and complex systems; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 10
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVE.95.062602
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“Driven spin transitions in fluorinated single- and bilayer-graphene quantum dots”. Zebrowski DP, Peeters FM, Szafran B, Semiconductor science and technology 32, 065016 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6641/AA6DF4
Abstract: Spin transitions driven by a periodically varying electric potential in dilute fluorinated graphene quantum dots are investigated. Flakes of monolayer graphene as well as electrostatic electron traps induced in bilayer graphene are considered. The stationary states obtained within the tight-binding approach are used as the basis for description of the system dynamics. The dilute fluorination of the top layer lifts the valley degeneracy of the confined states and attenuates the orbital magnetic dipole moments due to current circulation within the flake. The spin-orbit coupling introduced by the surface deformation of the top layer induced by the adatoms allows the spin flips to be driven by the AC electric field. For the bilayer quantum dots the spin flip times is substantially shorter than the spin relaxation. Dynamical effects including many-photon and multilevel transitions are also discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.305
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6641/AA6DF4
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“Electric-and magnetic-field dependence of the electronic and optical properties of phosphorene quantum dots”. Li LL, Moldovan D, Xu W, Peeters FM, Nanotechnology 28, 085702 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6528/AA55E8
Abstract: Recently, black phosphorus quantum dots were fabricated experimentally. Motivated by these experiments, we theoretically investigate the electronic and optical properties of rectangular phosphorene quantum dots (RPQDs) in the presence of an in-plane electric field and a perpendicular magnetic field. The energy spectra and wave functions of RPQDs are obtained numerically using the tight-binding approach. We find edge states within the band gap of the RPQD which are well separated from the bulk states. In an undoped RPQD and for in-plane polarized light, due to the presence of well-defined edge states, we find three types of optical transitions which are between the bulk states, between the edge and bulk states, and between the edge states. The electric and magnetic fields influence the bulk-to-bulk, edge-to-bulk, and edge-to- edge transitions differently due to the different responses of bulk and edge states to these fields.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.44
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/AA55E8
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“Graphene quantum dot with a Coulomb impurity : subcritical and supercritical regime”. Van Pottelberge R, Zarenia M, Vasilopoulos P, Peeters FM, Physical review B 95, 245410 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.245410
Abstract: We study the influence of confinement on the atomic collapse due to a Coulomb impurity placed at the center of a graphene quantum dot of radius R. We apply the zigzag or infinite-mass boundary condition and consider both a point-size and a finite-size impurity. As a function of the impurity strength Za, the energy spectra are discrete. In the case of the zigzag boundary condition, the degenerate (with respect to the angular momentum m) zero-energy levels are pulled down in energy as Z alpha increases, and they remain below epsilon = – Z alpha. Our results show that the energy levels exhibit a 1/R dependence in the subcritical regime [Z alpha < |km + 1/2|, k = 1 (-1) for the K (K') valley]. In the supercritical regime (Z alpha > |km + 1/2|) we find a qualitatively very different behavior where the levels decrease as a function of R in a nonmonotonic manner. While the valley symmetry is preserved in the presence of the impurity, we find that the impurity breaks electron-hole symmetry. We further study the energy spectrum of zigzag quantum dots in gapped graphene. Our results show that as the gap increases, the lowest electron states are pushed into the gap by the impurity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.245410
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“Lattice dynamics in Sn nanoislands and cluster-assembled films”. Houben K, Couet S, Trekels M, Menendez E, Peissker T, Seo JW, Hu MY, Zhao JY, Alp EE, Roelants S, Partoens B, Milošević, MV, Peeters FM, Bessas D, Brown SA, Vantomme A, Temst K, Van Bael MJ, Physical review B 95, 155413 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.155413
Abstract: To unravel the effects of phonon confinement, the influence of size and morphology on the atomic vibrations is investigated in Sn nanoislands and cluster-assembled films. Nuclear resonant inelastic x-ray scattering is used to probe the phonon densities of states of the Sn nanostructures which show significant broadening of the features compared to bulk phonon behavior. Supported by ab initio calculations, the broadening is attributed to phonon scattering and can be described within the damped harmonic oscillator model. Contrary to the expectations based on previous research, the appearance of high-energy modes above the cutoff energy is not observed. From the thermodynamic properties extracted from the phonon densities of states, it was found that grain boundary Sn atoms are bound by weaker forces than bulk Sn atoms.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.95.155413
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