“Optimizing mesoscopic two-band superconductors for observation of fractional vortex states”. Piña JC, de Souza Silva CC, Milošević, MV, Physica: C : superconductivity 503, 48 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physc.2014.04.017
Abstract: Using the two-component Ginzburg-Landau model, we investigate the effect of sample size and magnitude and homogeneity of external magnetic field on the stability of fractional vortex states in a mesoscopic two-band superconducting disk. We found that each fractional state has a preferable sample size, for which the range of applied field in which the state is stable is pronouncedly large. Vice versa, there exists an optimal magnitude of applied field for which a large range of possible sample radii will support the considered fractional state. Finally, we show that the stability of fractional states can be enhanced even further by magnetic nanostructuring of the sample, i.e. by suitably chosen geometrical parameters and magnetic moment of a ferromagnetic dot placed on top of the superconducting disk. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.404
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2014.04.017
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“Review on TEM analysis of growth twins in nanocrystalline palladium thin films : toward better understanding of twin-related mechanisms in high stacking fault energy metals”. Idrissi H, Amin-Ahmadi B, Wang B, Schryvers D, Physica status solidi: B: basic research 251, 1111 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1002/pssb.201350161
Abstract: Various modes of transmission electron microscopy including aberration corrected imaging were used in order to unravel the fundamental mechanisms controlling the formation of growth twins and the evolution of twin boundaries under mechanical and hydrogen loading modes in nanocrystalline (nc) palladium thin films. The latter were produced by electron-beam evaporation and sputter deposition and subjected to uniaxial tensile deformation as well as hydriding/dehydriding cycles. The results show that the twins form by dissociation of grain boundaries. The coherency of Σ3{111} coherent twin boundaries considerably decreases with deformation due to dislocation/twin boundary interactions while Σ3{112} incoherent twin boundaries dissociate under hydrogen cycling into two-phase boundaries bounding a new and unstable 9R phase. The effect of these elementary mechanisms on the macroscopic behavior of the palladium films is discussed and compared to recent experimental and simulation works in the literature. The results provide insightful information to guide the production of well-controlled population of growth twins in high stacking fault energy nc metallic thin films. The results also indicate directions for further enhancement of the mechanical properties of palladium films as needed for instance in palladium-based membranes in hydrogen applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 1.674
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1002/pssb.201350161
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“Distinct magnetic signatures of fractional vortex configurations in multiband superconductors”. da Silva RM, Milošević, MV, Dominguez D, Peeters FM, Albino Aguiar J, Applied physics letters 105, 232601 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4904010
Abstract: Vortices carrying fractions of a flux quantum are predicted to exist in multiband superconductors, where vortex core can split between multiple band-specific components of the superconducting condensate. Using the two-component Ginzburg-Landau model, we examine such vortex configurations in a two-band superconducting slab in parallel magnetic field. The fractional vortices appear due to the band-selective vortex penetration caused by different thresholds for vortex entry within each band-condensate, and stabilize near the edges of the sample. We show that the resulting fractional vortex configurations leave distinct fingerprints in the static measurements of the magnetization, as well as in ac dynamic measurements of the magnetic susceptibility, both of which can be readily used for the detection of these fascinating vortex states in several existing multiband superconductors. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.411
Times cited: 22
DOI: 10.1063/1.4904010
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“Adatoms and Anderson localization in graphene”. García JH, Uchoa B, Covaci L, Rappoport TG, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 90, 085425 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.90.085425
Abstract: We address the nature of the disordered state that results from the adsorption of adatoms in graphene. For adatoms that sit at the center of the honeycomb plaquette, as in the case of most transition metals, we show that the ones that form a zero-energy resonant state lead to Anderson localization in the vicinity of the Dirac point. Among those, we show that there is a symmetry class of adatoms where Anderson localization is suppressed, leading to an exotic metallic state with large and rare charge droplets, that localizes only at the Dirac point. We identify the experimental conditions for the observation of the Anderson transition for adatoms in graphene.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.90.085425
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“Interplay of model ingredients affecting aggregate shape plasticity in diffusion-limited aggregation”. Duarte-Neto P, Stosic T, Stosic B, Lessa R, Milošević, MV, Physical review : E : statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics 90, 012312 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.90.012312
Abstract: We analyze the combined effect of three ingredients of an aggregation model-surface tension, particle flow and particle source-representing typical characteristics of many aggregation growth processes in nature. Through extensive numerical experiments and for different underlying lattice structures we demonstrate that the location of incoming particles and their preferential direction of flow can significantly affect the resulting general shape of the aggregate, while the surface tension controls the surface roughness. Combining all three ingredients increases the aggregate shape plasticity, yielding a wider spectrum of shapes as compared to earlier works that analyzed these ingredients separately. Our results indicate that the considered combination of effects is fundamental for modeling the polymorphic growth of a wide variety of structures in confined geometries and/or in the presence of external fields, such as rocks, crystals, corals, and biominerals.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.90.012312
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“Computational study of plasma sustainability in radio frequency micro-discharges”. Zhang Y, Jiang W, Zhang QZ, Bogaerts A, Journal of applied physics 115, 193301 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.4878161
Abstract: We apply an implicit particle-in-cell Monte-Carlo (PIC-MC) method to study a radio-frequency argon microdischarge at steady state in the glow discharge limit, in which the microdischarge is sustained by secondary electron emission from the electrodes. The plasma density, electron energy distribution function (EEDF), and electron temperature are calculated in a wide range of operating conditions, including driving voltage, microdischarge gap, and pressure. Also, the effect of gap size scaling (in the range of 50-1000 μm) on the plasma sustaining voltage and peak electron density at atmospheric pressure is examined, which has not been explored before. In our simulations, three different EEDFs, i.e., a so-called three temperature hybrid mode, a two temperature α mode, and a two temperature γ mode distribution, are identified at different gaps and voltages. The maximum sustaining voltage to avoid a transition from the glow mode to an arc is predicted, as well as the minimum sustaining voltage for a steady glow discharge. Our calculations elucidate that secondary electrons play an essential role in sustaining the discharge, and as a result the relationship between breakdown voltage and gap spacing is far away from the Paschen law at atmospheric pressure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.068
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1063/1.4878161
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“Topological confinement in trilayer graphene”. de Sena SHR, Pereira JM, Peeters FM, Farias GA, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 89, 035420 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.89.035420
Abstract: We calculate the spectrum of states that are localized at the interface between two regions of opposite bias in trilayer graphene (TLG). These potential profiles, also known as potential kinks, have been predicted to support two different branches of localized states for the case of bilayer graphene, and show similarities to the surface states of topological insulators. On the other hand, we found that ABC stacked TLG exhibits three different unidimensional branches of states in each valley that are confined to the kink interface. They have the property E(k(y)) = -E(-k(y)) when belonging to the same valley and E-K(k(y)) = -E-K' (-k(y)). A kink-antikink potential profile opens a gap in the spectrum of these one-dimensional states.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 4
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.89.035420
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“From spin-polarized interfaces to giant magnetoresistance in organic spin valves”. Çakir D, Otalvaro DM, Brocks G, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 89, 115407 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.89.115407
Abstract: We calculate the spin-polarized electronic transport through a molecular bilayer spin valve from first principles, and establish the link between the magnetoresistance and the spin-dependent interactions at the metal-molecule interfaces. The magnetoresistance of a Fe vertical bar bilayer-C-70 vertical bar Fe spin valve attains a high value of 70% in the linearresponse regime, but it drops sharply as a function of the applied bias. The current polarization has a value of 80% in linear response and also decreases as a function of bias. Both these trends can be modeled in terms of prominent spin-dependent Fe vertical bar C-70 interface states close to the Fermi level, unfolding the potential of spinterface science to control and optimize spin currents.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.89.115407
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“Computed electronic and optical properties of SnO2 under compressive stress”. Miglio A, Saniz R, Waroquiers D, Stankovski M, Giantomassi M, Hautier G, Rignanese G-M, Gonze X, Optical materials 38, 161 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2014.10.017
Abstract: We consider the effects of three different types of applied compressive stress on the structural, electronic and optical properties of rutile SnO2. We use standard density functional theory (OFT) to determine the structural parameters. The effective masses and the electronic band gap, as well as their stress derivatives, are computed within both DFT and many-body perturbation theory (MBPT). The stress derivatives for the SnO2 direct band gap are determined to be 62, 38 and 25 meV/GPa within MBPT for applied hydrostatic, biaxial and uniaxial stress, respectively. Compared to DFT, this is a clear improvement with respect to available experimental data. We also estimate the exciton binding energies and their stress coefficients and compute the absorption spectrum by solving the Bethe-Salpeter equation. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.238
Times cited: 6
DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2014.10.017
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“Competition between pure dephasing and photon losses in the dynamics of a dot-cavity system”. Vagov A, Glaessl M, Croitoru MD, Axt VM, Kuhn T, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 90, 075309 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.90.075309
Abstract: We demonstrate that in quantum-dot cavity systems, the interplay between acoustic phonons and photon losses introduces novel features and characteristic dependencies in the system dynamics. In particular, the combined action of both dephasing mechanisms strongly affects the transition from the weak-to the strong-coupling regime as well as the shape of the spectral triplet that represents the quantum-dot occupation in Fourier space. The width of the central peak in the triplet is expected to decrease with rising temperature, while the widths and heights of the side peaks depend nonmonotonically on the dot-cavity coupling.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.90.075309
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“Creating arrays of electron vortices”. Niermann T, Verbeeck J, Lehmann M, Ultramicroscopy 136, 165 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2013.10.002
Abstract: We demonstrate the production of an ordered array of electron vortices making use of an electron optical setup consisting of two electrostatic biprisms. The biprism filaments are oriented nearly orthogonal with respect to each other in a transmission electron microscope. Matching the position of the filaments, we can choose to form different topological features in the electron wave. We outline the working principle of the setup and demonstrate fist experimental results. This setup partially bridges the gap between angular momentum carried by electron spin, which is intrinsic and therefore present in any position of the wave, and angular momentum carried by the vortex character of the wave, which can be extrinsic depending on the axis around which it is measured. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2013.10.002
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“Is magnetic chiral dichroism feasible with electron vortices?”.Schattschneider P, Löffler S, Stöger-Pollach M, Verbeeck J, Ultramicroscopy 136, 81 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2013.07.012
Abstract: We discuss the feasibility of detecting magnetic transitions with focused electron vortex probes, suggested by selection rules for the magnetic quantum number. We theoretically estimate the dichroic signal strength in the L2,3 edge of ferromagnetic d metals. It is shown that under realistic conditions, the dichroic signal is undetectable for nanoparticles larger than View the MathML source. This is confirmed by a key experiment with nanometer-sized vortices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.843
Times cited: 64
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2013.07.012
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“Alternative metals for advanced interconnects”. Adelmann C, Wen LG, Peter AP, Pourtois G, et al, 2014 Ieee International Interconnect Technology Conference / Advanced Metallization Conference (iitc/amc) , 173 (2014)
Abstract: We discuss the selection criteria for alternative metals in order to fulfill the requirements necessary for interconnects at half pitch values below 10 nm. The performance of scaled interconnects using transition metal germanides and CoAl alloys as metallization are studied and compared to conventional Cu and W interconnects.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
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“Diffusion of interacting particles in discrete geometries: Equilibrium and dynamical properties”. Becker T, Nelissen K, Cleuren B, Partoens B, Van den Broeck C, Physical review : E : statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics 90, 052139 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.90.052139
Abstract: We expand on a recent study of a lattice model of interacting particles [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 110601 (2013)]. The adsorption isotherm and equilibrium fluctuations in particle number are discussed as a function of the interaction. Their behavior is similar to that of interacting particles in porous materials. Different expressions for the particle jump rates are derived from transition-state theory. Which expression should be used depends on the strength of the interparticle interactions. Analytical expressions for the self-and transport diffusion are derived when correlations, caused by memory effects in the environment, are neglected. The diffusive behavior is studied numerically with kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations, which reproduces the diffusion including correlations. The effect of correlations is studied by comparing the analytical expressions with the kMC simulations. It is found that the Maxwell-Stefan diffusion can exceed the self-diffusion. To our knowledge, this is the first time this is observed. The diffusive behavior in one-dimensional and higher-dimensional systems is qualitatively the same, with the effect of correlations decreasing for increasing dimension. The length dependence of both the self-and transport diffusion is studied for one-dimensional systems. For long lengths the self-diffusion shows a 1/L dependence. Finally, we discuss when agreement with experiments and simulations can be expected. The assumption that particles in different cavities do not interact is expected to hold quantitatively at low and medium particle concentrations if the particles are not strongly interacting.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 8
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.90.052139
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“Unusual commensurability effects in quasiperiodic pinning arrays induced by local inhomogeneities of the pinning site density”. Bothner D, Seidl R, Misko VR, Kleiner R, Koelle D, Kemmler M, Superconductor science and technology 27, 065002 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/27/6/065002
Abstract: We experimentally investigate the magnetic field dependence of the critical current I-c(B) of superconducting niobium thin films patterned with periodic and quasiperiodic antidot arrays on the submicron scale. For this purpose we monitor current-voltage characteristics at different values of B and temperature T. We investigate samples with antidots positioned at the vertices of two different tilings with quasiperiodic symmetry, namely the Shield Tiling and the Tuebingen Triangle Tiling. For reference we investigate a sample with a triangular antidot lattice. We find modulations of the critical current for both quasiperiodic tilings, which have partly been predicted by numerical simulations but not observed in experiments yet. The particularity of these commensurability effects is that they correspond to magnetic field values slightly above an integer multiple of the matching field. The observed matching effects can be explained by the caging of interstitial vortices in quasiperiodically distributed cages and the formation of symmetry-induced giant vortices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/27/6/065002
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“Anharmonic effects on thermodynamic properties of a graphene monolayer”. da Silva ALC, Candido L, Teixeira Rabelo JN, Hai G-Q, Peeters FM, Europhysics letters 107, 56004 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1209/0295-5075/107/56004
Abstract: We extend the unsymmetrized self-consistent-field method (USF) for anharmonic crystals to layered non-Bravais crystals to investigate structural, dynamical and thermodynamic properties of a free-standing graphene monolayer. In this theory, the main anharmonicity of the crystal lattice has been included and the quantum corrections are taken into account in an h-expansion for the one-particle density matrix. The obtained result for the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of graphene shows a strong temperature dependence and agrees with experimental results by Bao et al. (Nat. Nanotechnol., 4 (2009) 562). The obtained value of TEC at room temperature (300 K) is -6.4 x 10(- 6) K- 1 and it becomes positive for T > T-alpha = 358K. We find that quantum effects are significant for T < 1000 K. The interatomic distance, effective amplitudes of the graphene lattice vibrations, adiabatic and isothermal bulk moduli, isobaric and isochoric heat capacities are also calculated and their temperature dependences are determined. Copyright (C) EPLA, 2014
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.957
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1209/0295-5075/107/56004
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“Facile synthesis of Ba1-xKxFe2As2 superconductors via hydride route”. Zaikina JV, Batuk M, Abakumov AM, Navrotsky A, Kauziarich SM, Journal of the American Chemical Society 136, 16932 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/ja509907r
Abstract: We have developed a fast, easy, and scalable synthesis method for Ba1xKxFe2As2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) superconductors using hydrides BaH2 and KH as a source of barium and potassium metals. Synthesis from hydrides provides better mixing and easier handling of the starting materials, consequently leading to faster reactions and/or lower synthesis temperatures. The reducing atmosphere provided by the evolved hydrogen facilitates preparation of oxygen-free powders. By a combination of methods we have shown that Ba1xKxFe2As2 obtained via hydride route has the same characteristics as when it is prepared by traditional solid-state synthesis. Refinement from synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data confirms a linear dependence of unit cell parameters upon K content as well as the tetragonal to orthorhombic transition at low temperatures for compositions with x < 0.2. Magnetic measurements revealed dome-like dependence of superconducting transition temperature Tc upon K content with a maximum of 38 K for x close to 0.4. Electron diffraction and high-resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy indicates an absence of Ba/K ordering, while local inhomogeneity in the Ba/K distribution takes place at a scale of several angstroms along [110] crystallographic direction.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.858
Times cited: 13
DOI: 10.1021/ja509907r
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“The superconducting proximity effect in epitaxial Al/Pb nanocomposites”. Wang H, Picot T, Houben K, Moorkens T, Grigg J, Van Haesendonck C, Biermans E, Bals S, Brown SA, Vantomme A, Temst K, Van Bael MJ;, Superconductor science and technology 27, 015008 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/27/1/015008
Abstract: We have investigated the superconducting properties of Pb nanoparticles with a diameter ranging from 8 to 20 nm, synthesized by Pb+ ion implantation in a crystalline Al matrix. A detailed structural characterization of the nanocomposites reveals the highly epitaxial relation between the Al crystalline matrix and the Pb nanoparticles. The Al/Pb nanocomposites display a single superconducting transition, with the critical temperature T-c increasing with the Pb content. The dependence of T-c on the Pb/Al volume ratio was compared with theoretical models of the superconducting proximity effect based on the bulk properties of Al and Pb. A very good correspondence with the strong-coupling proximity effect model was found, with an electron-phonon coupling constant in the Pb nanoparticles slightly reduced compared to bulk Pb. Our result differs from other studies on Pb nanoparticle based proximity systems where weak-coupling models were found to better describe the T-c dependence. We infer that the high interface quality resulting from the ion implantation synthesis method is a determining factor for the superconducting properties. Critical field and critical current measurements support the high quality of the nanocomposite superconducting films.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/27/1/015008
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“Native point defects in CuIn1-xGaxSe2 : hybrid density functional calculations predict the origin of p- and n-type conductivity”. Bekaert J, Saniz R, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 16, 22299 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4cp02870h
Abstract: We have performed a first-principles study of the p- and n-type conductivity in CuIn1−xGaxSe2 due to native point defects, based on the HSE06 hybrid functional. Band alignment shows that the band gap becomes larger with x due to the increasing conduction band minimum, rendering it hard to establish n-type conductivity in CuGaSe2. From the defect formation energies, we find that In/GaCu is a shallow donor, while VCu, VIn/Ga and CuIn/Ga act as shallow acceptors. Using the total charge neutrality of ionized defects and intrinsic charge carriers to determine the Fermi level, we show that under In-rich growth conditions InCu causes strongly n-type conductivity in CuInSe2. Under increasingly In-poor growth conditions, the conductivity type in CuInSe2 alters to p-type and compensation of the acceptors by InCu reduces, as also observed in photoluminescence experiments. In CuGaSe2, the native acceptors pin the Fermi level far away from the conduction band minimum, thus inhibiting n-type conductivity. On the other hand, CuGaSe2 shows strong p-type conductivity under a wide range of Ga-poor growth conditions. Maximal p-type conductivity in CuIn1−xGaxSe2 is reached under In/Ga-poor growth conditions, in agreement with charge concentration measurements on samples with In/Ga-poor stoichiometry, and is primarily due to the dominant acceptor CuIn/Ga.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 43
DOI: 10.1039/c4cp02870h
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“Oxygen-driven competition between low-dimensional structures of Sr3CoMO6 and Sr3CoMO7-\delta with M = Ru,Ir”. Mikhailova D, Reichel P, Tsirlin AA, Abakumov AM, Senyshyn A, Mogare KM, Schmidt M, Kuo CY, Pao CW, Pi TW, Lee JF, Hu Z, Tjeng LH;, Journal of the Chemical Society : Dalton transactions 43, 13883 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4dt01893a
Abstract: We have realized a reversible structure transformation of one-dimensional 1D K4CdCl6-type Sr3CoMO6 with the Co2+/M4+ cation ordering into the two-dimensional 2D double layered Ruddlesden-Popper structure Sr3CoMO7-delta with a random distribution of Co and M (with M = Ru, Ir) upon increasing the partial oxygen pressure. The combined soft and hard X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies show that under transformation, Co and M cations were oxidized to Co3+ and M5+. During oxidation, high-spin Co2+ in Sr3CoMO6 first transforms into high-spin Co3+ in oxygen-deficient Sr3CoMO7-delta, and then further transforms into low-spin Co3+ in fully oxidized Sr3CoMO7 upon further increasing the partial pressure of oxygen. The 1D Sr3CoMO6 compound is magnetically ordered at low temperatures with the magnetic moments lying along the c-axis. Their alignment is parallel for Sr3CoRuO6 and antiparallel for Sr3CoIrO6. The 2D compounds reveal a spin-glass-like behavior related to the random distribution of magnetic cations in the structure.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 4.029
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1039/c4dt01893a
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“Generic ordering of structural transitions in quasi-one-dimensional Wigner crystals”. Galvan-Moya JE, Misko VR, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 90, 094111 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.90.094111
Abstract: We investigate the dependence of the structural phase transitions in an infinite quasi-one-dimensional system of repulsively interacting particles on the profile of the confining channel. Three different functional expressions for the confinement potential related to real experimental systems are used that can be tuned continuously from a parabolic to a hard-wall potential in order to find a thorough understanding of the ordering of the chainlike structure transitions. We resolve the long-standing issue why the most theories predicted a 1-2-4-3-4 sequence of chain configurations with increasing density, while some experiments found the 1-2-3-4 sequence.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.90.094111
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“Majorana fermion states and fractional flux periodicity in mesoscopic d-wave superconducting loops with spin-orbit interaction”. Zha G-Q, Covaci L, Peeters FM, Zhou S-P, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 90, 014522 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.90.014522
Abstract: We numerically investigate the spin-orbit (SO) coupling effect on the magnetic flux evolution of energy and supercurrent in mesoscopic d-wave superconducting loops by solving the spin-generalized Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations self-consistently. It is found that the energy spectrum splits when the SO interaction is involved and the Majorana zero mode can be realized in the [100] edges of square systems for an appropriate SO coupling strength. Superconducting phase transitions appear when the energy gap closes, accompanied by energy jumps between different energy parabolas in the ground state, which provides a possible mechanism to support fractional flux periodicity of supercurrent. Moreover, in the case of rectangular loops with SO coupling, the jumps of the ground-state energy gradually disappear by increasing the ratio of length to height of the sample, and a paramagnetic response with opposite direction of the screening current around zero flux value can occur in such systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.90.014522
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“High throughput first-principles calculations of bixbyite oxides for TCO applications”. Sarmadian N, Saniz R, Partoens B, Lamoen D, Volety K, Huyberechts G, Paul J, Physical chemistry, chemical physics 16, 17724 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1039/c4cp02788d
Abstract: We present a high-throughput computing scheme based on density functional theory (DFT) to generate a class of oxides and screen them with the aim of identifying those that might be electronically appropriate for transparent conducting oxide (TCO) applications. The screening criteria used are a minimum band gap to ensure sufficient transparency, a band edge alignment consistent with easy n- or p-type dopability, and a minimum thermodynamic phase stability to be experimentally synthesizable. Following this scheme we screened 23 binary and 1518 ternary bixbyite oxides in order to identify promising candidates, which can then be a subject of an in-depth study. The results for the known TCOs are in good agreement with the reported data in the literature. We suggest a list of several new potential TCOs, including both n- and p-type compounds.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.123
Times cited: 23
DOI: 10.1039/c4cp02788d
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“Hydride destabilization in core-shell nanoparticles”. Pasquini L, Sacchi M, Brighi M, Boelsma C, Bals S, Perkisas T, Dam B, International journal of hydrogen energy 39, 2115 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.11.085
Abstract: We present a model that describes the effect of elastic constraint on the thermodynamics of hydrogen absorption and desorption in biphasic core-shell nanoparticles, where the core is a hydride forming metal. In particular, the change of the hydride formation enthalpy and of the equilibrium pressure for the metal/hydride transformation are described as a function of nanoparticles radius, shell thickness, and elastic properties of both core and shell. To test the model, the hydrogen sorption isotherms of Mg-MgO core-shell nanoparticles, synthesized by inert gas condensation, were measured by means of optical hydrogenography. The model's predictions are in good agreement with the experimentally determined plateau pressure of hydrogen absorption. The features that a core-shell systems should exhibit in view of practical hydrogen storage applications are discussed with reference to the model and the experimental results. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 3.582
Times cited: 32
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2013.11.085
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“Real-time atomic scale imaging of nanostructural evolution in aluminum alloys”. Malladi SK, Xu Q, van Huis MA, Tichelaar FD, Batenburg KJ, Yucelen E, Dubiel B, Czyrska-Filemonowicz A, Zandbergen HW, Nano Letters 14, 384 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1021/nl404565j
Abstract: We present a new approach to study the three-dimensional compositional and structural evolution of metal alloys during heat treatments such as commonly used for improving overall material properties. It relies on in situ heating in a high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The approach is demonstrated using a commercial Al alloy AA2024 at 100-240 degrees C, showing in unparalleled detail where and how precipitates nucleate, grow,or dissolve. The observed size evolution of individual precipitates enables a separation between nucleation and growth phenomena, necessary for the development of refined growth models. We conclude that the in situ heating STEM approach opens a route to a much faster determination of the interplay between local compositions, heat treatments, microstructure, and mechanical properties of new alloys.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Vision lab
Impact Factor: 12.712
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1021/nl404565j
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“Geometry and edge effects on the energy levels of graphene quantum rings : a comparison between tight-binding and simplified Dirac models”. da Costa DR, Chaves A, Zarenia M, Pereira JM, Farias GA, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 89, 075418 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.89.075418
Abstract: We present a systematic study of the energy spectra of graphene quantum rings having different geometries and edge types in the presence of a perpendicular magnetic field. Results are obtained within the tight-binding (TB) and Dirac models and we discuss which features of the former can be recovered by using the approximations imposed by the latter. Energy levels of graphene quantum rings obtained by diagonalizing the TB Hamiltonian are demonstrated to be strongly dependent on the rings geometry and the microscopical structure of the edges. This makes it difficult to recover those spectra by the existing theories that are based on the continuum (Dirac) model. Nevertheless, our results show that both approaches (i.e., TB and Dirac model) may provide similar results, but only for very specific combinations of ring geometry and edge types. The results obtained by a simplified model describing an infinitely thin circular Dirac ring show good agreement with those obtained for hexagonal and rhombus armchair graphene rings within the TB model. Moreover, we show that the energy levels of a circular quantum ring with an infinite mass boundary condition obtained within the Dirac model agree with those for a ring defined by a ring-shaped staggered potential obtained within the TB model.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 56
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.89.075418
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“Plasmon and coupled plasmon-phonon modes in graphene in the presence of a driving electric field”. Zhao CX, Xu W, Dong HM, Peeters FM, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 89, 195447 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.89.195447
Abstract: We present a theoretical study of the plasmon and coupled plasmon-phonon modes induced by intraband electron-electron interaction in graphene in the presence of driving dc electric field. We find that the electric field dependence of these collective excitation modes in graphene differs significantly from that in a conventional two-dimensional electron gas with a parabolic energy spectrum. This is due mainly to the fact that graphene has a linear energy spectrum and the Fermi velocity of electrons in graphene is much larger than the drift velocity of electrons. The obtained results demonstrate that the plasmon and coupled plasmon-phonon modes in graphene can be tuned by applying not only the gate voltage but also the source-to-drain field. The manipulation of plasmon and coupled plasmon-phonon modes by source-to-drain voltage can let graphene be more conveniently applied as an advanced plasmonic material.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.89.195447
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“Infrared to terahertz absorption window in mono- and multi-layer graphene systems”. Xiao YM, Xu W, Peeters FM, Optics communications 328, 135 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.optcom.2014.04.079
Abstract: We present a theoretical study on optical properties such as optical conductance and light transmission coefficient for mono- and multi-layer graphene systems with AB- and ABC-stacking. Considering an air/graphene/dielectric-water structure, the optical coefficients for those graphene systems are examined and compared. The universal optical conductance sigma(N)(0)=N pi e(2)/(2h) for N layer graphene systems in the visible region is verified. For N 3 layer graphene, the mini-gap induced absorption edges can be observed in odd layers AB-stacked multilayer graphene, where the number and position of the absorption edges are decided by the layers number N. Meanwhile, we can observe the optical absorption windows for those graphene systems in the infrared to terahertz bandwidth (0.2-150 THz). The absorption window is induced by different transition energies required for inter- and intra-band optical absorption channels. We find that the depth and width of the absorption window can be tuned not only via varying temperature and electron density but also by changing the number of graphene layers and the stacking order. These theoretical findings demonstrate that mono- and multi-layer graphene systems can be applied as frequency tunable optoelectronic devices working in infrared to terahertz bandwidth. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.588
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/j.optcom.2014.04.079
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“Splitting of CO2 by vibrational excitation in non-equilibrium plasmas : a reaction kinetics model”. Kozák T, Bogaerts A, Plasma sources science and technology 23, 045004 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1088/0963-0252/23/4/045004
Abstract: We present a zero-dimensional kinetic model of CO2 splitting in non-equilibrium plasmas. The model includes a description of the CO2 vibrational kinetics (25 vibrational levels up to the dissociation limit of the molecule), taking into account state-specific VT and VV relaxation reactions and the effect of vibrational excitation on other chemical reactions. The model is applied to study the reaction kinetics of CO2 splitting in an atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and in a moderate-pressure microwave discharge. The model results are in qualitative agreement with published experimental works. We show that the CO2 conversion and its energy efficiency are very different in these two types of discharges, which reflects the important dissociation mechanisms involved. In the microwave discharge, excitation of the vibrational levels promotes efficient dissociation when the specific energy input is higher than a critical value (2.0 eV/molecule under the conditions examined). The calculated energy efficiency of the process has a maximum of 23%. In the DBD, vibrationally excited levels do not contribute significantly to the dissociation of CO2 and the calculated energy efficiency of the process is much lower (5%).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.302
Times cited: 170
DOI: 10.1088/0963-0252/23/4/045004
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“A MoVI grafted metal organic framework : synthesis, characterization and catalytic investigations”. Leus K, Liu Y-Y, Meledina M, Turner S, Van Tendeloo G, van der Voort P, Journal of catalysis 316, 201 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcat.2014.05.019
Abstract: We present the post-modification of a gallium based Metal Organic Framework, COMOC-4, with a Mo-complex. The resulting Mo@COMOC-4 was characterized by means of N2 sorption, XRPD, DRIFT, TGA, XRF, XPS and TEM analysis. The results demonstrate that even at high Mo-complex loadings on the framework, no aggregation or any Mo or Mo oxide species are formed. Moreover, the Mo@COMOC-4 was evaluated as a catalyst in the epoxidation of cyclohexene, cyclooctene and cyclododecene employing TBHP in decane as oxidant. The post-modified COMOC-4 exhibits a very high selectivity toward the epoxide (up to 100%). Regenerability and stability tests have been carried out demonstrating that the catalyst can be recycled without leaching of Mo or loss of crystallinity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 6.844
Times cited: 36
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2014.05.019
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