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“ALN nanoparticles XANES analysis: local atomic and electronic structure”. Soldatov A, Yalovega G, Smolentsev G, Kravtsova A, Lamoen D, Balasubramanian C, Marcelli A, Cinque G, Bellucci S, Nuclear Instruments &, Methods In Physics Research Section A-Accelerators Spectrometers Detectors And Associated Equipment 575, 85 (2007). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2007.01.031
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT);
Impact Factor: 1.362
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/j.nima.2007.01.031
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“Atypical BCS-BEC crossover induced by quantum-size effects”. Shanenko AA, Croitoru MD, Vagov AV, Axt VM, Perali A, Peeters FM, Physical review : A : atomic, molecular and optical physics 86, 033612 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.86.033612
Abstract: Quantum-size oscillations of the basic physical characteristics of a confined fermionic condensate are a well-known phenomenon. Its conventional understanding is based on the single-particle physics, whereby the oscillations follow variations in the single-particle density of states driven by the size quantization. Here we present a study of a cigar-shaped ultracold superfluid Fermi gas, which demonstrates an important many-body aspect of the quantum-size coherent effects, overlooked previously. The many-body physics is revealed here in the atypical crossover from the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) superfluid to the Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) induced by the size quantization of the particle motion. The single-particle energy spectrum for the transverse dimensions is tightly bound, whereas for the longitudinal direction it resembles a quasi-free dispersion. This results in the formation of a series of single-particle subbands (shells) so that the aggregate fermionic condensate becomes a coherent mixture of subband condensates. Each time when the lower edge of a subband crosses the chemical potential, the BCS-BEC crossover is approached in this subband, and the aggregate condensate contains both BCS and BEC-like components.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.925
Times cited: 34
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.86.033612
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“Enhancement of electron-hole superfluidity in double few-layer graphene”. Zarenia M, Perali A, Neilson D, Peeters FM, Scientific reports 4, 7319 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1038/srep07319
Abstract: We propose two coupled electron-hole sheets of few-layer graphene as a new nanostructure to observe superfluidity at enhanced densities and enhanced transition temperatures. For ABC stacked few-layer graphene we show that the strongly correlated electron-hole pairing regime is readily accessible experimentally using current technologies. We find for double trilayer and quadlayer graphene sheets spatially separated by a nano-thick hexagonal boron-nitride insulating barrier, that the transition temperature for electron-hole superfluidity can approach temperatures of 40 K.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 38
DOI: 10.1038/srep07319
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“Gate controlled Aharonov-Bohm-type oscillations from single neutral excitons in quantum rings”. Ding F, Akopian N, Li B, Perinetti U, Govorov A, Peeters FM, Bufon CC, Deneke C, Chen YH, Rastelli A, Schmidt OG, Zwiller V, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 82, 8 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.82.075309
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 58
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.82.075309
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“High-field magnetoexcitons in unstrained GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs quantum dots”. Sidor Y, Partoens B, Peeters FM, Schildermans N, Hayne M, Moshchalkov VV, Rastelli A, Schmidt OG, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 73, 155334 (2006). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.73.155334
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 50
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.73.155334
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“New pathways for nanoparticle formation in acetylene dusty plasmas: a modelling investigation and comparison with experiments”. Mao M, Benedikt J, Consoli A, Bogaerts A, Journal of physics: D: applied physics 41 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1088/0022-3727/41/22/225201
Abstract: In this paper, the initial mechanisms of nanoparticle formation and growth in radiofrequency acetylene (C2H2) plasmas are investigated by means of a comprehensive self-consistent one-dimensional (1D) fluid model. This model is an extension of the 1D fluid model, developed earlier by De Bleecker et al. Based on the comparison of our previous results with available experimental data for acetylene plasmas in the literature, some new mechanisms for negative ion formation and growth are proposed. Possible routes are considered for the formation of larger (linear and branched) hydrocarbons C2nH2 (n = 3, 4, 5), which contribute to the generation of C2nH− anions (n = 3, 4, 5) due to dissociative electron attachment. Moreover, the vinylidene anion (H2CC−) and higher anions (n = 24) are found to be important plasma species.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 2.588
Times cited: 47
DOI: 10.1088/0022-3727/41/22/225201
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“Single neutral excitons confined in AsBr3 in situ etched InGaAs quantum rings”. Ding F, Li B, Akopian N, Perinetti U, Chen YH, Peeters FM, Rastelli A, Zwiller V, Schmidt OG, Journal of nanoelectronics and optoelectronics 6, 51 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1166/jno.2011.1132
Abstract: We observe the evolution of single self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots into quantum rings during AsBr3 in situ etching. The direct three-dimensional imaging of In(Ga)As nanostructures embedded in GaAs matrix is demonstrated by selective wet chemical etching combined with atomic force microscopy. Single neutral excitons confined in these quantum rings are studied by magneto-photoluminescence. Oscillations in the exciton radiative recombination energy and in the emission intensity are observed under an applied magnetic field. Further, we demonstrate that the period of the oscillations can be tuned by a gate potential that modifies the exciton confinement. The experimental results, combined with calculations, indicate that the exciton Aharonov-Bohm effect may account for the observed effects.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 0.497
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1166/jno.2011.1132
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“Superconducting nanofilms : molecule-like pairing induced by quantum confinement”. Chen Y, Shanenko AA, Perali A, Peeters FM, Journal of physics : condensed matter 24, 185701 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/24/18/185701
Abstract: Quantum confinement of the perpendicular motion of electrons in single-crystalline metallic superconducting nanofilms splits the conduction band into a series of single-electron subbands. A distinctive feature of such a nanoscale multi-band superconductor is that the energetic position of each subband can vary significantly with changing nanofilm thickness, substrate material, protective cover and other details of the fabrication process. It can occur that the bottom of one of the available subbands is situated in the vicinity of the Fermi level. We demonstrate that the character of the superconducting pairing in such a subband changes dramatically and exhibits a clear molecule-like trend, which is very similar to the well-known crossover from the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer regime to Bose-Einstein condensation (BCS-BEC) observed in trapped ultracold fermions. For Pb nanofilms with thicknesses of 4 and 5 monolayers (MLs) this will lead to a spectacular scenario: up to half of all the Cooper pairs nearly collapse, shrinking in the lateral size (parallel to the nanofilm) down to a few nanometers. As a result, the superconducting condensate will be a coherent mixture of almost molecule-like fermionic pairs with ordinary, extended Cooper pairs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.649
Times cited: 26
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/24/18/185701
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“Emergent phenomena in multicomponent superconductivity: an introduction to the focus issue”. Milošević, MV, Perali A, Superconductor Science &, Technology 28, 060201 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1088/0953-2048/28/6/060201
Keywords: A1 Journal article; CMT
Impact Factor: 2.878
Times cited: 41
DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/28/6/060201
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“Pyramid-Shaped Wurtzite CdSe Nanocrystals with Inverted Polarity”. Ghosh S, Gaspari R, Bertoni G, Spadaro MC, Prato M, Turner S, Cavalli A, Manna L, Brescia R, ACS nano 9, 8537 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5b03636
Abstract: We report on pyramid-shaped wurtzite cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanocrystals (NCs), synthesized by hot injection in the presence of chloride ions as shape-directing agents, exhibiting reversed crystal polarity compared to former reports. Advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques (image-corrected high-resolution TEM with exit wave reconstruction and probe-corrected high-angle annular dark field-scanning TEM) unequivocally indicate that the triangular base of the pyramids is the polar (0001) facet and their apex points toward the [0001] direction. Density functional theory calculations, based on a simple model of binding of Cl(-) ions to surface Cd atoms, support the experimentally evident higher thermodynamic stability of the (0001) facet over the (0001) one conferred by Cl(-) ions. The relative stability of the two polar facets of wurtzite CdSe is reversed compared to previous experimental and computational studies on Cd chalcogenide NCs, in which no Cl-based chemicals were deliberately used in the synthesis or no Cl(-) ions were considered in the binding models. Self-assembly of these pyramids in a peculiar clover-like geometry, triggered by the addition of oleic acid, suggests that the basal (polar) facet has a density and perhaps type of ligands significantly different from the other three facets, since the pyramids interact with each other exclusively via their lateral facets. A superstructure, however with no long-range order, is observed for clovers with their (0001) facets roughly facing each other. The CdSe pyramids were also exploited as seeds for CdS pods growth, and the peculiar shape of the derived branched nanostructures clearly arises from the inverted polarity of the seeds.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 13.942
Times cited: 16
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5b03636
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“Engineering Structural Diversity in Gold Nanocrystals by Ligand-Mediated Interface Control”. Wang Y, Sentosun K, Li A, Coronado-Puchau M, Sánchez-Iglesias A, Li S, Su X, Bals S, Liz-Marzán LM, Chemistry of materials 27, 8032 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b03600
Abstract: Surface and interface control is fundamentally important for crystal growth engineering, catalysis, surface enhanced spectroscopies, and self-assembly, among other processes and applications. Understanding the role of ligands in regulating surface properties of plasmonic metal nanocrystals during growth has received considerable attention. However, the underlying mechanisms and the diverse functionalities of ligands are yet to be fully addressed. In this contribution,
we report a systematic study of ligand-mediated interface control in seeded growth of gold nanocrystals, leading to diverse and exotic nanostructures with an improved surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity. Three dimensional transmission electron microscopy (3D TEM) revealed an intriguing gold shell growth process mediated by the bifunctional ligand 1,4-benzenedithiol (BDT), which leads to a unique crystal growth mechanism as compared to other ligands, and subsequently to the concept of interfacial energy control mechanism. Volmer-Weber growth mode was proposed to be responsible for BDT-mediated seeded growth, favoring the strongest interfacial energy and generating an asymmetric island growth pathway with internal crevices/gaps. This additionally favors incorporation of BDT at the plasmonic nanogaps, thereby generating strong SERS activity with a maximum efficiency for a core-semishell configuration obtained along seeded growth. Numerical modeling was used to explain this observation. Interestingly, the same strategy can be used to engineer the structural diversity of this system, by using gold nanoparticle seeds with various sizes and shapes, and varying the [Au3+]/[Au0] ratio. This rendered a series of diverse and exotic plasmonic nanohybrids such as semishell-coated gold nanorods, with embedded Raman-active tags and Janus surface with distinct surface functionalities.
These would greatly enrich the plasmonic nanostructure toolbox for various studies and applications such as anisotropic nanocrystal engineering, SERS, and high-resolution Raman bioimaging or nanoantenna devices.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.466
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.5b03600
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“Using magnetic stripes to stabilize superfluidity in electron-hole double monolayer graphene”. Dell'Anna L, Perali A, Covaci L, Neilson D, Physical review : B : condensed matter and materials physics 92, 220502 (2015). http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.92.220502
Abstract: Experiments have confirmed that double monolayer graphene does not generate finite-temperature electron-hole superfluidity, because of very strong screening of the pairing attraction. The linear dispersing energy bands in monolayer graphene block any attempt to reduce the strength of the screening. We propose a hybrid device with two sheets of monolayer graphene in a modulated periodic perpendicular magnetic field. The field preserves the isotropic Dirac cones of the original monolayers but reduces the slope of the cones, making the monolayer Fermi velocity v(F) smaller. We demonstrate that with current experimental techniques, the reduction in vF can weaken the screening sufficiently to allow electron-hole superfluidity at measurable temperatures.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.92.220502
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“BCS-BEC crossover in quantum confined superconductors”. Guidini A, Flammia L, Milošević, MV, Perali A, Journal of superconductivity and novel magnetism 29, 711 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/s10948-015-3308-y
Abstract: Ultranarrow superconductors are in the strong quantum confinement regime with formation of multiple coherent condensates associated with the many subbands of the electronic structure. Here, we analyze the multiband BCS-BEC crossover induced by the chemical potential tuned close to a subband bottom, in correspondence of a superconducting shape resonance. The evolution of the condensate fraction and of the pair correlation length in the ground state as functions of the chemical potential demonstrates the tunability of the BCS-BEC crossover for the condensate component of the selected subband. The extension of the crossover regime increases when the pairing strength and/or the characteristic energy of the interaction get larger. Our results indicate the coexistence of large and small Cooper pairs in the crossover regime, leading to the optimal parameter configuration for high transition temperature superconductivity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.18
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1007/s10948-015-3308-y
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“Large gap electron-hole superfluidity and shape resonances in coupled graphene nanoribbons”. Zarenia M, Perali A, Peeters FM, Neilson D, Scientific reports 6, 24860 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1038/srep24860
Abstract: We predict enhanced electron-hole superfluidity in two coupled electron-hole armchair-edge terminated graphene nanoribbons separated by a thin insulating barrier. In contrast to graphene monolayers, the multiple subbands of the nanoribbons are parabolic at low energy with a gap between the conduction and valence bands, and with lifted valley degeneracy. These properties make screening of the electron-hole interaction much weaker than for coupled electron-hole monolayers, thus boosting the pairing strength and enhancing the superfluid properties. The pairing strength is further boosted by the quasi one-dimensional quantum confinement of the carriers, as well as by the large density of states near the bottom of each subband. The latter magnifies superfluid shape resonances caused by the quantum confinement. Several superfluid partial condensates are present for finite-width nanoribbons with multiple subbands. We find that superfluidity is predominately in the strongly-coupled BEC and BCS-BEC crossover regimes, with large superfluid gaps up to 100 meV and beyond. When the gaps exceed the subband spacing, there is significant mixing of the subbands, a rounding of the shape resonances, and a resulting reduction in the one-dimensional nature of the system.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1038/srep24860
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“The corrosion process of sterling silver exposed to a Na2S solution: monitoring and characterizing the complex surface evolution using a multi-analytical approach”. Schalm O, Crabbé, A, Storme P, Wiesinger R, Gambirasi A, Grieten E, Tack P, Bauters S, Kleber C, Favaro M, Schryvers D, Vincze L, Terryn H, Patelli A, Applied Physics A-Materials Science &, Processing 122, 903 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-016-0436-6
Abstract: Many historical ‘silver’ objects are composed of sterling silver, a silver alloy containing small amounts of copper. Besides the dramatic impact of copper on the corrosion process, the chemical composition of the corrosion layer evolves continuously. The evolution of the surface during the exposure to a Na2S solution was monitored by means of visual observation at macroscopic level, chemical analysis at microscopic level and analysis at the nanoscopic level. The corrosion process starts with the preferential oxidation of copper, forming mixtures of oxides and sulphides while voids are being created beneath the corrosion layer. Only at a later stage, the silver below the corrosion layer is consumed. This results in the formation of jalpaite and at a later stage of acanthite. The acanthite is found inside the corrosion layer at the boundaries of jalpaite grains and as individual grains between the jalpaite grains but also as a thin film on top of the corrosion layer. The corrosion process could be described as a sequence of 5 subsequent surface states with transitions between these states.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT);
Impact Factor: 1.455
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1007/s00339-016-0436-6
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“Many-body electron correlations in graphene”. Neilson D, Perali A, Zarenia M, (mbt18) 702, 012008 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/702/1/012008
Abstract: The conduction electrons in graphene promise new opportunities to access the region of strong many-body electron-electron correlations. Extremely high quality, atomically flat two-dimensional electron sheets and quasi-one-dimensional electron nanoribbons with tuneable band gaps that can be switched on by gates, should exhibit new many-body phenomena that have long been predicted for the regions of phase space where the average Coulomb repulsions between electrons dominate over their Fermi energies. In electron nanoribbons a few nanometres wide etched in monolayers of graphene, the quantum size effects and the van Hove singularities in their density of states further act to enhance electron correlations. For graphene multilayers or nanoribbons in a double unit electron-hole geometry, it is possible for the many-body electron-hole correlations to be made strong enough to stabilise high-temperature electron- hole superfluidity.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/702/1/012008
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“Shape-Resonant Superconductivity in Nanofilms: from Weak to Strong Coupling”. Cariglia M, Vargas-Paredes A, Doria MM, Bianconi A, Milošević, MV, Perali A, Journal of superconductivity and novel magnetism 29, 3081 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10948-016-3673-1
Abstract: Ultrathin superconductors of different materials are becoming a powerful platform to find mechanisms for enhancement of superconductivity, exploiting shape resonances in different superconducting properties. Here, we evaluate the superconducting gap and its spatial profile, the multiple gap components, and the chemical potential, of generic superconducting nanofilms, considering the pairing attraction and its energy scale as tunable parameters, from weak to strong coupling, at fixed electron density. Superconducting properties are evaluated at mean field level as a function of the thickness of the nanofilm, in order to characterize the shape resonances in the superconducting gap. We find that the most pronounced shape resonances are generated for weakly coupled superconductors, while approaching the strong coupling regime the shape resonances are rounded by a mixing of the subbands due to the large energy gaps extending over large energy scales. Finally, we find that the spatial profile, transverse to the nanofilm, of the superconducting gap acquires a flat behavior in the shape resonance region, indicating that a robust and uniform multigap superconducting state can arise at resonance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 1.18
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1007/S10948-016-3673-1
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“Reclaiming the image of daguerreotypes: Characterization of the corroded surface before and after atmospheric plasma treatment”. Grieten E, Schalm O, Tack P, Bauters S, Storme P, Gauquelin N, Caen J, Patelli A, Vincze L, Schryvers D, Journal of cultural heritage (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2017.05.008
Abstract: Technological developments such as atmospheric plasma jets for industry can be adapted for the conservation of cultural heritage. This application might offer a potential method for the removal or transformation of the corrosion on historical photographs. We focus on daguerreotypes and present an in-depth study of the induced changes by a multi-analytical approach using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, different types of transmission electron microscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure. The H2-He afterglow removes S from an Ag2S or Cu2S layer which results in a nano-layer of metallic Ag or Cu on top of the deteriorated microstructure. In case the corrosion layer is composed of Cu-Ag-S compounds, our proposed setup can be used to partially remove the corrosion. These alterations of the corrosion results in an improvement in the readability of the photographic image.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Art; History; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)
Impact Factor: 1.838
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2017.05.008
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“Multifaceted impact of a surface step on superconductivity in atomically thin films”. Zhang L-F, Flammia L, Covaci L, Perali A, Milošević, MV, Physical review B 96, 104509 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.96.104509
Abstract: Recent experiments show that an atomic step on the surface of atomically thin metallic films can strongly affect electronic transport. Here we reveal multiple and versatile effects that such a surface step can have on superconductivity in ultrathin films. By solving the Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations self-consistently in this regime, where quantum confinement dominates the emergent physics, we show that the electronic structure is profoundly modified on the two sides of the step, as is the spatial distribution of the superconducting order parameter and its dependence on temperature and electronic gating. Furthermore, the surface step changes nontrivially the transport properties both in the proximity-induced superconducting pair correlations and the Josephson effect, depending on the step height. These results offer a new route to tailor superconducting circuits and design atomically thin heterojunctions made of one same material.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.96.104509
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“Multicomponent electron-hole superfluidity and the BCS-BEC crossover in double bilayer graphene”. Conti S, Perali A, Peeters FM, Neilson D, Physical review letters 119, 257002 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.119.257002
Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('Superfluidity in coupled electron-hole sheets of bilayer graphene is predicted here to be multicomponent because of the conduction and valence bands. We investigate the superfluid crossover properties as functions of the tunable carrier densities and the tunable energy band gap Eg. For small band gaps there is a significant boost in the two superfluid gaps, but the interaction-driven excitations from the valence to the conduction band can weaken the superfluidity, even blocking the system from entering the Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) regime at low densities. At a given larger density, a band gap E-g similar to 80-120 meV can carry the system into the strong-pairing multiband BCS-BEC crossover regime, the optimal range for realization of high-Tc superfluidity.'));
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 18
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.119.257002
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“Dimensional crossover and incipient quantum size effects in superconducting niobium nanofilms”. Pinto N, Rezvani SJ, Perali A, Flammia L, Milošević, MV, Fretto M, Cassiago C, De Leo N, Scientific reports 8, 4710 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41598-018-22983-6
Abstract: Superconducting and normal state properties of Niobium nanofilms have been systematically investigated as a function of film thickness, on different substrates. The width of the superconductingto- normal transition for all films is remarkably narrow, confirming their high quality. The superconducting critical current density exhibits a pronounced maximum for thickness around 25 nm, marking the 3D-to-2D crossover. The magnetic penetration depth shows a sizeable enhancement for the thinnest films. Additional amplification effects of the superconducting properties have been obtained with sapphire substrates or squeezing the lateral size of the nanofilms. For thickness close to 20 nm we measured a doubled perpendicular critical magnetic field compared to its large thickness value, indicating shortening of the correlation length and the formation of small Cooper pairs. Our data analysis indicates an exciting interplay between quantum-size and proximity effects together with strong-coupling effects and the importance of disorder in the thinnest films, placing these nanofilms close to the BCS-BEC crossover regime.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 4.259
Times cited: 37
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-018-22983-6
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“Evidence from quantum Monte Carlo simulations of large-gap superfluidity and BCS-BEC crossover in double electron-hole layers”. Rios PL, Perali A, Needs RJ, Neilson D, Physical review letters 120, 177701 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.120.177701
Abstract: We report quantum Monte Carlo evidence of the existence of large gap superfluidity in electron-hole double layers over wide density ranges. The superfluid parameters evolve from normal state to BEC with decreasing density, with the BCS state restricted to a tiny range of densities due to the strong screening of Coulomb interactions, which causes the gap to rapidly become large near the onset of superfluidity. The superfluid properties exhibit similarities to ultracold fermions and iron-based superconductors, suggesting an underlying universal behavior of BCS-BEC crossovers in pairing systems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 8.462
Times cited: 11
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVLETT.120.177701
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“Superconducting nanoribbon with a constriction : a quantum-confined Josephson junction”. Flammia L, Zhang L-F, Covaci L, Perali A, Milošević, MV, Physical review B 97, 134514 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.97.134514
Abstract: Extended defects are known to strongly affect nanoscale superconductors. Here, we report the properties of superconducting nanoribbons with a constriction formed between two adjacent step edges by solving the Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations self-consistently in the regime where quantum confinement is important. Since the quantum resonances of the superconducting gap in the constricted area are different from the rest of the nanoribbon, such constriction forms a quantum-confined S-S'-S Josephson junction, with a broadly tunable performance depending on the length and width of the constriction with respect to the nanoribbon, and possible gating. These findings provide an intriguing approach to further tailor superconducting quantum devices where Josephson effect is of use.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.97.134514
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“High-temperature electron-hole superfluidity with strong anisotropic gaps in double phosphorene monolayers”. Saberi-Pouya S, Zarenia M, Perali A, Vazifehshenas T, Peeters FM, Physical review B 97, 174503 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.97.174503
Abstract: Excitonic superfluidity in double phosphorene monolayers is investigated using the BCS mean-field equations. Highly anisotropic superfluidity is predicted where we found that the maximum superfluid gap is in the Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) regime along the armchair direction and in the BCS-BEC crossover regime along the zigzag direction. We estimate the highest Kosterlitz-Thouless transition temperature with maximum value up to similar to 90 K with onset carrier densities as high as 4 x 10(12) cm(-2). This transition temperature is significantly larger than what is found in double electron-hole few-layers graphene. Our results can guide experimental research toward the realization of anisotropic condensate states in electron-hole phosphorene monolayers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 17
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.97.174503
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“Multicomponent screening and superfluidity in gapped electron-hole double bilayer graphene with realistic bands”. Conti S, Perali A, Peeters FM, Neilson D, Physical review B 99, 144517 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.99.144517
Abstract: Superfluidity has recently been reported in double electron-hole bilayer graphene. The multiband nature of the bilayers is important because of the very small band gaps between conduction and valence bands. The long-range nature of the superfluid pairing interaction means that screening must be fully taken into account. We have carried out a systematic mean-field investigation that includes (i) contributions to screening from both intraband and interband excitations, (ii) the low-energy band structure of bilayer graphene with its small band gap and flattened Mexican-hat-like low-energy bands, (iii) the large density of states at the bottom of the bands, (iv) electron-hole pairing in the multibands, and (v) electron-hole pair transfers between the conduction and valence band condensates. We find that the superfluidity strongly modifies the intraband contributions to the screening, but that the interband contributions are unaffected. Unexpectedly, a net effect of the screening is to suppress Josephson-like pair transfers and to confine the superfluid pairing entirely to the conduction-band condensate even for very small band gaps, making the system behave similarly to a one-band superfluid.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.836
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.99.144517
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“Substrate-induced proximity effect in superconducting niobium nanofilms”. Rezvani SJ, Perali A, Fretto M, De Leo N, Flammia L, Milošević, M, Nannarone S, Pinto N, Condensed Matter 4, 4 (2018). http://doi.org/10.3390/CONDMAT4010004
Abstract: Structural and superconducting properties of high-quality niobium nanofilms with different thicknesses are investigated on silicon oxide (SiO2) and sapphire substrates. The role played by the different substrates and the superconducting properties of the Nb films are discussed based on the defectivity of the films and on the presence of an interfacial oxide layer between the Nb film and the substrate. The X-ray absorption spectroscopy is employed to uncover the structure of the interfacial layer. We show that this interfacial layer leads to a strong proximity effect, especially in films deposited on a SiO2 substrate, altering the superconducting properties of the Nb films. Our results establish that the critical temperature is determined by an interplay between quantum-size effects, due to the reduction of the Nb film thicknesses, and proximity effects. The detailed investigation here provides reference characterizations and has direct and important implications for the fabrication of superconducting devices based on Nb nanofilms.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.3390/CONDMAT4010004
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“Role of the relative humidity and the Cd/Zn stoichiometry in the photooxidation process of cadmium yellows (CdS/Cd1-xZnxS) in oil paintings”. Monico L, Chieli A, De Meyer S, Cotte M, de Nolf W, Falkenberg G, Janssens K, Romani A, Miliani C, Chemistry: a European journal 24, 11584 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/CHEM.201801503
Abstract: Cadmium yellows (CdYs) refer to a family of cadmium sulfide pigments, which have been widely used by artists since the late 19th century. Despite being considered stable, they are suffering from discoloration in iconic paintings, such as Joy of Life by Matisse, Flowers in a blue vase by Van Gogh, and The Scream by Munch, most likely due to the formation of CdSO4 center dot nH(2)O. The driving factors of the CdYs degradation and how these affect the overall process are still unknown. Here, we study a series of oil mock-up paints made of CdYs of different stoichiometry (CdS/Cd0.76Zn0.24S) and crystalline structure (hexagonal/ cubic) before and after aging at variable relative humidity under exposure to light and in darkness. Synchrotron radiation-based X-ray methods combined with UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy show that: 1) Cd0.76Zn0.24S is more susceptible to photooxidation than CdS; both compounds can act as photocatalysts for the oil oxidation. 2) The photooxidation of CdS/Cd0.76Zn0.24S to CdSO4 center dot nH(2)O is triggered by moisture. 3) The nature of alteration products depends on the aging conditions and the Cd/Zn stoichiometry. Based on our findings, we propose a scheme for the mechanism of the photocorrosion process and the photocatalytic activity of CdY pigments in the oil binder. Overall, our results form a reliable basis for understanding the degradation of CdS-based paints in artworks and contribute towards developing better ways of preserving them for future generations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 5.317
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1002/CHEM.201801503
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“Boosting Monte Carlo simulations of spin glasses using autoregressive neural networks”. McNaughton B, Milošević, MV, Perali A, Pilati S, Physical Review E 101, 053312 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVE.101.053312
Abstract: The autoregressive neural networks are emerging as a powerful computational tool to solve relevant problems in classical and quantum mechanics. One of their appealing functionalities is that, after they have learned a probability distribution from a dataset, they allow exact and efficient sampling of typical system configurations. Here we employ a neural autoregressive distribution estimator (NADE) to boost Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations of a paradigmatic classical model of spin-glass theory, namely, the two-dimensional Edwards-Anderson Hamiltonian. We show that a NADE can be trained to accurately mimic the Boltzmann distribution using unsupervised learning from system configurations generated using standard MCMC algorithms. The trained NADE is then employed as smart proposal distribution for the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. This allows us to perform efficient MCMC simulations, which provide unbiased results even if the expectation value corresponding to the probability distribution learned by the NADE is not exact. Notably, we implement a sequential tempering procedure, whereby a NADE trained at a higher temperature is iteratively employed as proposal distribution in a MCMC simulation run at a slightly lower temperature. This allows one to efficiently simulate the spin-glass model even in the low-temperature regime, avoiding the divergent correlation times that plague MCMC simulations driven by local-update algorithms. Furthermore, we show that the NADE-driven simulations quickly sample ground-state configurations, paving the way to their future utilization to tackle binary optimization problems.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 2.366
Times cited: 15
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVE.101.053312
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“Crossband versus intraband pairing in superconductors: signatures and consequences of the interplay”. Vargas Paredes AA, Shanenko AA, Vagov A, Milošević, MV, Perali A, Physical Review B 101, 094516 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.101.094516
Abstract: We analyze the paradigmatic competition between intraband and crossband Cooper-pair formation in twoband superconductors, neglected in most works to date. We derive the phase-sensitive gap equations and describe the crossover between the intraband-dominated and the crossband-dominated regimes, delimited by a “gapless” state. Experimental signatures of crosspairing comprise notable gap splitting in the excitation spectrum, non-BCS behavior of gaps versus temperature, as well as changes in the pairing symmetry as a function of temperature. The consequences of these findings are illustrated on the examples of MgB2 and Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
Times cited: 14
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.101.094516
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“Doping-dependent switch from one- to two-component superfluidity in coupled electron-hole van der Waals heterostructures”. Conti S, Van der Donck M, Perali A, Peeters FM, Neilson D, Physical Review B 101, 220504 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVB.101.220504
Abstract: The hunt for high-temperature superfluidity has received new impetus from the discovery of atomically thin stable materials. Electron-hole superfluidity in coupled MoSe2-WSe2 monolayers is investigated using a mean-field multiband model that includes band splitting caused by strong spin-orbit coupling. This splitting leads to a large energy misalignment of the electron and hole bands which is strongly modified by interchanging the doping of the monolayers. The choice of doping determines if the superfluidity is tunable from one to two components.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 3.7
Times cited: 12
DOI: 10.1103/PHYSREVB.101.220504
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