Abstract: Since the successful synthesis of bulk single crystals MoN2 and ReN2, which have a layered structure, transition-metal dinitrides have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Here, we focus on rare-earth metal (Rem) elements, and propose seven stable Rem dinitride monolayers with a 1T structure, namely, 1T-RemN2. We use first-principles calculations, and find that these monolayers have a ferromagnetic ground state with in-plane magnetization. Without spin-orbit coupling (SOC), the band structures are spin-polarized with Dirac points at the Fermi level. Remarkably, the 1T-LuN2 monolayer exhibits an isotropic magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy in the xy plane with in-plane magnetization, indicating easy tunability of the magnetization direction. When rotating the magnetization vector in the xy plane, we propose a model that accurately describes the variation of the SOC band gap and the two possible topological states (Weyl-like semimetal and Chern insulator states) whose properties are tunable. The Weyl-like semimetal state is a critical point between the two Chern insulator states with opposite sign of the Chern numbers (+/- 1). The nontrivial band gap (up to 60.3 meV) and the Weyl-like semimetal state are promising for applications in spintronic devices.

Abstract: Supported Fe2O3–TiO2 nanocomposites are fabricated by an original vapor phase synthetic strategy, consisting of the initial growth of Fe2O3 nanosystems on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates by plasma enhanced-chemical vapor deposition, followed by atomic layer deposition of TiO2 overlayers with variable thickness, and final thermal treatment in air. A thorough characterization of the target systems is carried out by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. High purity nanomaterials characterized by the co-presence of Fe2O3 (hematite) and TiO2 (anatase), with an intimate Fe2O3–TiO2 contact, are successfully obtained. In addition, photocatalytic tests demonstrate that, whereas both single-phase oxides do not show appreciable activity, the composite systems are able to degrade methyl orange aqueous solutions under simulated solar light, and even visible light, with an efficiency directly dependent on TiO2 overlayer thickness. This finding opens attractive perspectives for eventual applications in wastewater treatment.

Abstract: We demonstrate the epitaxial growth of Fe₃O₄ films on ZnO by a simple reactive deposition procedure using molecular oxygen as an oxidizing agent. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results evidence that the iron-oxide surface is nearly stoichiometric magnetite. X-ray diffraction results indicate monocrystalline epitaxy and almost complete structural relaxation. Scanning transmission electron micrographs reveal that the microstructure consists of domains which are separated by antiphase boundaries or twin boundaries. The magnetite films show rather slow magnetization behavior in comparison with bulk crystals probably due to reduced magnetization at antiphase boundaries in small applied fields.

Abstract: We study the phase transition into the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov state in high magnetic field in quasi-one dimensional superconductors within the quasi-classical formalism, taking into account the interchain Josephson coupling and the paramagnetic spin splitting. We show that anomalies in the field-direction dependence of the upper critical field when the magnetic field length equals to the FFLO period, previously described in [29], are characterized by the lock-in effect of the FFLO modulation wave vector, which is governed by the magnetic length.

Abstract: Ni4Ti3 precipitates with a heterogeneous distribution growing in a polycrystalline Ni50.8Ti49.2 alloy have been investigated in a Dual-Beam FIB/SEM system. The volume ratio, mean volume, central plane diameter, thickness, aspect ratio and sphericity of the precipitates in the grain interior as well as near to the grain boundary were measured or calculated. The morphology of the precipitates was classified according to the Zingg scheme. The multistage martensitic transformation occurring in these kinds of samples is interpreted in view of the data of this heterogeneous microstructure of matrix and precipitates.

Abstract: This study comprises the first application of the Passive Flux Meter (PFM) for the measurement of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon (CAH) mass fluxes and Darcy water fluxes in groundwater at a European field site. The PFM was originally developed and applied to measurements near source zones. The focus of the PFM is extended from near source to plume zones. For this purpose, 48 PFMs of 1.4 m length were constructed and installed in eight different monitoring wells in the source and plume zone of a CAH-contaminated field site located in France. The PFMs were retrieved, sampled, and analyzed after 3 to 11 weeks of exposure time, depending on the expected contaminant flux. PFM evaluation criteria include analytical, technical, and practical aspects as well as conditions and applicability. PFM flux data were compared with so-called traditional soil and groundwater concentration data obtained using active sampling methods. The PFMs deliver reasonable results for source as well as plume zones. The limiting factor in the PFM applicability is the exposure time together with the groundwater flux. Measured groundwater velocities at the field site range from 2 to 41 cm/day. Measured contaminant flux data raise up to 13 g/m(2)/day for perchloroethylene in the plume zone. Calculated PFM flux averaged concentration data and traditional concentration data were of similar magnitude for most wells. However, both datasets need to be compared with reservation because of the different sampling nature and time. Two important issues are the PFM tracer loss during installation/extraction and the deviation of the groundwater flow field when passing the monitoring well and PFM. The demonstration of the PFM at a CAH-contaminated field site in Europe confirmed the efficiency of the flux measurement technique for source as well as plume zones. The PFM can be applied without concerns in monitoring wells with European standards. The acquired flux data are of great value for the purpose of site characterization and mass discharge modeling, and can be used in combination with traditional soil and groundwater sampling methods.

Abstract: Surface effects of a doped thin film made of a strongly correlated material are investigated both in the absence and presence of a perpendicular electric field. We use an inhomogeneous Gutzwiller approximation for a single-band Hubbard model in order to describe correlation effects. For low doping, the bulk value of the quasiparticle weight is recovered exponentially deep into the slab, but with increasing doping, additional Friedel oscillations appear near the surface. We show that the inverse correlation length has a power-law dependence on the doping level. In the presence of an electrical field, considerable changes in the quasiparticle weight can be realized throughout the system. We observe a large difference (as large as five orders of magnitude) in the quasiparticle weight near the opposite sides of the slab. This effect can be significant in switching devices that use the surface states for transport. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.87.035131

Abstract: In order to improve the performance of todays nanoscaled semiconductor devices, characterization techniques that can provide information about the position and activity of dopant atoms and the strain fields are essential. Here we demonstrate that by using a modern transmission electron microscope it is possible to apply multiple techniques to advanced materials systems in order to provide information about the structure, fields, and composition with nanometer-scale resolution. Off-axis electron holography has been used to map the active dopant potentials in state-of-the-art semiconductor devices with 1 nm resolution. These dopant maps have been compared to electron energy loss spectroscopy maps that show the positions of the dopant atoms. The strain fields in the devices have been measured by both dark field electron holography and nanobeam electron diffraction.

Abstract: A strong superconducting diode effect (SDE) is revealed in a thin superconducting film periodically nanostructured with magnetic dots. The SDE is caused by the current-activated dissipation mitigated by vortex-antivortex pairs (VAPs), which periodically nucleate under the dots, move and annihilate in the superconductor-eventually driving the system to the high-resistive state. Inversing the polarity of the applied current destimulates the nucleation of VAPs, the system remains superconducting up to far larger currents, leading to the pronounced diodic response. Our dissipative Ginzburg-Landau simulations detail the involved processes, and provide reliable geometric and parametric ranges for the experimental realiza-tion of such a nonvolatile superconducting diode, which operates in the absence of any applied magnetic field while being fluxonic by design.

Abstract: Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) currently are the main pollutants emitted by diesel engines. While there is a start in using hybrid and electric cars, ships will still be fueled by mineral oil products. In the quest to achieve zero-pollution and carbon-free shipping, alternative forms of energy carriers must be found to replace the commonly used mineral oil products. One of the possible alternative fuels is biodiesel. This paper explores the optimization of the composition of biodiesel in order to reduce the concentration of particulate matter and NOx in exhaust gases of a one-cylinder diesel generator.

Abstract: Within the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) theory we studied the creation of phase-slip lines and the interplay with a vortex lattice in a finite-length superconducting thin stripe with finite-size normal metal leads. In zero magnetic field and with increasing transport current phase-slip lines appear across the sample leading to distinct jumps in the current-voltage characteristics. When a magnetic field is applied, the moving vortex lattice becomes rearranged by the external current and fast and slow moving vortex channels are formed. Curved vortex channels are observed near the normal contacts. We found the remarkable result that at small applied magnetic field the normal-state transition current is increased as compared to the one at zero magnetic field. This effect is more pronounced for larger values of the parameter in the TDGL formalism. This unusual field-induced increase in the critical current is a consequence of the nonuniform distribution of the current in the sample.

Abstract: Electrons on liquid helium can form different phases depending on density, and temperature. Also the electron-ripplon coupling strength influences the phase diagram, through the formation of so-called “ripplonic polarons”, that change how electrons are localized, and that shifts the transition between the Wigner solid and the liquid phase. We use an all-coupling, finite-temperature variational method to study the formation of a ripplopolaron Wigner solid on a liquid helium film for different regimes of the electron-ripplon coupling strength. In addition to the three known phases of the ripplopolaron system (electron Wigner solid, polaron Wigner solid, and electron fluid), we define and identify a fourth distinct phase, the ripplopolaron liquid. We analyse the transitions between these four phases and calculate the corresponding phase diagrams. This reveals a reentrant melting of the electron solid as a function of temperature. The calculated regions of existence of the Wigner solid are in agreement with recent experimental data.