Physical realization of topological Roman surface by spin-induced ferroelectric polarization in cubic lattice

Brillouin Klein space and half-turn space in three-dimensional acoustic crystals

The Bloch band theory and Brillouin zone (BZ) that characterize wave-like behaviors in periodic mediums are two cornerstones of contemporary physics, ranging from condensed matter to topological physics. Recent theoretical breakthrough revealed that, under the projective symmetry algebra enforced by artificial gauge fields, the usual two-dimensional (2D) BZ (orientable Brillouin two-torus) can be fundamentally modified to a non-orientable Brillouin Klein bottle with radically distinct manifold topology. However, the physical consequence of artificial gauge fields on the more general three-dimensional (3D) BZ (orientable Brillouin three-torus) was so far missing. Here, we theoretically discovered and experimentally observed that the fundamental domain and topology of the usual 3D BZ can be reduced to a non-orientable Brillouin Klein space or an orientable Brillouin half-turn space in a 3D acoustic crystal with artificial gauge fields. We experimentally identify peculiar 3D momentum-space non-symmorphic screw rotation and glide reflection symmetries in the measured band structures. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrate a novel stacked weak Klein bottle insulator featuring a nonzero Z2 topological invariant and self-collimated topological surface states at two opposite surfaces related by a nonlocal twist, radically distinct from all previous 3D topological insulators. Our discovery not only fundamentally modifies the fundamental domain and topology of 3D BZ, but also opens the door towards a wealth of previously overlooked momentum-space multidimensional manifold topologies and novel gauge-symmetry-enriched topological physics and robust acoustic wave manipulations beyond the existing paradigms.

High-Pressure Synthesis of Quadruple Perovskite Oxide CaCu3Cr2Re2O12 with a High Ferrimagnetic Curie Temperature

An AA'3B2B'2O12-type quadruple perovskite oxide of CaCu3Cr2Re2O12 was synthesized at 18 GPa and 1373 K. Both an A- and B-site ordered quadruple perovskite crystal structure was observed, with the space group Pn-3. The valence states are verified to be CaCu32+Cr23+Re25+O12 by bond valence sum calculations and synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The spin interaction among Cu2+, Cr3+, and Re5+ generates a ferrimagnetic transition with the Curie temperature (TC) at about 360 K. Moreover, electric transport properties and specific heat data suggest the presence of a half-metallic feature for this compound. The present study provides a promising quadruple perovskite oxide with above-room-temperature ferrimagnetism and possible half-metallic properties, which shows potential in the usage of spintronic devices.

Robust Crystal Phase Separation with Distinct Charge, Orbital, and Spin Orders in AgMn7O12

An AA'3B4O12-type A-site-ordered quadruple perovskite oxide AgMn7O12 was prepared by high-pressure and high-temperature methods. At room temperature, the compound crystallizes into a cubic Im3̅ symmetry with a charge distribution of AgMn33+Mn43.5+O12. With the temperature decreasing to TCO,OO ≈ 180 K, the compound undergoes a structural phase transition toward a monoclinic C2/m symmetry, giving rise to a B-site charge- and orbital-ordered AgMn33+Mn23+Mn24+O12 phase. Moreover, this charge-/orbital-ordered main phase coexists with the initial cubic AgMn33+Mn43.5+O12 phase in the wide temperature range we measured. The charge-/orbital-ordered phase shows two antiferromagnetic phase transitions near 125 and 90 K, respectively. Short-range ferromagnetic correlations are found to occur for the initial B-site mixed cubic phase around 35 K. Because of the robust phase separation, considerable magnetoresistance effects are observed below TCO,OO in AgMn7O12.

High-pressure single crystal growth and magnetoelectric properties of CdMn7O12

The concurrent presence of large electric polarization and strong magnetoelectric coupling is quite desirable for potential applications of multiferroics. In this paper, we report the growth of CdMn₇O₁₂single crystals by flux method under a high pressure of 8 GPa for the first time. An antiferromagnetic (AFM) order with a polar magnetic point group is found to occur at the onset temperature ofT_N1= 88 K (AFM1 phase). As a consequence, the pyroelectric current emerges atT_N1and gradually increases and reaches its maximum atT_set= 63 K, at which the AFM1 phase finally settles down. BelowT_set, CdMn₇O₁₂single crystal exhibits a large ferroelectric polarization up to 2640µC m^-2. Moreover, the spin-induced electric polarization can be readily tuned by applying magnetic fields, giving rise to considerable magnetoelectric coupling effects. Thus, the current CdMn₇O₁₂single crystal acts as a rare multiferroic system where both large polarization and strong magnetoelectric coupling merge concurrently.

Light-Induced Tunable Ferroelectric Polarization in Dipole-Embedded Metal-Organic Framework

Reversible regulation of ferroelectric polarization possesses great potentials recently in bionic neural networks. Photoinduced cis-trans isomers have changeable dipole moments, but they cannot be directed to some specific orientation. Here, we construct a host-guest composite structure which consists of a porous ferroelectric metal (Ni)-organic framework [Ni(DPA)₂] as host and photoisomer, azobenzene (AZB), as guest molecules. When AZB molecules are embedded in the nanopores of Ni(DPA)₂ in the form of a single molecule, polarization strength tunable regulation is realized after ultraviolet irradiation of 365 and 405 nm via cis-trans isomerism transformation of AZB. An intrinsic built-in field originating from the distorted {NiN₂O₄} octahedra in Ni(DPA)₂ directs the dipole moments of AZB to the applied electric field. As a result, the overlapped ferroelectric polarization strength changes with content of cis-AZB after ultraviolet and visible irradiation. Such a connection of ferroelectric Ni(DPA)₂ structure with cis-trans isomers provides an important strategy for regulating the ferroelectric polarization strength.