Visualization of the strain-induced topological phase transition in a quasi-one-dimensional superconductor TaSe3.

Control of the phase transition from topological to normal insulators can allow for an on/off switching of spin current. While topological phase transitions have been realized by elemental substitution in semiconducting alloys, such an approach requires preparation of materials with various compositions. Thus it is quite far from a feasible device application, which demands a reversible operation. Here we use angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to visualize the strain-driven band-structure evolution of the quasi-one-dimensional superconductor TaSe3. We demonstrate that it undergoes reversible strain-induced topological phase transitions from a strong topological insulator phase with spin-polarized, quasi-one-dimensional topological surface states, to topologically trivial semimetal and band insulating phases. The quasi-one-dimensional superconductor TaSe3 provides a suitable platform for engineering the topological spintronics, for example as an on/off switch for a spin current that is robust against impurity scattering.

Ring formation of transition metal trichalcogenide TaSe3 using vapor liquid process.

The synthesis of TaSe3 ring-shaped crystals displaying the coffee ring effect is investigated. By recrystallizing TaSe3 microcrystals dissolved in droplets of condensed Se gas, ring-shaped crystals were successfully grown. This novel method for ring formation effectively addressed the issue of connecting the edges of the crystal. Consequently, the synthesis method has the capability to grow MX3 ring-shaped crystals in any location where droplets can condense, can now be grown in specific locations, thus creating opportunities for advancements in electronic component development.

Global evaluation of closed-loop electron dynamics in quasi-one-dimensional conductors using polarization vortices.

We evaluate the quasi-one-dimensional (1D) electron dynamics in a NbSe3 ring crystal using polarization vortex pulses with various azimuthal distributions. The single particle relaxation component reveals a large anisotropy on the crystal, indicating that the electrons in the ring maintain their 1D character. The results also suggest that the polarization vortex evaluates the global polarization property of the closed-loop electron that plays an important role in the quantum correlation phenomena such as the Aharonov-Bohm effect.

A diamond 14 MeV neutron energy spectrometer with high energy resolution.

A self-standing single-crystal chemical vapor deposited diamond was obtained using lift-off method. It was fabricated into a radiation detector and response function measurements for 14 MeV neutrons were taken at the fusion neutronics source. 1.5% of high energy resolution was obtained by using the (12)C(n, α)(9)Be reaction at an angle of 100° with the deuteron beam line. The intrinsic energy resolution, excluding energy spreading caused by neutron scattering, slowing in the target and circuit noises was 0.79%, which was also the best resolution of the diamond detector ever reported.