RESUMEN
Monolayer graphene exhibits many spectacular electronic properties, with superconductivity being arguably the most notable exception. It was theoretically proposed that superconductivity might be induced by enhancing the electron-phonon coupling through the decoration of graphene with an alkali adatom superlattice [Profeta G, Calandra M, Mauri F (2012) Nat Phys 8(2):131-134]. Although experiments have shown an adatom-induced enhancement of the electron-phonon coupling, superconductivity has never been observed. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we show that lithium deposited on graphene at low temperature strongly modifies the phonon density of states, leading to an enhancement of the electron-phonon coupling of up to λ ≃ 0.58. On part of the graphene-derived π*-band Fermi surface, we then observe the opening of a Δ ≃ 0.9-meV temperature-dependent pairing gap. This result suggests for the first time, to our knowledge, that Li-decorated monolayer graphene is indeed superconducting, with Tc ≃ 5.9 K.
RESUMEN
Spin-orbit coupling has been conjectured to play a key role in the low-energy electronic structure of Sr2RuO4. By using circularly polarized light combined with spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we directly measure the value of the effective spin-orbit coupling to be 130±30 meV. This is even larger than theoretically predicted and comparable to the energy splitting of the dxy and dxz,yz orbitals around the Fermi surface, resulting in a strongly momentum-dependent entanglement of spin and orbital character in the electronic wavefunction. As demonstrated by the spin expectation value ⟨skâ·s-kâ⟩ calculated for a pair of electrons with zero total momentum, the classification of the Cooper pairs in terms of pure singlets or triplets fundamentally breaks down, necessitating a description of the unconventional superconducting state of Sr2RuO4 in terms of these newly found spin-orbital entangled eigenstates.
RESUMEN
We study the manipulation of the spin polarization of photoemitted electrons in Bi2Se3 by spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. General rules are established that enable controlling the photoelectron spin-polarization. We demonstrate the ± 100% reversal of a single component of the measured spin-polarization vector upon the rotation of light polarization, as well as full three-dimensional manipulation by varying experimental configuration and photon energy. While a material-specific density-functional theory analysis is needed for the quantitative description, a minimal yet fully generalized two-atomic-layer model qualitatively accounts for the spin response based on the interplay of optical selection rules, photoelectron interference, and topological surface-state complex structure. It follows that photoelectron spin-polarization control is generically achievable in systems with a layer-dependent, entangled spin-orbital texture.
RESUMEN
We study Bi(2)Se(3) by polarization-dependent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and density-functional theory slab calculations. We find that the surface state Dirac fermions are characterized by a layer-dependent entangled spin-orbital texture, which becomes apparent through quantum interference effects. This explains the discrepancy between the spin polarization obtained in spin and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy-ranging from 20% to 85%-and the 100% value assumed in phenomenological models. It also suggests a way to probe the intrinsic spin texture of topological insulators, and to continuously manipulate the spin polarization of photoelectrons and photocurrents all the way from 0 to ±100% by an appropriate choice of photon energy, linear polarization, and angle of incidence.
RESUMEN
We revisit the normal-state electronic structure of Sr(2)RuO(4) by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with improved data quality, as well as ab initio band structure calculations in the local-density approximation with the inclusion of spin-orbit coupling. We find that the current model of a single surface layer (â2×â2)R45° reconstruction does not explain all detected features. The observed depth-dependent signal degradation, together with the close quantitative agreement with the slab calculations based on the surface crystal structure as determined by low-energy electron diffraction, reveal that-at a minimum-the subsurface layer also undergoes a similar although weaker reconstruction. This model accounts for all features-a key step in understanding the electronic structure-and indicates a surface-to-bulk progression of the electronic states driven by structural instabilities. Finally, we find no evidence for other phases stemming from either topological bulk properties or, alternatively, the interplay between spin-orbit coupling and the broken symmetry of the surface.
RESUMEN
We study Na2IrO3 by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, optics, and band structure calculations in the local-density approximation (LDA). The weak dispersion of the Ir 5d-t(2g) manifold highlights the importance of structural distortions and spin-orbit (SO) coupling in driving the system closer to a Mott transition. We detect an insulating gap Δ(gap)≃340 meV which, at variance with a Slater-type description, is already open at 300 K and does not show significant temperature dependence even across T(N)≃15 K. An LDA analysis with the inclusion of SO and Coulomb repulsion U reveals that, while the prodromes of an underlying insulating state are already found in LDA+SO, the correct gap magnitude can only be reproduced by LDA+SO+U, with U=3 eV. This establishes Na2IrO3 as a novel type of Mott-like correlated insulator in which Coulomb and relativistic effects have to be treated on an equal footing.
RESUMEN
The electronic structure of Bi(2)Se(3) is studied by angle-resolved photoemission and density functional theory. We show that the instability of the surface electronic properties, observed even in ultrahigh-vacuum conditions, can be overcome via in situ potassium deposition. In addition to accurately setting the carrier concentration, new Rashba-like spin-polarized states are induced, with a tunable, reversible, and highly stable spin splitting. Ab initio slab calculations reveal that these Rashba states are derived from 5-quintuple-layer quantum-well states. While the K-induced potential gradient enhances the spin splitting, this may be present on pristine surfaces due to the symmetry breaking of the vacuum-solid interface.
RESUMEN
Neutron and X-ray scattering experiments have provided mounting evidence for spin and charge ordering phenomena in underdoped cuprates. These range from early work on stripe correlations in Nd-LSCO to the latest discovery of charge-density-waves in YBa2Cu3O(6+x). Both phenomena are characterized by a pronounced dependence on doping, temperature and an externally applied magnetic field. Here, we show that these electron-lattice instabilities exhibit also a previously unrecognized bulk-surface dichotomy. Surface-sensitive electronic and structural probes uncover a temperature-dependent evolution of the CuO2 plane band dispersion and apparent Fermi pockets in underdoped Bi2 Sr(2-x) La(x) CuO(6+δ) (Bi2201), which is directly associated with an hitherto-undetected strong temperature dependence of the incommensurate superstructure periodicity below 130 K. In stark contrast, the structural modulation revealed by bulk-sensitive probes is temperature-independent. These findings point to a surface-enhanced incipient charge-density-wave instability, driven by Fermi surface nesting. This discovery is of critical importance in the interpretation of single-particle spectroscopy data, and establishes the surface of cuprates and other complex oxides as a rich playground for the study of electronically soft phases.