Chiral Weyl Pockets and Fermi Surface Topology of the Weyl Semimetal TaAs.

Tantalum arsenide is a member of the noncentrosymmetric monopnictides, which are putative Weyl semimetals. In these materials, three-dimensional chiral massless quasiparticles, the so-called Weyl fermions, are predicted to induce novel quantum mechanical phenomena, such as the chiral anomaly and topological surface states. However, their chirality is only well defined if the Fermi level is close enough to the Weyl points that separate Fermi surface pockets of opposite chirality exist. In this Letter, we present the bulk Fermi surface topology of high quality single crystals of TaAs, as determined by angle-dependent Shubnikov-de Haas and de Haas-van Alphen measurements combined with ab initio band-structure calculations. Quantum oscillations originating from three different types of Fermi surface pockets were found in magnetization, magnetic torque, and magnetoresistance measurements performed in magnetic fields up to 14 T and temperatures down to 1.8 K. Of these Fermi pockets, two are pairs of topologically nontrivial electron pockets around the Weyl points and one is a trivial hole pocket. Unlike the other members of the noncentrosymmetric monopnictides, TaAs is the first Weyl semimetal candidate with the Fermi energy sufficiently close to both types of Weyl points to generate chiral quasiparticles at the Fermi surface.

Synthesis and properties of type-I clathrate phases Rb(8-x-t)K(x□t)Au(y)Ge(46-y).

Type-I clathrates Rb(8-x-t)K(x□t)Au(y)Ge(46-y) are synthesized from Rb4Ge9, K4Ge9, Au, and Ge. Crystal structures and compositions are determined by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods. The lattice parameters are 10.8103(2), 10.7956(2), 10.7850(2), and 10.7723(2) Šin space group Pm3n for Rb7.88(2)Au2.47(2)Ge43.53(2), Rb3.69(4)K4.31(4)Au2.17(2)Ge43.83(2), Rb1.66(5)K6.34(5)Au2.17(1)Ge43.83(1), and K6.71(4)Au2.28(2)Ge43.72(2), respectively. Bonding analysis for Rb8Au6Ge40 suggests ionic interaction of Rb with the framework besides covalent interactions between Ge and Au/Ge. Rb7.88Au2.47Ge43.53 and K6.71(4)Au2.28Ge43.72 are both diamagnetic. The heat capacity of K6.71Au2.28Ge43.72 is analyzed. Transport properties of Rb7.88Au2.47Ge43.53 reveal n-type conducting, and low thermal conductivity.

Structural investigations on YbRh2Si2: from the atomic to the macroscopic length scale.

YbRh2Si2 has advanced to a prototype material for investigating physics related to the Kondo effect. An optimization of the synthesis resulted in single crystals of extraordinary crystalline quality. At the atomic scale, we utilize scanning tunneling microscopy to study the topography of cleaved single crystals. A structural and chemical analysis was conducted by highly accurate x-ray diffraction and wavelength dispersive x-ray spectroscopy measurements. The latter indicate a homogeneity range of the YbRh2Si2 phase between approximately 40.0­40.2 at.% Rh. For our high-quality samples the number of defects found on the atomic scale (of the order of 0.3% of the visible lattice sites) is in quantitative agreement with a very small off-stoichiometry within this homogeneity range. Comparing our results for these samples allows an assignment of the structural defects observed at the cleaved surfaces to Rh occupying Si sites and, even less numerous Si in Rh sites. Such an analysis is hampered for samples of lesser quality, but there seem to be numerous empty Si-sites. Based on these observations the results of scanning tunneling spectroscopy can be analyzed in further detail and provide insight into the Kondo physics.

Synthesis, crystal structure, and physical properties of the type-I clathrate Ba(8-δ)Ni(x)□(y)Si(46-x-y).

Type-I clathrate phase Ba(8)Ni(x)□(y)Si(46-x-y) (□ = vacancy) was obtained from the elements at 1000 °C with the homogeneity range 2.4 ≤ x ≤ 3.8 and 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.9. In addition, samples with low Ni content (x = 1.4 and 1.6; y = 0) and small Ba deficiency were prepared from the melt by steel-quenching. Compositions were established by microprobe analysis and crystal structure determination. Ba(8-δ)Ni(x)□(y)Si(46-x-y) crystallizes in the space group Pm ̅3n (No. 223) with lattice parameter ranging from a = 10.3088(1) Å for Ba(7.9(1))Ni(1.4(1))Si(44.6(1)) to a = 10.2896(1) Å for Ba(8.00(3))Ni(3.82(4))Si(41.33(6)). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data together with microprobe analysis indicate an increasing number of framework vacancies toward compositions with higher Ni content. For all compositions investigated, Ni K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements showed an electronic state close to that of elemental Ni. All samples exhibit metallic-like behavior with moderate thermopower and low thermal conductivity in the temperature range 300-773 K. Samples with compositions Ba(7.9(1))Ni(1.4(1))Si(44.6(1)) and Ba(7.9(1))Ni(1.6(1))Si(44.4(1)) are superconducting with T(c) values of 6.0 and 5.5 K, respectively.

Structural transformation with "negative volume expansion": chemical bonding and physical behavior of TiGePt.

The synthesis and a joint experimental and theoretical study of the crystal structure and physical properties of the new ternary intermetallic compound TiGePt are presented. Upon heating, TiGePt exhibits an unusual structural phase transition with a huge volume contraction of about 10 %. The transformation is characterized by a strong change in the physical properties, in particular, by an insulator-metal transition. At temperatures below 885 °C TiGePt crystallizes in the cubic MgAgAs (half-Heusler) type (LT phase, space group F43m, a = 5.9349(2) Å). At elevated temperatures, the crystal structure of TiGePt transforms into the TiNiSi structure type (HT phase, space group Pnma, a = 6.38134(9) Å, b = 3.89081(5) Å, c = 7.5034(1) Å). The reversible, temperature-dependent structural transition was investigated by in-situ neutron powder diffraction and dilatometry measurements. The insulator-metal transition, indicated by resistivity measurements, is in accord with band structure calculations yielding a gap of about 0.9 eV for the LT phase and a metallic HT phase. Detailed analysis of the chemical bonding in both modifications revealed an essential change of the Ti-Pt and Ti-Ge interactions as the origin of the dramatic changes in the physical properties.

Charge-doping-driven evolution of magnetism and non-Fermi-liquid behavior in the filled skutterudite CePt4Ge(12-x)Sb(x).

The filled skutterudite compound CePt(4)Ge(12) is situated close to the border between the intermediate valence of Ce and heavy-fermion behavior. Substitution of Ge by Sb drives the system into a strongly correlated and, ultimately, upon further increasing the Sb concentration, an antiferromagnetically ordered state. Our experiments evidence a delicate interplay of emerging Kondo physics and the formation of a local 4f moment. An extended non-Fermi-liquid region, which can be understood in the framework of a Kondo-disorder model, is observed. Band-structure calculations support the conclusion that the physical properties are governed by the interplay of electron supply via Sb substitution and the concomitant volume effects.

Physical properties and valence state of cerium in the filled skutterudite CePt4Ge12.

Electronic, magnetic, and transport properties of the filled platinum-germanium skutterudite CePt4Ge12 are investigated. High resolution x-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements at the cerium L(III) edge demonstrate that CePt4Ge12 in this compound has a temperature-independent valence close to three. However, magnetic susceptibility, thermopower, Hall effect, and electronic specific heat reveal a broad maximum at Tmax D 65-80 K, suggesting the presence of valence fluctuations. The Sommerfeld coefficient γ = 105 mJ mol⁻¹ K⁻², deduced from specific heat, indicates moderately enhanced band masses for CePt4Ge12. We discuss these findings and conclude that CePt4Ge12 represents a system at the border between intermediate valence (IV) and Kondo lattice behavior. In addition, the lattice specific heat and the thermal conductivity are discussed with respect to the vibrational dynamics of Ce in the [Pt4Ge12] framework.

Intrinsic electrical and thermal properties from single crystals of Na24Si136.

The observation of intrinsic structural, electrical, and thermal properties from measurements on single-crystal specimens of clathrate-II Na24Si136 is reported, revealing metallic conduction in agreement with electronic structure calculations. Low-temperature heat capacity measurements corroborate a substantial electronic density of states at the Fermi level, and reveal an Einstein-like mode that can be attributed to Na guest "rattling". The large thermal conductivity of Na24Si136, compared to literature data for other intermetallic clathrates, can be understood in terms of the predominant electronic contribution for the fully filled Na24Si136 composition.

Crystal structure and transport properties of Ba8Ge43square3.

The single phase clathrate-I Ba(8)Ge(43)square(3) (space group Ia3d (no. 230), a = 21.307(1) A) was synthesized by quenching the melt between cold steel plates. Specimens for physical property measurements were characterized by microstructure analysis and X-ray diffraction on polycrystalline samples as well as single crystals. Transport properties including thermopower, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity and specific heat were investigated in a temperature range of 2-673 K. The electrical resistivity exhibits a metal-like temperature dependence below 300 K turning into a semiconductor-like behaviour above 300 K. The analysis of the specific heat at low temperature indicates a finite density of states at the Fermi level, thus corroborating the metallic character below 300 K. The temperature dependence of the specific heat was modelled assuming Einstein-like localized vibrations of Ba atoms inside the cages of the Ge framework. A conventional crystal-like behaviour of the thermal conductivity with a low lattice contribution (kappa(l)(300 K) = 2.7 W m(-1) K(-1)) has been evidenced.

Atomic ordering and thermoelectric properties of the n-type clathrate Ba8Ni3.5Ge42.1square0.4.

Single crystals of the type-I clathrate Ba(8)Ni(3.5)Ge(42.1)square(0.4) (space group Pm3n, no. 223, a = 10.798(2) A, l = 30 mm, slashed circle = 8 mm) were grown from the melt using the Bridgman technique. Their composition, determined by microprobe analysis, reveals a distinctly lower Ni content than previously reported for the lower limit (x = 5.4) of the homogeneity range of the clathrate-I phase Ba(8)Ni(x)Ge(46-x). From single crystal X-ray diffraction data we introduce a crystal structure model that takes point defects (vacancies) square in the Ge network into account. It reveals that both Ni and square accumulate at a single site (6c) and that, as a consequence, the Ge network distorts considerably. Ba(8)Ni(3.5)Ge(42.1)square(0.4) shows metal-like behaviour (drho/dT > 0) albeit with high resistivity at room temperature (rho(300 K) approximately 1 mOmega cm). Together with the low charge carrier concentration of 2.3 e(-)/unit cell at 300 K this is typical of a degenerate semiconductor. The lattice thermal conductivity is distinctly smaller than that of Ba(8)Ge(43)square(3), where the vacancies partially order, and smaller than those of Ba-Ni-Ge type-I clathrates without vacancies, suggesting that disordered vacancies efficiently scatter heat-transporting phonons. We provide evidence that the maximum value of the thermoelectric figure of merit reached in Ba(8)Ni(3.5)Ge(42.1)square(0.4), ZT(680 K) congruent with 0.21, can be further improved by adjusting the charge carrier concentration.

EuTM(2)Ga(8) (TM = Co, Rh, Ir) - a contribution to the chemistry of the CeFe(2)Al(8)-type compounds.

The isostructural compounds EuTM(2)Ga(8) (TM = Co, Rh, Ir) were prepared by direct reaction of the elements by high-frequency thermal treatment. All three phases are isotypic with CeFe(2)Al(8) (space group Pbam, Pearson symbol oP44, Z = 4). The crystal structure was established from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data: a = 12.4322(7) A, b = 14.3814(9) A, and c = 4.0378(2) A for EuCo(2)Ga(8); a = 12.6001(6) A, b = 14.6757(7) A, and c = 4.1172(2) A for EuRh(2)Ga(8); and a = 12.6237(7) A, b = 14.6978(8) A, and c = 4.1486(2) A for EuIr(2)Ga(8), respectively. Analysis of the chemical bonding in EuRh(2)Ga(8) with the electron localizability tools reveals formation of the 3D [Rh(2)Ga(8)] polyanion build by polar covalent bonds. Europium interacts in two ways with the polyanion: mainly as a cation by charge transfer and additionally covalently by means of the electrons of the inner shells. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show Curie-Weiss paramagnetic behavior above 40 K with effective magnetic moments of 7.81, 8.05, and 8.27 micro(B)/f.u. for EuTM(2)Ga(8) (TM = Co, Rh, Ir). Antiferromagnetic ordering of Eu moments is observed in all three compounds below 20 K. Independently on the chemical composition of the coordination sphere, magnetic behavior and, especially, X-ray absorption spectra indicate predominantly the 4f(7) electronic configuration of europium with small admixture of the 4f(6) state.

Sn(x)Pt4Sn(y)Sb(12-y): a skutterudite with covalently bonded filler.

A new phase, Sn(x)Pt4Sb(12-y)Sn(y), has been prepared from the elements. It exhibits a wide range of homogeneity with 0.3(2) < or = x < or = 1.0(2) and 4.2(2) < or = y < or = 7.0(2). The crystal structure and the composition were established by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction as well as wavelength-dispersive X-ray analysis measurements and were supported by nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The compound is the first representative of the filled-skutterudite family with the filler atoms not located at the center of the cavity but covalently bonded to the cavity's wall, as confirmed by the analysis of chemical bonding with the electron localizability indicator. The Sn and Sb atoms share the framework site with different coordinate parameters caused by the difference in atomic size; additional tin atoms are located in the cavities of the framework. The material is a diamagnet in the whole composition range. In agreement with the calculated electronic density of states, the material reveals a metallic behavior in electronic transport. The absolute values of electrical resistivity vary with the tin-to-antimony ratio.

Syntheses, vibrational spectra, and theoretical studies of the adamantanoid Sn(4)Ch(10)(4-) (Ch = Se, Te) anions: X-ray crystal structures of [18-crown-6-K](4)[Sn4Se10]*5en and [18-crown-6-K](4)[Sn4Te10]*3en*2THF.

The salts [18-crown-6-K](4)[Sn(4)Se(10)].5en and [18-crown-6-K](4)[Sn(4)Te(10)].3en.2THF were isolated upon addition of THF to the ethylenediamine (en) extracts of the alloys KSn(0.90)Se(1.93) and K(4)Sn(4)Te(10) that had been extracted in the presence of 18-crown-6 (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane). The Sn(4)Te(10)(4-) anion has been structurally characterized for the first time by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of [18-crown-6-K](4)[Sn(4)Te(10)].3en.2THF: P2(1)/n, a = 22.420(5) A, b = 19.570(4) A, c = 24.680(5) A, beta = 96.90(3)(o), Z = 4, and R(1) = 0.0468 at -183 degrees C. In addition to Si(4)Te(10)(4-) and Ge(4)Te(10)(4-), the Sn(4)Te(10)(4-) anion represents the only other known group 14 adamantanoid telluride. The X-ray crystal structure determination of the related [18-crown-6-K](4)[Sn(4)Se(10)].5en salt has also been determined: P2(1)/n, a = 22.003(2) A, b = 18.966(2) A, c = 24.393(2) A, beta = 97.548(8)(o), Z = 4, and R(1) = 0.0843 at -123 degrees C. The anion geometries are of the adamantanoid type where the Sn(IV) atoms occupy the bridgehead positions and the chalcogen atoms occupy the bridging and terminal sites. The energy minimized geometries of Sn(4)Ch(10)(4-) have also been determined using density functional theory (DFT). Mayer bond order analyses, Mayer valencies, and empirical bond valencies indicate that the terminal Sn-Ch bonds have significant multiple bond character, with the terminal Sn-Se bond having more multiple bond character than the terminal Sn-Te bond. The vibrational frequencies of the Sn(4)Se(10)(4-) and Sn(4)Te(10)(4-) anions have been calculated using DFT methods, allowing the Raman spectrum of Sn(4)Se(10)(4-) to be fully assigned.

First examples of thallium chalcogenide cages. Syntheses, 77Se, 203Tl, and 205Tl NMR study of the Tl4Se5(4-) and Tl4Se6(4-) anions, the X-ray crystal structure of (2,2,2-crypt-K+)3Tl5Se5(3-), and theoretical studies.

The Tl5Se5(3-) anion has been obtained by extracting KTlSe in ethylenediamine in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt. The salt, (2,2,2-crypt-K+)3Tl5Se5(3-), crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1, with Z = 2 and a = 11.676(2) A, b = 16.017(3) A, c = 25.421(5) A, alpha = 82.42(3) degrees, beta = 88.47(3) degrees, gamma = 69.03(3) degrees at -123 degrees C. Two other mixed oxidation state TlI/TlIII anions; Tl4Se5(4-) and Tl4Se6(4-), have been obtained by extracting KTlSe into liquid NH3 in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt and have been characterized in solution by low-temperature 77Se, 203Tl, and 205Tl NMR spectroscopy and were shown to exist as a 1:1 equilibrium mixture at -40 degrees C. The couplings, 1J(203,205Tl-77Se) and 2J(203,205Tl-203,205Tl), have been observed for Tl4Se5(4-) and Tl4Se6(4-) and have been used to arrive at the solution structures of both anions. Structural assignments were achieved by detailed analyses and simulations of all spin multiplets that comprise the 205,203Tl NMR spectra and that arise from natural abundance 205,203Tl and 77Se or enriched 77Se isotopomer distributions. The structures of all three anions are based on a Tl4Se4 cube in which Tl and Se atoms occupy alternate corners. There are one and two exo-selenium atoms bonded to thallium in Tl4Se5(4-) and Tl4Se6(4-), respectively, so that these thalliums are four-coordinate and possess a formal oxidation state of +3 and the remaining three-coordinate thallium atoms are in the +1 oxidation state. The structure of Tl5Se5(3-) may be formally regarded as an adduct in which Tl+ is coordinated to the unique exo-selenium and to two seleniums in a cube face containing the TlIII atom. The Tl4Se5(4-), Tl4Se6(4-), and Tl5Se5(3-) anions and the presently unknown, but structurally related, Tl4Se4(4-) anion can be described as electron-precise cages. Ab initio methods at the MP2 level of theory show that Tl4Se5(4-), Tl4Se6(4-), and Tl5Se5(3-) exhibit true minima and display geometrical parameters that are in excellent agreement with their experimental cubanoid structures, and that Tl4Se4(4-) is cube-shaped (Td point symmetry). The gas-phase energetics associated with plausible routes to the formation and interconversions of these anions have been determined by ab initio methods and assessed. It is proposed that all three cubanoid anions are derived from the known Tl2Se2(2-), TlSe3(3-), Se2(2-), and polyselenide anions that have been shown to be present in the solutions they are derived from.

Tetrachloro- and tetrabromoarsonium(V) cations: raman and 75As, 19F NMR spectroscopic characterization and X-ray crystal structures of [AsCl4][As(OTeF5)6] and [AsBr4][AsF(OTeF5)5] .

The salts [AsX4][As(OTeF5)6] and [AsBr4][AsF(OTeF5)5] (X = Cl, Br) have been prepared by oxidation of AsX3 with XOTeF5 in the presence of the OTeF5 acceptors As(OTeF5)5 and AsF(OTeF5)4. The mixed salts [AsCl4][Sb(OTeF5)6-nCl(n-2)] and [AsCl4][Sb(OTeF5)6-nCl(n)] (n > or = 2) have also been prepared. The AsBr4+ cation has been fully structurally characterized for the first time in SO2ClF solution by 75As NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of [AsBr4][AsF(OTeFs)5]: P1, a = 9.778(4) A, b = 17.731(7) A, c = 18.870(8) A, alpha = 103.53(4)degrees, beta = 103.53(4) degrees, gamma = 105.10(4) degrees, V = 2915(2) A3, Z = 4, and R1 = 0.0368 at -183 degrees C. The crystal structure determination and solution 75As NMR study of the related [AsCl4][As(OTeF5)6] salt have also been carried out: [AsCl4][As(OTeF5)6], R3, a = 9.8741(14) A, c = 55.301(11) A, V= 4669(1) A3, Z = 6, and R1 = 0.0438 at -123 degrees C; and R3, a = 19.688(3) A, c = 55.264(11) A, V= 18552(5) A3, Z = 24, and R1 = 0.1341 at -183 degrees C. The crystal structure of the As(OTeF5)6- salt reveals weaker interactions between the anion and cation than in the previously known AsF6- salt. The AsF(OTeF5)5- anion is reported for the first time and is also weakly coordinating with respect to the AsBr4+ cation. Both cations are undistorted tetrahedra with bond lengths of 2.041(5)-2.056(3) A for AsCl4+ and 2.225(2)-2.236(2) A for AsBr4+. The Raman spectra are consistent with undistorted AsX4+ tetrahedra and have been assigned under Td point symmetry. The 35Cl/37Cl isotope shifts have been observed and assigned for AsCl4+, and the geometrical parameters and vibrational frequencies of all known and presently unknown PnX4+ (Pn = P, As, Sb, Bi; X = F, Cl, Br, I) cations have been calculated using density functional theory methods.