Observation of Landau quantization and standing waves in HfSiS

Recently, HfSiS was found to be a new type of Dirac semimetal with a line of Dirac nodes in the band structure. Meanwhile, Rashba-split surface states are also pronounced in this compound. Here we report a systematic study of HfSiS by scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy at low temperature and high magnetic field. The Rashba-split surface states are characterized by measuring Landau quantization and standing waves, which reveal a quasi-linear dispersive band structure. First-principles calculations based on density-functional theory are conducted and compared with the experimental results. Based on these investigations, the properties of the Rashba-split surface states and their interplay with defects and collective modes are discussed.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

The magnetoresistance and Hall effect in CeFeAsO: a high magnetic field study

The longitudinal electrical resistivity and the transverse Hall resistivity of CeFeAsO are simultaneously measured up to a magnetic field of 45T using the facilities of pulsed magnetic field at Los Alamos. Distinct behaviour is observed in both the magnetoresistance Rxx({\mu}0H) and the Hall resistance Rxy({\mu}0H) while crossing the structural phase transition at Ts \approx 150K. At temperatures above Ts, little magnetoresistance is observed and the Hall resistivity follows linear field dependence. Upon cooling down the system below Ts, large magnetoresistance develops and the Hall resistivity deviates from the linear field dependence. Furthermore, we found that the transition at Ts is extremely robust against the external magnetic field. We argue that the magnetic state in CeFeAsO is unlikely a conventional type of spin-density-wave (SDW).Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures SCES2010, To appear in J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. for SCES201

Upper critical field and thermally activated flux flow in single crystalline Tl0.58_{0.58}Rb0.42_{0.42}Fe1.72_{1.72}Se2_2

The upper critical field $\mu_0H_{c2}(T_c)$ of Tl$_{0.58}$Rb$_{0.42}$Fe$_{1.72}$Se$_2$ single crystals has been determined by means of measuring the electrical resistivity in both a pulsed magnetic field ($\sim$60T) and a DC magnetic field ($\sim$14T). It is found that $H_{c2}$ linearly increases with decreasing temperature for $\textbf{H}$$\parallel$$c$, reaching $\mu_0H_{c2}^{\textbf{H}\parallel c}(0\textrm{K})\simeq60$ T. On the other hand, a larger $\mu_0H_{c2}(0\textrm{K})$ with a strong convex curvature is observed for $\textbf{H}$$\perp$$c$ ($\mu_0H_{c2}^{\textbf{H}\perp c}$(18K)$\simeq$60T). This compound shows a moderate anisotropy of the upper critical field around $T_c$, but decreases with decreasing temperature. Analysis of the upper critical field based on the Werthamer-Helfand-Hohenberg (WHH) method indicates that $\mu_0H_{c2}(0\textrm{K})$ is orbitally limited for $\textbf{H}$$\parallel$$c$, but the effect of spin paramagnetism may play an important role on the pair breaking for $\textbf{H}$$\perp$$c$. All these experimental observations remarkably resemble those of the iron pnictide superconductors, suggesting a unified scenario for the iron-based superconductors. Moreover, the superconducting transition is significantly broadened upon applying a magnetic field, indicating strong thermal fluctuation effects in the superconducting state of Tl$_{0.58}$Rb$_{0.42}$Fe$_{1.72}$Se$_2$. The derived thermal activation energy for vortex motion is compatible with those of the 1111-type iron pnictides.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure

Collaboration is Key – Bridging the Gap and Building an IR Endoscopy Practice

While the tools and techniques employed by interventional radiologists on a day-to-day basis translate well to learning the skills required to perform basic endoscopic interventions, collaboration with other specialties is crucial to the success of an interventional radiology endoscopy program. As in any field in medicine, the paramount goal is to improve patient care. Adding the ability to directly visualize structures through an endoscope to certain interventional radiologic procedures may greatly augment the efficacy, safety, and success of interventional radiology procedures. Colleagues in urology, gastroenterology, and surgery should be involved in decision-making and treatment planning to ensure that a shared vision for optimal patient care is achieved

Lytic viral infection of bacterioplankton in deep waters of the western Pacific Ocean

As the most abundant biological entities in the ocean, viruses influence host mortality and nutrient recycling mainly through lytic infection. Yet, the ecological characteristics of virioplankton and viral impacts on host mortality and biogeochemical cycling in the deep sea are largely unknown. In the present study, viral abundance and lytic infection were investigated throughout the water column in the western Pacific Ocean. Both the prokaryotic and viral abundance and production showed a significantly decreasing trend from epipelagic to meso- and bathypelagic waters. Viral abundance decreased from 0.36–1.05 × 10¹⁰ particles L⁻¹ to 0.43–0.80 × 10⁹ particles L⁻¹, while the virus : prokaryote ratio varied from 7.21 to 16.23 to 2.45–23.40, at the surface and 2000 m, respectively. Lytic viral production rates in surface and 2000 m waters were, on average, 1.03 × 10¹⁰ L⁻¹ day⁻¹ and 5.74 × 10⁸ L⁻¹ day⁻¹. Relatively high percentages of prokaryotic cells lysed by viruses at 1000 and 2000 m were observed, suggesting a significant contribution of viruses to prokaryotic mortality in the deep ocean. The carbon released by viral lysis in deep western Pacific Ocean waters was from 0.03 to 2.32 μg C L⁻¹ day⁻¹. Our findings demonstrated a highly dynamic and active viral population in these deep waters and suggested that virioplankton play an important role in the microbial loop and subsequently biogeochemical cycling in deep oceans