High pressure magnetic state of MnP probed by means of muon-spin rotation

We report a detailed $\mu$SR study of the pressure evolution of the magnetic order in the manganese based pnictide MnP, which has been recently found to undergo a superconducting transition under pressure once the magnetic ground state is suppressed. Using the muon as a volume sensitive local magnetic probe, we identify a ferromagnetic state as well as two incommensurate helical states (with propagation vectors ${\bf Q}$ aligned along the crystallographic $c-$ and $b-$directions, respectively) which transform into each other through first order phase transitions as a function of pressure and temperature. Our data appear to support that the magnetic state from which superconductivity develops at higher pressures is an incommensurate helical phase.Comment: 11 pages, 9 figure

Will oscillating wave surge converters survive tsunamis?

With an increasing emphasis on renewable energy resources, wave power technology is becoming one of the realistic solutions. However, the 2011 tsunami in Japan was a harsh reminder of the ferocity of the ocean. It is known that tsunamis are nearly undetectable in the open ocean but as the wave approaches the shore its energy is compressed, creating large destructive waves. The question posed here is whether an oscillating wave surge converter (OWSC) could withstand the force of an incoming tsunami. Several tools are used to provide an answer: an analytical 3D model developed within the framework of linear theory, a numerical model based on the non-linear shallow water equations and empirical formulas. Numerical results show that run-up and draw-down can be amplified under some circumstances, leading to an OWSC lying on dry ground

Understanding the μ\muSR spectra of MnSi without magnetic polarons

Transverse-field muon-spin rotation ($\mu$SR) experiments were performed on a single crystal sample of the non-centrosymmetric system MnSi. The observed angular dependence of the muon precession frequencies matches perfectly the one of the Mn-dipolar fields acting on the muons stopping at a 4a position of the crystallographic structure. The data provide a precise determination of the magnetic dipolar tensor. In addition, we have calculated the shape of the field distribution expected below the magnetic transition temperature $T_C$ at the 4a muon-site when no external magnetic field is applied. We show that this field distribution is consistent with the one reported by zero-field $\mu$SR studies. Finally, we present ab initio calculations based on the density-functional theory which confirm the position of the muon stopping site inferred from transverse-field $\mu$SR. In view of the presented evidence we conclude that the $\mu$SR response of MnSi can be perfectly and fully understood without invoking a hypothetical magnetic polaron state.Comment: 10 pages, 12 figure

Effect of external pressure on the magnetic properties of RRCoAsO (RR = La, Pr, Sm): a μ\muSR study

We report on a detailed investigation of the itinerant ferromagnets LaCoAsO, PrCoAsO and SmCoAsO performed by means of muon spin spectroscopy upon the application of external hydrostatic pressures $p$ up to $2.4$ GPa. These materials are shown to be magnetically hard in view of the weak dependence of both critical temperatures $T_{C}$ and internal fields at the muon site on $p$. In the cases $R$ = La and Sm, the behaviour of the internal field is substantially unaltered up to $p = 2.4$ GPa. A much richer phenomenology is detected in PrCoAsO instead, possibly associated with a strong $p$ dependence of the statistical population of the two different crystallographic sites for the muon. Surprisingly, results are notably different from what is observed in the case of the isostructural compounds $R$CoPO, where the full As/P substitution is already inducing a strong chemical pressure within the lattice but $p$ is still very effective in further affecting the magnetic properties.Comment: 8 pages, 9 figure

Common effect of chemical and external pressures on the magnetic properties of RECoPO (RE = La, Pr)

We report a detailed investigation of RECoPO (RE = La, Pr) and LaCoAsO materials performed by means of muon spin spectroscopy. Zero-field measurements show that the electrons localized on the Pr$^{3+}$ ions do not play any role in the static magnetic properties of the compounds. Magnetism at the local level is indeed fully dominated by the weakly-itinerant ferromagnetism from the Co sublattice only. The increase of the chemical pressure triggered by the different ionic radii of La$^{3+}$ and Pr$^{3+}$, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in enhancing the value of the magnetic critical temperature and can be mimicked by the application of external hydrostatic pressure up to 24 kbar. A sharp discontinuity in the local magnetic field at the muon site in LaCoPO at around 5 kbar suggests a sizeable modification in the band structure of the material upon increasing pressure. This scenario is qualitatively supported by \emph{ab-initio} density-functional theory calculations.Comment: 13 pages, 10 figure

Weakly nonlinear theory for a gate-type curved array in waves

We analyse the effect of gate surface curvature on the nonlinear behaviour of an array of gates in a semi-infinite channel. Using a perturbation-harmonic expansion, we show the occurrence of new detuning and damping terms in the Ginzburg-Landau evolution equation, which are not present in the case of flat gates. Unlike the case of linearised theories, synchronous excitation of trapped modes is now possible because of interactions between the wave field and the curved boundaries at higher orders. Finally, we apply the theory to the case of surging wave energy converters (WECs) with curved geometry and show that the effects of nonlinear synchronous resonance are substantial for design purposes. Conversely, in the case of subharmonic resonance we show that the effects of surface curvature are not always beneficial as previously thought

Magnetic glassy phase in FeSeTe single crystals

The evolution of the magnetic order in FeSeTe crystals as a function of Se content was investigated by means of ac/dc magnetometry and muon-spin spectroscopy. Experimental results and self-consistent DFT calculations both indicate that muons are implanted in vacant iron-excess sites, where they probe a local field mainly of dipolar origin, resulting from an antiferromagnetic (AFM) bicollinear arrangement of iron spins. This long-range AFM phase disorders progressively with increasing Se content. At the same time all the tested samples manifest a marked glassy character that vanishes for high Se contents. The presence of local electronic/compositional inhomogeneities most likely favours the growth of clusters whose magnetic moment "freezes" at low temperature. This glassy magnetic phase justifies both the coherent muon precession seen at short times in the asymmetry data, as well as the glassy behaviour evidenced by both dc and ac magnetometry.Comment: Approved for publication in J. Phys.: Condens. Matte

The old and the new on threats to high-mountain lakes in the Alps: A comprehensive examination with future research directions

The high-mountain lakes of the Alps, perched like glistening gems in the cradle of Europe’s most formidable mountain range, have for generations epitomized nature’s majesty. These remote and pristine bodies of water have served as invaluable sentinels of global change, repositories of geological history, and sources of freshwater for the surrounding regions. Yet, despite their seemingly imperturbable beauty and seclusion, these highmountain lakes are not immune to the evolving forces of our changing world. Re-emerging threats, exacerbated by the relentless march of climate change and intensified human activities, cast a shadow over their future, posing profound challenges that demand our attention. The aim of this perspective is to shed light on the main emerging threats, raise awareness, and advocate for proactive actions aimed at preserving and protecting highmountain lakes. These threats include climate change, retreat of glaciers, UV radiation, long-range transport of contaminants, impact of alien species and water usage for Alpine storage power stations. Additionally, increased tourism and recreational activities in these pristine environments can cause habitat disturbance, further endangering these unique ecosystems. The present perspective article also offers valuable perspectives on the necessity of monitoring and research efforts in high-mountain lakes. Such actions are crucial for comprehending the ecological well-being of these ecosystems, evaluating the consequences of environmental shifts, and devising successful conservation strategies