Dimensional crossover in Sr2_2RuO4_4 within slave-boson mean-field theory

Motivated by the anomalous temperature dependence of the c-axis resistivity of Sr$_2$RuO$_4$, the dimensional crossover from a network of perpendicular one-dimensional chains to a two-dimensional system due to a weak hybridization between the perpendicular chains is studied. The corresponding two-orbital Hubbard model is treated within a slave-boson mean-field theory (SBMFT) to take correlation effects into account such as the spin-charge separation on the one-dimensional chains. Using an RPA-like formulation for the Green's function of collective spinon-holon excitations the emergence of quasiparticles at low-temperatures is examined. The results are used to discuss the evolution of the spectral density and the c-axis transport within a tunneling approach. For the latter a regime change between low- and high-temperature regime is found in qualitative accordance with experimental data

The Topological Relation Between Bulk Gap Nodes and Surface Bound States : Application to Iron-based Superconductors

In the past few years materials with protected gapless surface (edge) states have risen to the central stage of condensed matter physics. Almost all discussions centered around topological insulators and superconductors, which possess full quasiparticle gaps in the bulk. In this paper we argue systems with topological stable bulk nodes offer another class of materials with robust gapless surface states. Moreover the location of the bulk nodes determines the Miller index of the surfaces that show (or not show) such states. Measuring the spectroscopic signature of these zero modes allows a phase-sensitive determination of the nodal structures of unconventional superconductors when other phase-sensitive techniques are not applicable. We apply this idea to gapless iron based superconductors and show how to distinguish accidental from symmetry dictated nodes. We shall argue the same idea leads to a method for detecting a class of the elusive spin liquids.Comment: updated references, 6 pages, 4 figures, RevTex

Spin, charge and orbital fluctuations in a multi-orbital Mott insulator

The two-orbital degenerate Hubbard model with distinct hopping integrals is studied by combining dynamical mean-field theory with quantum Monte Carlo simulations. The role of orbital fluctuations for the nature of the Mott transition is elucidated by examining the temperature dependence of spin, charge and orbital susceptibilities as well as the one-particle spectral function. We also consider the effect of the hybridization between the two orbitals, which is important particularly close to the Mott transition points. The introduction of the hybridization induces orbital fluctuations, resulting in the formation of a Kondo-like heavy-fermion behavior, similarly to $f$ electron systems, but involving electrons in bands of comparable width.Comment: 8 pages, 9 figure

Transmission Phase Through Two Quantum Dots Embedded in a Four-Terminal Quantum Ring

We use the Aharonov-Bohm effect in a four-terminal ring based on a Ga[Al]As heterostructure for the measurement of the relative transmission phase. In each of the two interfering paths we induce a quantum dot. The number of electrons in the two dots can be controlled independently. The transmission phase is measured as electrons are added to or taken away from the individual quantum dots.Comment: 3 pages, 4 figure

Magnetic domain formation in itinerant metamagnets

We examine the effects of long-range dipolar forces on metamagnetic transitions and generalize the theory of Condon domains to the case of an itinerant electron system undergoing a first-order metamagnetic transition. We demonstrate that within a finite range of the applied field, dipolar interactions induce a spatial modulation of the magnetization in the form of stripes or bubbles. Our findings are consistent with recent observations in the bilayer ruthenate Sr$_3$Ru$_2$O$_7$.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, minor changes, references adde

Electronic properties of antidot lattices fabricated by atomic force lithography

Antidot lattices were fabricated by atomic force lithography using local oxidation. High quality finite 20 x20 lattices are demonstrated with periods of 300 nm. The low temperature magnetoresistance shows well developed commensurability oscillations as well as a quenching of the Hall effect around zero magnetic field. In addition, we find B periodic oscillations superimposed on the classical commensurability peaks at temperatures as high as 1.7 K. These observations indicate the high electronic quality of our samples.Comment: Appl. Phys. Lett., in prin

Phase coherence in the inelastic cotunneling regime

Two quantum dots with tunable mutual tunnel coupling have been embedded in a two-terminal Aharonov-Bohm geometry. Aharonov-Bohm oscillations are investigated in the cotunneling regime. Visibilities of more than 0.8 are measured indicating that phase-coherent processes are involved in the elastic and inelastic cotunneling. An oscillation-phase change of pi is detected as a function of bias voltage at the inelastic cotunneling onset.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure