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Using disorder to detect locally ordered electron nematics via hysteresis
1Department of Physics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA. ewcarlson@physics.purdue.edu
Nature Communications
|July 7, 2011
Summary
We propose two novel non-equilibrium protocols to detect disordered electron nematics, a challenging electronic phase in correlated electron systems. These methods aim to overcome limitations posed by reduced dimensionality and material disorder.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Materials science
- Quantum materials
Background:
- Correlated electron systems exhibit complex electronic phases due to interplay of charge, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom.
- Electron nematics break crystal symmetry (e.g., C(6)/C(4) to C(2)) and are observed in superconductors, but disorder hinders detection.
- Detecting disordered electron nematics is crucial for understanding high-temperature superconductivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose experimental protocols for detecting disordered electron nematics.
- To provide methods for identifying this elusive electronic phase in condensed matter systems.
- To address the lack of established techniques for observing nematic order in disordered materials.
Main Methods:
- Development of two distinct non-equilibrium measurement protocols.
- Utilizing time-dependent perturbations to probe electronic symmetry breaking.
- Focusing on techniques applicable to disordered condensed matter systems.
Main Results:
- The proposed protocols offer a pathway to experimentally identify disordered electron nematics.
- These methods are designed to overcome the challenges posed by reduced dimensionality and material disorder.
- Successful implementation would validate the existence and properties of these nematic phases.
Conclusions:
- Non-equilibrium methods provide a promising avenue for detecting disordered electron nematics.
- These protocols can advance the study of quantum materials and their relationship to superconductivity.
- Further experimental validation of these techniques is warranted.
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