Charge-Density-Wave Control by Adatom Manipulation and Its Effect on Magnetic Nanostructures

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Materials

Background:

• Charge-density waves (CDWs) are periodic modulations of electronic density driven by electron-phonon interactions.
• CDWs frequently coexist with other quantum states like superconductivity and Mott insulators.
• Controlling CDWs offers a pathway to manipulate complex interacting quantum states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the atomic-scale control of CDW domains in 2H-NbSe2.
• To understand how CDW domain structure influences local electronic and magnetic interactions.
• To explore the potential of CDW manipulation for emergent quantum phenomena.

Main Methods:

• Utilized scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to precisely position adatoms on the 2H-NbSe2 surface.
• Induced reversible switching of CDW domains through adatom placement.
• Analyzed the local effects of CDW domain switching on superconducting properties and Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated reversible CDW domain switching by positioning adatoms.
• Showcased that CDW domain structure significantly impacts local interactions, including Yu-Shiba-Rusinov state hybridization.
• Established a link between CDW domain engineering and the modification of superconducting properties.

Conclusions:

• Adatom-induced CDW domain switching provides a novel method for controlling quantum states in materials.
• CDW manipulation can tune the hybridization of magnetic impurities with superconductors.
• This approach holds promise for engineering domain walls in coupled spin chains, potentially advancing topological superconductivity.