scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question
Author

Gerard H. Lander

Bio: Gerard H. Lander is an academic researcher from Institute for Transuranium Elements. The author has contributed to research in topics: Extended X-ray absorption fine structure & XANES. The author has an hindex of 14, co-authored 25 publications receiving 1429 citations. Previous affiliations of Gerard H. Lander include Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation & Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Papers
More filters
Journal ArticleDOI
21 Nov 2002-Nature
TL;DR: It is argued that the observed superconductivity results directly from plutonium's anomalous electronic properties and as such serves as a bridge between two classes of spin-fluctuation-mediatedsuperconductors: the known heavy-fermion superconductors and the high-Tc copper oxides.
Abstract: Plutonium is a metal of both technological relevance and fundamental scientific interest. Nevertheless, the electronic structure of plutonium, which directly influences its metallurgical properties, is poorly understood. For example, plutonium's 5f electrons are poised on the border between localized and itinerant, and their theoretical treatment pushes the limits of current electronic structure calculations. Here we extend the range of complexity exhibited by plutonium with the discovery of superconductivity in PuCoGa5. We argue that the observed superconductivity results directly from plutonium's anomalous electronic properties and as such serves as a bridge between two classes of spin-fluctuation-mediated superconductors: the known heavy-fermion superconductors and the high-T(c) copper oxides. We suggest that the mechanism of superconductivity is unconventional; seen in that context, the fact that the transition temperature, T(c) approximately 18.5 K, is an order of magnitude greater than the maximum seen in the U- and Ce-based heavy-fermion systems may be natural. The large critical current displayed by PuCoGa5, which comes from radiation-induced self damage that creates pinning centres, would be of technological importance for applied superconductivity if the hazardous material plutonium were not a constituent.

439 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This large database of X-ray near edge absorption spectra for Pu(0-VII) are reported, extending the known correlations between the energy and shape of these spectra from the usual association of the XANES with valence and site symmetry to higher order chemical effects.
Abstract: Pu L3 X-ray near edge absorption spectra for Pu(0−VII) are reported for more than 60 chalcogenides, chlorides, hydrates, hydroxides, nitrates, carbonates, oxy-hydroxides, and other compounds both as solids and in solution, and substituted in zirconolite, perovskite, and borosilicate glass. This large database extends the known correlations between the energy and shape of these spectra from the usual association of the XANES with valence and site symmetry to higher order chemical effects. Because of the large number of compounds of these different types, a number of novel and unexpected behaviors are observed, such as effects resulting from the medium and disorder that can be as large as those from valence.

122 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, X-ray absorption fine structure spectra of UO(2+x) for x = 0-0.74 A were analyzed and it was shown that the adventitious O atoms are incorporated as oxo groups with U--O distances of 1.20.
Abstract: Analysis of X-ray absorption fine structure spectra of UO(2+x) for x = 0-0.20 (UO(2)--U(4)O(9)) reveals that the adventitious O atoms are incorporated as oxo groups with U--O distances of 1.74 A, most likely associated with U(VI), that occur in clusters so that the UO(2) fraction of the material largely remains intact. In addition to the formation of some additional longer U--O bonds, the U sublattice consists of an ordered portion that displays the original U--U distance and a spectroscopically silent, glassy part. This is very different from previous models derived from neutron diffraction that maintained long U--O distances and high U--O coordination numbers. UO(2+x) also differs from PuO(2+x) in its substantially shorter An-oxo distances and no sign of stable coordination with H(2)O and its hydrolysis products.

112 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study reveals that the ground state of plutonium is governed by valence fluctuations, that is, a quantum mechanical superposition of localized and itinerant electronic configurations as recently predicted by dynamical mean field theory.
Abstract: A central issue in material science is to obtain understanding of the electronic correlations that control complex materials. Such electronic correlations frequently arise because of the competition of localized and itinerant electronic degrees of freedom. Although the respective limits of well-localized or entirely itinerant ground states are well understood, the intermediate regime that controls the functional properties of complex materials continues to challenge theoretical understanding. We have used neutron spectroscopy to investigate plutonium, which is a prototypical material at the brink between bonding and nonbonding configurations. Our study reveals that the ground state of plutonium is governed by valence fluctuations, that is, a quantum mechanical superposition of localized and itinerant electronic configurations as recently predicted by dynamical mean field theory. Our results not only resolve the long-standing controversy between experiment and theory on plutonium’s magnetism but also suggest an improved understanding of the effects of such electronic dichotomy in complex materials.

86 citations


Cited by
More filters
Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A review of quantum spin liquids can be found in this paper, where the authors discuss the nature of such phases and their properties based on paradigmatic models and general arguments, and introduce theoretical technology such as gauge theory and partons that are conveniently used in the study of spin liquids.
Abstract: Quantum spin liquids may be considered "quantum disordered" ground states of spin systems, in which zero point fluctuations are so strong that they prevent conventional magnetic long range order. More interestingly, quantum spin liquids are prototypical examples of ground states with massive many-body entanglement, of a degree sufficient to render these states distinct phases of matter. Their highly entangled nature imbues quantum spin liquids with unique physical aspects, such as non-local excitations, topological properties, and more. In this review, we discuss the nature of such phases and their properties based on paradigmatic models and general arguments, and introduce theoretical technology such as gauge theory and partons that are conveniently used in the study of quantum spin liquids. An overview is given of the different types of quantum spin liquids and the models and theories used to describe them. We also provide a guide to the current status of experiments to study quantum spin liquids, and to the diverse probes used therein.

1,339 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review discusses the nature of such phases and their properties based on paradigmatic models and general arguments, and introduces theoretical technology such as gauge theory and partons, which are conveniently used in the study of quantum spin liquids.
Abstract: Quantum spin liquids may be considered 'quantum disordered' ground states of spin systems, in which zero-point fluctuations are so strong that they prevent conventional magnetic long-range order. More interestingly, quantum spin liquids are prototypical examples of ground states with massive many-body entanglement, which is of a degree sufficient to render these states distinct phases of matter. Their highly entangled nature imbues quantum spin liquids with unique physical aspects, such as non-local excitations, topological properties, and more. In this review, we discuss the nature of such phases and their properties based on paradigmatic models and general arguments, and introduce theoretical technology such as gauge theory and partons, which are conveniently used in the study of quantum spin liquids. An overview is given of the different types of quantum spin liquids and the models and theories used to describe them. We also provide a guide to the current status of experiments in relation to study quantum spin liquids, and to the diverse probes used therein.

1,288 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the combined influence of electron correlation and spin-orbit coupling (SOC), with an emphasis on emergent quantum phases and transitions in heavy transition metal compounds with 4d and 5d elements, is discussed.
Abstract: We discuss phenomena arising from the combined influence of electron correlation and spin-orbit coupling (SOC), with an emphasis on emergent quantum phases and transitions in heavy transition metal compounds with 4d and 5d elements. A common theme is the influence of spin-orbital entanglement produced by SOC, which influences the electronic and magnetic structure. In the weak-to-intermediate correlation regime, we show how nontrivial band-like topology leads to a plethora of phases related to topological insulators (TIs). We expound these ideas using the example of pyrochlore iridates, showing how many novel phases, such as the Weyl semimetal, axion insulator, topological Mott insulator, and TIs, may arise in this context. In the strong correlation regime, we argue that spin-orbital entanglement fully or partially removes orbital degeneracy, reducing or avoiding the normally ubiquitous Jahn-Teller effect. As we illustrate for the honeycomb-lattice iridates and double perovskites, this leads to enhanced qu...

1,012 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce the concept of localized excitations and review their basic properties including dynamical and structural stability, and focus on advances in the theory of discrete breathers in three directions.

829 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The experimental status of the study of the superconducting phases of $f$-electron compounds is reviewed in this paper, where superconductivity has been found at the border of magnetic order as well as deep within ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetically ordered states.
Abstract: Intermetallic compounds containing $f$-electron elements display a wealth of superconducting phases, which are prime candidates for unconventional pairing with complex order parameter symmetries. For instance, superconductivity has been found at the border of magnetic order as well as deep within ferromagnetically and antiferromagnetically ordered states, suggesting that magnetism may promote rather than destroy superconductivity. Superconducting phases near valence transitions or in the vicinity of magnetopolar order are candidates for new superconductive pairing interactions such as fluctuations of the conduction electron density or the crystal electric field, respectively. The experimental status of the study of the superconducting phases of $f$-electron compounds is reviewed.

529 citations