Atomic scale control and visualization of topological quantum phase transition in π-conjugated polymers driven by their length

0549109 - FZÚ 2022 RIV DE eng J - Journal Article
González-Herrero, H. - Mendieta Moreno, Jesús Ignacio - Edalatmanesh, Shayan - Santos, J. - Martín, N. - Écija, D. - De La Torre Cerdeño, Bruno - Jelínek, Pavel
Atomic scale control and visualization of topological quantum phase transition in π-conjugated polymers driven by their length.
Advanced Materials. Roč. 33, č. 44 (2021), č. článku 2104495. ISSN 0935-9648. E-ISSN 1521-4095
R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GX20-13692X
Grant - others:AV ČR(CZ) AP1601
Program: Akademická prémie - Praemium Academiae
Institutional support: RVO:68378271
Keywords : nc-AFM * on surface chemistry * polymers * quantum phase transition * pseudo Jahn-Teller
OECD category: Condensed matter physics (including formerly solid state physics, supercond.)
Impact factor: 32.086, year: 2021
Method of publishing: Limited access
https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202104495

Quantum phase transitions (QPTs) driven by quantum fluctuations are transitions between distinct quantum phases of matter. At present, they are poorly understood and not readily controlled. Here, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and noncontact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) are used to explore atomic scale control over quantum phase transitions between two different topological quantum states of a well-defined π-conjugated polymer. The phase transition is driven by a pseudo Jahn–Teller effect that is activated above a certain polymer chain length. In addition, theoretical calculations indicate the presence of long-lasting coherent fluctuations between the polymer's two quantum phases near the phase transition, at finite temperature. This work thus presents a new way of exploring atomic-scale control over QPTs and indicates that emerging quantum criticality in the vicinity of a QPT can give rise to new states of organic matter.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0325140