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Li, F.*; Tang, X.*; Fei, Y.*; Zhang, J.*; Liu, J.*; Lang, P.*; Che, G.*; Zhao, Z.*; Zheng, Y.*; Fang, Y.*; et al.
Journal of the American Chemical Society, 147(17), p.14054 - 14059, 2025/04
被引用回数：0 パーセンタイル：0.00(Chemistry, Multidisciplinary)2,2'-ビピラジン(BPZ)の圧力誘起重合により結晶性グラファンナノリボン(GANR)を合成した。中性子回折データのリートベルト精密化,核磁気共鳴スペクトル,赤外スペクトル,理論計算を行った結果、BPZは
積層した芳香環の間でディールス・アルダー重合し、並外れた長距離秩序を持つ伸びたボート型GANR構造を形成することがわかった。未反応の-C=N-基がボートの両端を橋渡ししており、さらなる機能化の余地がある。このGANRのバンドギャップは2.25eVであり、光電応答は良好である(I
/I
=18.8)。われわれの研究は、高圧トポケミカル重合法が、特定の構造と望んだ特性を持つグラファンの精密な合成に有望な方法であることを強調している。
Zhang, X.-T.*; Xing, Y.-H.*; Yao, X.-P.*; 大湊 友也*; Zhang, L.*; 松尾 衛
Communications Physics (Internet), 8, p.103_1 - 103_8, 2025/03
被引用回数：0 パーセンタイル：0.00(Physics, Multidisciplinary)Spin pumping effect is a sensitive and well-established experimental method in two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials. We propose that spin pumping effect can be a valuable probe for non-Fermi liquid (NFL) behaviors at the 2D interface of magnetic heterostructures. We show that the modulations of ferromagnetic resonance exhibit power-law scalings in frequency and temperature for NFL metals induced near a quantum critical point (QCP). At the Ising nematic QCP, we demonstrate that the enhanced Gilbert damping coefficient 
acquires negative power-law exponents in distinct frequency regimes. The exponents convey universal parameters inherited from the QCP and reflect the non- quasiparticle nature of the spin carriers in the NFL metal. At finite temperature, we show that the Gilbert damping mechanism is restored in the quantum critical regime and measures the temperature dependence of the correlation length.
Rajeev, H. S.*; Hu, X.*; Chen, W.-L.*; Zhang, D.*; Chen, T.*; 古府 麻衣子*; 梶本 亮一; 中村 充孝; Chen, A. Z.*; Johnson, G. C.*; et al.
Journal of the Physical Society of Japan, 94(3), p.034602_1 - 034602_14, 2025/03
被引用回数：0 パーセンタイル：0.00(Physics, Multidisciplinary)Two-dimensional hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) have emerged as promising materials for light-emitting diode applications. In this study, by using time-of-flight neutron spectroscopy we identified and quantitatively separated the lattice vibrational and molecular rotational dynamics of two perovskites, butylammonium lead iodide (BA)
PbI
and phenethyl-ammonium lead iodide (PEA)PbI. By examining the corresponding temperature dependence, we found that the lattice vibrations, as evidenced by neutron spectra, are consistent with the lattice dynamics obtained from Raman scattering. We revealed that the rotational dynamics of organic molecules in these materials tend to suppress their photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) while the vibrational dynamics did not show predominant correlations with the same. Additionally, we observed photoluminescence emission peak splitting for both systems, which becomes prominent above certain critical temperatures where the suppression of PLQY begins. This study suggests that the rotational motions of polarized molecules may lead to a reduction in exciton binding energy or the breaking of degeneracy in exciton binding energy levels, enhancing non-radiative recombination rates, and consequently reducing photoluminescence yield. These findings offer a deeper understanding of fundamental interactions in 2D HOIPs and could guide the design of more efficient light-emitting materials for advanced technological applications.
Brumm, S.*; Gabrielli, F.*; Sanchez Espinoza, V.*; Stakhanova, A.*; Groudev, P.*; Petrova, P.*; Vryashkova, P.*; Ou, P.*; Zhang, W.*; Malkhasyan, A.*; et al.
Annals of Nuclear Energy, 211, p.110962_1 - 110962_16, 2025/02
被引用回数：6 パーセンタイル：93.24(Nuclear Science & Technology)The completed Horizon-2020 project on "Management and Uncertainties of Severe Accidents (MUSA)" has reviewed uncertainty sources and Uncertainty Quantification methodology for the purpose of assessing Severe Accidents (SA). The key motivation of the project has been to bring the advantages of the Best Estimate Plus Uncertainty approach to the field of Severe Accident. The applications brought together a large group of participants that set out to apply uncertainty analysis (UA) within their field of SA modelling expertise, in particular reactor types, but also SA code used (ASTEC, MELCOR, etc.), uncertainty quantification tools used (DAKOTA, RAVEN, etc.), detailed accident scenarios, and in some cases SAM actions. This paper synthesizes the reactor-application work at the end of the project. Analyses of 23 partners are sorted into different categories, depending on whether their main goal is/are (i) uncertainty bands of simulation results; (ii) the understanding of dominating uncertainties in specific sub-models of the SA code; (iii) improving the understanding of specific accident scenarios, with or without the application of SAM actions; or, (iv) a demonstration of the tools used and developed, and of the capability to carry out an uncertainty analysis in the presence of the challenges faced. The partners' experiences made during the project have been evaluated and are presented as good practice recommendations. The paper ends with conclusions on the level of readiness of UA in SA modelling, on the determination of governing uncertainties, and on the analysis of SAM actions.
neutron imaging and diffraction analysis revealing spatial lithiation phase evolution in an ultra-thick graphite electrodeStrobl, M.*; Baur, M. E.*; Samothrakitis, S.*; Molamud, F.*; Zhang, X.*; Tung, P. K. M.*; Schmidt, S.*; Woracek, R.*; Lee, J.*; 鬼柳 亮嗣; et al.
Advanced Energy Materials, p.2405238_1 - 2405238_9, 2025/01
Energy-efficient, safe, and reliable Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are required for a wide range of applications. The introduction of ultra-thick graphite anodes, desired for high energy densities, meets limitations in internal electrode transport properties, leading to detrimental consequences. Yet, there is a lack of experimental tools capable of providing a complete view of local processes. Here, a multi-modal measurement approach is introduced, enabling quantitative spatio-temporal observations of Li concentrations and intercalation phases in ultra-thick graphite electrodes. Neutron imaging and diffraction concurrently provide correlated multiscale information from the scale of the cell down to the crystallographic scale. In particular, the evolving formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), observation of gradients in total lithium content, as well as in the formation of ordered Li
C
phases and trapped lithium are mapped throughout the first charge-discharge cycle of the cell. Different lithiation stages co-exist during charging and discharging; delayed lithiation and delithiation processes are observed in central regions of the electrode, while the SEI formation, potential plating, and dead lithium are predominantly found closer to the interface with the separator. The study emphasizes the potential to investigate Li-ion diffusion and the kinetics of lithiation phase formation in thick electrodes.
Yang, X.*; Che, G.*; Wang, Y.*; Zhang, P.*; Tang, X.*; Lang, P.*; Gao, D.*; Wang, X.*; Wang, Y.*; 服部 高典; et al.
Nano Letters, 25(3), p.1028 - 1035, 2025/01
被引用回数：1 パーセンタイル：0.00(Chemistry, Multidisciplinary)飽和sp
-カーボンナノスレッド(CNTh)は、その高いヤング率と熱伝導率が予測され、大きな関心を集めている。中心環へのヘテロ原子の導入がCNThの形成に影響を与え、化学的に均質な生成物が得られることが示されているが、ペンダント基が重合プロセスに与える影響については、まだ未解明である。本研究では、フェノールの圧力誘起重合を調べ、0.5GPaと4GPa以下で起こる2つの相転移を明らかにした。20GPa以上では、フェノールは水酸基とカルボニル基を持つ重合度4のCNTに重合する。ヒドロキシル基の水素移動は、重合度6のナノスレッドの形成を妨げることがわかった。この発見は、さらなるカラム内重合を阻止する水酸基の重要な役割を浮き彫りにし、今後のメカニズム研究やナノ材料合成に貴重な示唆を与えるものである。
Xu, J.*; Lang, P.*; Liang, S.*; Zhang, J.*; Fei, Y.*; Wang, Y.*; Gao, D.*; 服部 高典; 阿部 淳*; Dong, X.*; et al.
Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters (Internet), p.2445 - 2451, 2025/00
被引用回数：0 パーセンタイル：0.00(Chemistry, Physical)アルダー-エン反応は、アルケンとアリル水素との化学反応であり、C-C結合を構築する効率的な方法である。従来、この反応には触媒、高温、あるいは光触媒が必要であった。本研究では、触媒を用いずに室温下で加圧することで成功した1-ヘキセンのアルダー-エン反応を報告する。1-ヘキセンは4.3GPaで結晶化し、18GPaで重合してオレフィンを形成する。ガスクロマトグラフィー-質量分析法により、1-ヘキセンが高圧下でのアルダー-エン反応により二量体を生成することを発見した。その場中性子回折から、この反応過程はトポケミカル則に従わないことがわかった。理論計算により、1つのC-H 
結合と2つのアルケン結合を含む6員環遷移状態が示され、そのエネルギーは20GPaまで圧縮すると明らかに減少した。本研究は、触媒を用いずに室温でアルダー-エン反応を実現する新規かつ有望な方法を提供し、この重要な反応の応用を拡大するものである。
Liu, P.-F.*; Li, X.*; Li, J.*; Zhu, J.*; Tong, Z.*; 古府 麻衣子*; 楡井 真実; Xu, J.*; Yin, W.*; Wang, F.*; et al.
National Science Review, 11(12), p.nwae216_1 - nwae216_10, 2024/12
被引用回数：12 パーセンタイル：91.22(Multidisciplinary Sciences)Crystalline solids exhibiting inherently low lattice thermal conductivity (
) are of great importance in applications such as thermoelectrics and thermal barrier coatings. However, cannot be arbitrarily low and is limited by the minimum thermal conductivity related to phonon dispersions. In this work, we report the liquid-like thermal transport in a well-ordered crystalline CsAg
Te
, which exhibits an extremely low value of 
0.18 Wm
K. On the basis of first-principles calculations and inelastic neutron scattering measurements, we find that there are lots of low-lying optical phonon modes at 3.1 meV hosting the avoided-crossing behavior with acoustic phonons. These strongly localized modes are accompanied by weakly bound rattling Ag atoms with thermally induced large amplitudes of vibrations. Using the two-channel model, we demonstrate that coupling of the particle-like phonon modes and the heat-carrying wave-like phonons is essential for understanding the low , which is heavily deviated from the 
temperature dependence of the standard Peierls theory. In addition, our analysis indicates that the soft structural framework with liquid-like motions of the fluctuating Ag atoms is the underlying cause that leads to the suppression of the heat conduction in CsAgTe. These factors synergistically account for the ultralow value. Our results demonstrate that the liquid-like heat transfer could indeed exist in a well-ordered crystal.
Zhang, Y.-J.*; 梅田 岳昌*; 諸岡 聡; Harjo, S.; 宮本 吾郎*; 古原 忠*
Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, 55(10), p.3921 - 3936, 2024/10
被引用回数：0 パーセンタイル：0.00(Materials Science, Multidisciplinary)In this study, a series of eutectoid steels with Mn addition up to 2 mass% were isothermally transformed at various temperatures from 873 K to 973 K to clarify the pearlite growth kinetics and the underlying thermodynamics at its growth front. The microscopic observation indicates the acceleration in pearlite growth rate and refinement in lamellar spacing by decreasing the transformation temperature or the amount of Mn addition. After analyzing the solute distribution at pearlite growth front via three-dimensional atom probe, no macroscopic Mn partitioning across pearlite/austenite interface is detected, whereas Mn segregation is only observed at ferrite/austenite interface. Furthermore, in-situ neutron diffraction measurements performed at elevated temperatures reveals that the magnitude of elastic strain generated during pearlite transformation is very small.
= 82 shell closureZhang, W. Q.*; Andreyev, A. N.; 他10名*
Physical Review C, 110(4), p.044301_1 - 044301_7, 2024/10
被引用回数：0 パーセンタイル：0.00(Physics, Nuclear)Based on the 
values deduced from the linear extrapolations along isotopic chains and on the universal decay law, the proton- and 
-decay partial half-lives are calculated for odd-, even-
neutron-deficient Bi-Pa isotopes. Eight proton-emission states in five new isotopes are suggested. The calculated half-lives for the 1/2
states in 
Bi and 
At are around 100 ns, too short to be studied using the recoil separator setups, which strongly encourages the development of new experimental techniques and devices to search for new submicrosecond proton-emitting nuclei.
秋葉 宙*; 大政 義典*; 古府 麻衣子*; Zhang, M.*; 佐藤 駿*; 山室 修*
Journal of the Physical Society of Japan, 93(9), p.091010_1 - 091010_6, 2024/09
被引用回数：0 パーセンタイル：0.00(Physics, Multidisciplinary)AGNES is a direct geometry chopper-type time-of-flight neutron spectrometer installed at the cold neutron guide (C3-1-1) of JRR-3 (Tokai, Japan). This instrument is well-suited for studies on low-energy excitations of powdered and amorphous samples, and quasi-elastic scattering with an energy resolution of 120 
eV (standard mode) or 50 eV (high-resolution mode). During the long shutdown period of JRR-3 due to the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, AGNES was significantly improved through the installation of supermirror-coated neutron guide tubes and collimator, installation of a new-type top-loading cryo-furnace, and renewal of data acquisition electronics and software. As a result, the neutron intensity has increased by 7.7 times in the standard mode and by 3.2 times in the high-resolution mode. These enhancements facilitate experiments with small amounts of samples, and under special environments, which have previously been challenging.
松浦 直人*; Zhang, J.*; 上村 祥史*; 古府 麻衣子; 枝川 圭一*
Physical Review Letters, 133(13), p.136101_1 - 136101_5, 2024/09
被引用回数：1 パーセンタイル：48.32(Physics, Multidisciplinary)In quasicrystals lacking translational symmetry but having highly ordered structures, understanding how phonons propagate in their aperiodic lattices remains an unsolved issue. We present an inelastic neutron scattering study on acoustic phonon modes of icosahedral quasicrystal AlPdMn, revealing hierarchical pseudo-gap structure in low-energy acoustic modes. Additionally, phonon intensities are asymmetric in energy and wave vectors with respect to the Bragg peak, indicating characteristic nonreciprocal phonon propagation in quasicrystals.
Ying, H.*; Yang, X.*; He, H.*; Yan, A.*; An, K.*; Ke, Y.*; Wu, Z.*; Tang, S.*; Zhang, Z.*; Dong, H.*; et al.
Scripta Materialia, 250, p.116181_1 - 116181_7, 2024/09
被引用回数：1 パーセンタイル：41.92(Nanoscience & Nanotechnology)Nanoscale chemical fluctuations and their effect on the deformation behavior of CrFeCoNi-based high-entropy alloys (HEAs) were investigated using small-angle scattering and in situ neutron diffraction measurements. Small-angle scattering results demonstrated the presence of nano (
10 nm) chemical fluctuations in the as-prepared CrFeCoNiPd HEAs, which was attributed to the negative mixing of enthalpy and the significant atomic radius difference between Pd and the constituent elements in the CrFeCoNi-based alloys. Subsequent tensile tests demonstrated that the yield and tensile strengths of the as-prepared CrFeCoNiPd HEA surpass those of the as-prepared CrMnFeCoNi HEA. Neutron diffraction data analysis revealed an anomalous response of dislocation evolution with the strain.
五十嵐 淳哉*; 二宮 和彦*; Zheng, J.*; Zhang, Z. J.*; 福田 美保*; 青野 辰雄*; 箕輪 はるか*; 吉川 英樹*; 末木 啓介*; 佐藤 志彦; et al.
Environmental Science & Technology, 58(33), p.14823 - 14830, 2024/08
被引用回数：0 パーセンタイル：0.00(Engineering, Environmental)The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident released considerable radionuclides into the environment. Radioactive particles, composed mainly of SiO
, emerged as distinctive features, revealing insights into accident's dynamics. While studies extensively focused on high-volatile radionuclides like Cs, investigations into low-volatile nuclides such as 
Sr and Pu remain limited. Understanding their abundance in radioactive particles is crucial for deciphering the accident's details, including reactor temperatures and injection processes. Here we aimed to determine Sr and Pu amounts in radioactive particles and provide essential data for understanding the formation processes and conditions within the reactor during the accident. We employed radiochemical analysis on nine radioactive particles and determined the amounts of Sr and Pu in these particles. Sr and Pu quantification in radioactive particles showed Sr/
Cs radioactivity ratio (corrected to March 11, 2011) aligned with core temperature expectations. However, 
Pu/Cs activity ratio indicated non-volatile Pu introduction, possibly through fuel fragments. Analyzing Sr and Pu enhances our understanding of the Fukushima Daiichi accident. Deviations in Pu/Cs activity ratios underscore non-volatile processes, emphasizing the accident's complexity. Future research should expand this dataset for a more comprehensive understanding of the accident's nuances.
Qin, T. Y.*; Hu, F. F.*; 徐 平光; Zhang, H.*; Zhou, L.*; Ao, N.*; Su, Y. H.; 菖蒲 敬久; Wu, S. C.*
International Journal of Fatigue, 185, p.108336_1 - 108336_13, 2024/08
被引用回数：8 パーセンタイル：94.71(Engineering, Mechanical)Gradient distribution of triaxial residual stresses to a depth of several millimeters is retained in middle carbon steel S38C axles after high-frequency induction hardening, which has become a critical concern for fatigue structural integrity. To address this, the axial, hoop, and radial gradient residual strains inside the axles were measured for the first time by advanced neutron diffraction. The SIGINI Fortran subroutine was then adopted to reconstruct the global initial residual stress field from the measured data. Experimental and simulation results show that residual stresses of about -520 MPa (axial), -710 MPa (hoop), and -40 MPa (radial) residual stress were retained below the axle surface. Subsequently, the fatigue crack propagation behavior of S38C axles was numerically investigated in the framework of fracture mechanics. The calculated results clearly show that the compressive residual stresses at a depth of 0?3 mm from the axle surface lead to a low crack growth driving force, and that fatigue cracks do not propagate as long as the crack depth is less than 3.7 mm for hollow S38C axles. These results further indicate that the maximum defect size allowed in routine inspections is acceptable from a safety and economic point of view. Accurate measurement and characterization of the global gradient residual stress field through experiments and simulations can provide an important reference for optimizing the mileage intervals of nondestructive testing (NDT) of surface defects in these surface-strengthened railway axles.
Fang, W.*; Liu, C.*; Zhang, J.*; 徐 平光; Peng, T.*; Liu, B.*; 諸岡 聡; Yin, F.*
Scripta Materialia, 249, p.116046_1 - 116046_6, 2024/08
被引用回数：2 パーセンタイル：63.37(Nanoscience & Nanotechnology)The influence of interstitial carbon on the texture evolution of high-entropy alloys during cold rolling was investigated. To prevent carbide formation, elements with weak carbon affinity were carefully selected in the (FeMnCoNi)
C
alloy. Neutron diffraction, electron channeling contrast imaging, and electron backscatter diffraction were used to analyze the texture and microstructure evolution in alloys with and without carbon addition. Though their texture components are similar at the early stage of deformation, the Brass and Goss textures in the carbon-containing alloy at 50% cold rolling reduction are obviously higher than those in the carbon-free alloy, while Copper and S textures are lower. A large number of deformation twins induced in the carbon containing alloy is attributed as the significant reason for the texture differences. This work helps to understand the impact of interstitial carbon on the texture evolution of high-entropy alloys, providing valuable insights for microstructure and performance optimization.
渡邊 未来*; 宮本 吾郎*; Zhang, Y.*; 諸岡 聡; Harjo, S.; 小林 康浩*; 古原 忠*
ISIJ International, 64(9), p.1464 - 1476, 2024/07
被引用回数：2 パーセンタイル：63.37(Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering)The mechanical properties of TRIP steels depend on heterogeneities of chemical composition and grain size in the retained 
structure, although these heterogeneities have not been characterized in detail. Therefore, in this study, we quantitatively investigate the inhomogeneous carbon concentration and grain size distribution, and its effects on the thermal stability of the retained in Fe-2Mn-1.5Si-0.4C (mass%) TRIP steel using FE-EPMA, EBSD, M
ssbauer spectroscopy, and in-situ neutron diffraction during bainitic transformation at 673 K. In-situ neutron diffraction experiments detects high-carbon evolving during bainite transformation, in addition to the original , and the time variation of the volume fraction of highcarbon agrees well with the fraction of retained at room temperature. Williamson-Hall analysis based on peak width suggests that heterogeneity of carbon content exists even within the high-carbon . Compositional analysis using FE-EPMA and three-dimensional atom probe directly revealed that fine filmy was highly enriched with carbon compared to larger blocky , and the carbon content in blocky decreases with increasing blocky size. DICTRA simulation qualitatively reproduces the size dependency of carbon enrichment into . It was also found that tends to be retained at higher carbon content and smaller grain size since the smaller grain size directly improves thermal stability and the smaller size further contributes to the thermal stability via enhanced carbon enrichment.
Zhang, Z.*; 服部 高典; Song, R.*; Yu, D.*; Mole, R.*; Chen, J.*; He, L.*; Zhang, Z.*; Li, B.*
Journal of Applied Physics, 136(3), p.035105_1 - 035105_8, 2024/07
被引用回数：2 パーセンタイル：40.97(Physics, Applied)バロカロリック材料を用いた固体冷凍は、環境に優しく高効率であるため、過去10年間にわたり世界的に注目されてきた。ここでは、室温付近で立方晶から菱面体晶への相転移を起こすヘキサフルオロ燐酸ナトリウム(NaPF
)とヘキサフルオロ砒酸ナトリウム(NaAsF)における巨大バロカロリック効果を報告する。われわれは中性子粉末回折により、NaPFの低温相の構造が空間群R
の菱面体構造であることを明らかにした。NaPFとNaAsFには3つのラマン振動モード(F
, E
, A
)が存在する。相転移温度はNaPF及びNaAsFにおいてそれぞれdT
/dP=250K/GPa及び310K/GPaの割合で圧力とともに変化する。NaPFとNaAsFの圧力誘起エントロピー変化は、それぞれ約45.2JkgKと35.6JkgKと決定された。飽和駆動圧力は約40MPaであった。高圧下の中性子粉末回折から、バロカロリック効果は立方晶から菱面体晶への圧力誘起相転移に関係していることが示唆された。
Zhou, L.*; Zhang, H.*; Qin, T. Y.*; Hu, F. F.*; 徐 平光; Ao, N.*; Su, Y. H.; He, L. H.*; Li, X. H.*; Zhang, J. R.*; et al.
Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, 55(7), p.2175 - 2185, 2024/07
被引用回数：3 パーセンタイル：75.40(Materials Science, Multidisciplinary)High-speed railway S38C axles undergo surface induction hardening for durability, but are susceptible to fatigue cracks from foreign object impact. The neutron diffraction method was employed to measure the residual strain in S38C axles, obtaining microscopic lattice distortion data, for the gradient layer at a depth of 8 mm under the surface. The results showed that after induction-hardening, the microscopic lattice distortion had a gradient distribution, decreasing with the distance from the surface. However, in the case of impacting speed of 600 km/m, the average microscopic lattice distortion increased with the distance from the surface, reaching a maximum augmentation of 55 pct. These findings indicate a strong experimental basis, and improve our understanding of the relationship between macroscopic residual stress and decision-making, in regard to operation and maintenance.
Zeng, Z.*; Zhou, C.*; Zhou, H.*; Han, L.*; Chi, R.*; Li, K.*; 古府 麻衣子; 中島 健次; Wei, Y.*; Zhang, W.*; et al.
Nature Physics, 20(7), p.1097 - 1102, 2024/07
被引用回数：10 パーセンタイル：94.36(Physics, Multidisciplinary)Emergent quasiparticles with a Dirac dispersion in condensed matter systems can be described by the Dirac equation for relativistic electrons, in analogy with Dirac particles in high-energy physics. For example, electrons with a Dirac dispersion have been intensively studied in electronic systems such as graphene and topological insulators. However, charge is not a prerequisite for Dirac fermions, and the emergence of Dirac fermions without a charge degree of freedom has been theoretically predicted to be realized in Dirac quantum spin liquids. These quasiparticles carry a spin of 1/2 but are charge-neutral and so are called spinons. Here we show that the spin excitations of a kagome antiferromagnet, YCu(OD)Br[Br
(OD)
], are conical with a spin continuum inside, which is consistent with the convolution of two Dirac spinons. The predictions of a Dirac spin liquid model with a spinon velocity obtained from spectral measurements are in agreement with the low-temperature specific heat of the sample. Our results, thus, provide spectral evidence for a Dirac quantum spin liquid state emerging in this kagome lattice antiferromagnet. However, the locations of the conical spin excitations differ from those calculated by the nearest-neighbor Heisenberg model, suggesting the Dirac spinons have an unexpected origin.
