Towards Realization of Novel Quantum Materials via Magneto-Synthesis
Voiceover
Presenter Information(s)
Tristan Cao
Project Category
Sr - Physics & Astronomy
Project Number
SR-PHY-005
Young Changemaker Award
My project attempts to address urgent quantum materials challenges particularly the mismatch between theoretical predictions and experimental confirmation by developing a new technology for materials synthesis. By not only synthesizing materials at high temperatures but also in the presence of magnetic fields, this technique allows for the manipulation of a material's crystal structure, not so dissimilar to rearranging legos, which will significantly alter physical properties. My work shows that this approach yields drastically improved traits, for example an electrical insulator like rubber, becomes a good conductor like copper. Ultimately, this work offers new avenues to discovering novel quantum materials that will underpin future quantum technologies.
Abstract or Description
It has been widely recognized that whoever controls the development of novel materials controls technologies that evolve from them. The science and technology of materials synthesis are at the heart of the discovery, design and realization of novel quantum materials that underpin quantum technologies. The current lack of clear-cut material realizations of many long-sought quantum materials expected to underpin novel technologies strongly suggests that daunting
materials challenges will hinder advances in the development of quantum technologies, such as realistic quantum computers in future decades. There is a clear indication that existing synthesis techniques are inadequate. Left unaddressed, these urgent materials challenges could
hinder advancements in quantum technology. New synthesis
technologies capable of producing novel materials are urgently needed. This project offers a timely response to the materials challenges by advancing the science and technology of materials fabrication in magnetic fields via magneto-synthesis. Our preliminary results clearly indicate that magnetic fields can not only “edit” crystal structures via Lorentz forces but also produce new phases by taking advantage of the dependence of the Gibbs free energy on the applied magnetic field. Our study finds that magneto-synthesis works particularly well for quantum
materials with strong spin-orbit interactions and near-degeneracies, which offers exquisite control of structural and physical properties unattainable by other means. The results along with experimental details will be presented and discussed.