Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics
Research Interests
We use tools and techniques from solid-state chemistry, nanoscience, and low-temperature physics to study the quantum mechanical behavior of matter. We're particularly interested in creating materials hosting unusual ground states emerging from the interplay of electron-electron interactions and topology. Ultimately we aim to detect, manipulate, and harness these ground states towards future applications.
Materials Synthesis
At the heart of our research efforts are new and interesting material which we grow in our own lab using a variety of solid-state synthesis methods. We are guided by crystal chemistry, structure, and symmetry in the search for materials exhibiting unconventional ground states. Often to observe new and interesting physics, we need exceptionally "clean" crystals with a high degree of chemical purity and structural perfection. To this end, we are passionate about developing cutting-edge synthesis and characterization techniques to helps us grow the best materials.
Device Fabrication
We employ device fabrication methods to manipulate and harness the unique properties of the crystals we grow. For example, we take bulk van der Waals materials grown in the lab to assemble heterostructures with emergent interfacial phenomena such as moiré patterns that dramatically reconstruct electronic bands. We also create meso- to nanoscopic devices from our crystals using electron beam lithography and focused ion beam patterning to gain an incisive view into their properties.
Precision Measurements and In-situ Control
We perform a variety of precision transport, thermodynamic, and scattering experiments at temperatures as low as 0.02 K and magnetic fields surpassing 30 T. We make extensive use of large national research facilities to study the materials and devices we create. An overarching goal of the lab is to develop in-situ control knobs for the unique states of matter we find. Of particular interest are methods to continuously tune crystal symmetries, strain, and electron-electron interactions in situ.
