Designer Quantum Materials

Abstract: Quantum materials provide an exciting platform to realize emergent phenomena and topological properties in condensed matter systems. Our ability to synthesize these materials with atomic precision enables us to rationally design quantum structures with tailored properties. In this talk, I will provide examples of such an approach using thin film synthesis by molecular-beam epitaxy that allows access to tuning parameters, such as, interfacial engineering and dimensional confinement, and the creation of artificial heterostructures, not available using bulk methods. In particular, I will show that ‘flat-bands’ arising due to strong correlations in a Kondo lattice heterostructure can be utilized to generate large spin-orbit torques for potential spintronics applications. Additionally, I will describe strategies to engineer the electronic structure in semimetallic systems that allow control over their magnetoresistance behavior, and simultaneously provide insights into their origin. Such efforts towards deterministic manipulation of the properties of quantum materials holds great potential both for advancing our scientific understanding and developing future technologies.