Research in a nutshell

Materials lie at the heart of technological advancement, driving innovation across fields such as quantum computing, energy storage, spintronics, and next-generation electronics. At the Quantum MATerials (Q-MAT) group, IIT Ropar, we are committed to advancing the fundamental understanding and development of cutting-edge quantum materials that underpin these emerging technologies.

Our research spans both experimental and theoretical efforts focused on the synthesis, characterization, and exploration of a wide variety of quantum materials, including: 

• Topological materials with robust, symmetry-protected surface states 

• Unconventional superconductors with non-traditional pairing mechanisms 

• Layered magnetic and topological materials, including 2D van der Waals systems 

• Altermagnets, a novel class of magnetic systems with symmetry-driven spin textures 

• Frustrated magnetic systems, where competing interactions lead to exotic quantum phases 

A key focus of the group is the application of muon spin spectroscopy (μSR) to probe local magnetism in magnetic materials and the vortex (mixed) state in superconductors. This powerful technique provides unique microscopic insight into the magnetic and superconducting order parameters, helping to unravel the complex behaviors of these quantum systems. We utilize a wide range of advanced tools and techniques, including materials growth, low-temperature transport measurements, and magnetic/structural characterization, to investigate and engineer quantum materials with novel functionalities. We welcome passionate students and researchers to join us in pushing the boundaries of condensed matter physics and contributing to the materials-driven future of quantum technologies.

                                                                News and updates

• August 2025: Mr. Kamalveer joined the group as a PhD student through the Visvesvaraya Fellowship.

• July 2025: Ms. Preeti joined as a PhD student in the group with GATE Fellowship.

• May 2025: Congratulations Vishu and Surendra for completing their Master's thesis. Q-MAT group wishes them good luck for their future endeavors.

• April 2025: IIT Ropar Secures ₹100 Cr PAIR Funding from ANRF for DREAMS Consortium. IIT Ropar has recently been awarded the PAIR (Partnerships for Advanced and Inclusive Research) funding, worth approximately ₹100 crore, by the ANRF, India. The grant supports the institute’s consortium project, DREAMS, which involves seven partner universities. Dr. Gupta will lead the segment focused on the growth, characterization, and application of quantum materials.

• March 2025: Dr. Ritu Gupta received PMECRG research grant, 72 Lakhs. 

• January 2025: Arc Melting setup arrived and installed in the lab.

• July 2024: Vishu and Surendra joined as MSc project student in the group.

• July 2024: Naveen Mehra joined as a PhD student in the group with GATE Fellowship.

• March 2024: Frist experimental facility for the growth of samples, box furnace, arrived in the lab. 

• January 2024: Reena joined as a PhD student with JRF Fellowship in the group.

• October 2023: Our first research grant got sanctioned, INSPIRE Research grant, 35 Lakhs.

• June 2023: Dr. Ritu Gupta joined the Department of Physics, IIT Ropar