Research

The behavior of electrons in solids is intricately governed by the principles of quantum mechanics. Solid-state materials serves as a foundational arena for probing the quantum nature in our universe. The phenomena, for example, the magnetized mineral "lodestone" discovered by the ancient Greek and employed as a compass is understood as a ferromagnet, where specific interactions among electrons induces a spontaneous magnetization.  The profound predictions have led to a comprehensive knowledge of this property in the last century. Nevertheless, numerous unanswered questions persist, driven by the complex interactions in solids. The potential for discovering novel phenomena remains imminent, promising to further enrich our insights into quantum matters. 

Our particular focus lies in strongly correlated electron systems in metals, where unpaired electrons submerged in the Fermi "sea" defy conventional descriptions of nearly free-electron or purely ionic behavior. This complexity, involving multiple dimensions of electrons (such as spins, charge, and orbital), results in a diverse array of phenomena, including superconductivity, quantum magnetism, and quantum phase transitions. In our research group, we concentrate on materials containing transition metal d electrons and rare earth f electrons, exploring compounds like intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides, iron pnictides and chalcogenides, and Kondo lattice. Our goal is to unravel their intricate phase diagrams, encompassing topics such as antiferromagnetic spintronics, electronic orders, high-Tc superconductivity, and quantum criticality.

To reconcile complex properties of strongly correlated electron systems, we approach the challenge by performing integrated and collaborative experimental work. We grow powders and crystals. We understand their structures and physical properties in materials. We tune the properties and different phases of materials by chemical compositions, magnetic field, pressure and electric current. We utilize neutrons, synchrotron X-ray, and muons techniques to probe multiple degrees of freedom in materials, peeking into materials properties at the atomic level. 

Quantum materials research lab @ SCDI 

Coming soon! 

National Facilities

High-flux X-ray, neutron and muon sources are required! Thus, we perform the bulk of experiments at the state-of-art national facilities all over the world. Below are major facilities in US.