Inzani Group

The nature of dark matter is one of the biggest open questions in physics. Direct detection experiments could uncover its secrets by capturing interactions with crystal targets. Working with high-energy physicists, we have proposed new materials with improved sensitivity and multiple interaction-channels for the exploration of the light dark matter mass range.

Point defects in solid state materials can act as quantum bits (qubits) for quantum computing, sensing and communication. These quantum technologies have the potential for globally transformative change from solving classically intractable problems to long-distance, secure networking. The properties of point defect-based qubits are governed by the host crystal, leading to the possibility of bespoke qubits by following materials design principles. To efficiently navigate this space, we employ first principles methods to map out chemical and structural influences on spin-defect qubit properties. 

Ferroelectrics and multiferroics are highly sought after as solutions to low power electronics and increased storage capacity. Ferroelectrics – materials containing a switchable spontaneous electrical polarization – have found commercial success and are a vital component in a wide range of electrical devices. Meanwhile, multiferroics are tipped to revolutionize data-storage due to the coexistence of more than one order parameter which could be exploited in high-density memory elements.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are formed of stacked layers held together by characteristically weak van der Waals interactions that can be easily exfoliated into atomically-thin sheets. Ushered in with graphene but encompassing a broad compositional space, these materials are a showcase for unique and diverse phenomena. We are contributing our efforts to develop this materials class for applications ranging from optoelectronic devices, spintronics and dark matter detection.