Inox Quantum Materials Lab

• At the inox QUANTUM MATERIALS lab, we work on several forefront research areas. We build instruments - smaller ones like the cryostat measurement inserts to ones as complex as ultra high vacuum systems - molecular beam epitaxy unit. We then grow highly epitaxial materials of topological insulators and study proximity effects when two materials are synthesized one on top of each other. The emergent properties at the interface are rich platforms for novel quantum states.

• Topological Materials: This area is aimed at realizing mathematical concepts of topology in material synthesis, the key idea is to look at the band structures of materials and engineer them to achieve these emergent quantum properties. Their direct relevance is into material platforms crucial for quantum computing. 

• Superconductivity: We address the issue of having to go to extremely low temperatures for superconductivity - we synthesize high Tc superconductors and make devices out of them that are functional at temperatures about liquid nitrogen temperature. Studying fundamental aspects of superconductivity works at high temperatures is one open question where as making superconducting devices at higher temperatures is a valuable contribution to technology. Our interests are into both. 

• Proximity Coupling: We are interested in asking the questions - what happens when you have a topological materials coupled with a magnetic material or superconductor. The interface is rich and can host properties that are exclusive to both materials constituting the interface. 

• Techniques: We use molecular beam epitaxy which is developed in the lab; low temperature transport to understand the science behind materials, interfaces and devices. We are people who like to build instruments, there is a lot of scope for instrumentation, automation and tool development in the lab. 

The Research Group Acknowledges Funding Support from: 

IISc for start-up research grant

INOX Air Products and INOX India Ltd through CSR grants.