Experimental Investigation of Quantum Materials for Fundamental Knowledge and Practical Applications

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The goal of this research program is to discover, characterise and understand novel electronic and magnetic phases in exotic materials using measurements of fundamental physical properties over a wide range of temperatures and in high magnetic fields. The materials to be explored have their properties dominated by the collective quantum mechanical behaviour of electrons, including exotic superconductors, materials whose properties are governed by quantum critical phenomena and frustrated magnetic systems. This experimental research program is centered around cryomagnetic facilities installed at the University of Waterloo that can reach temperatures as low as 0.01 K, and magnetic fields as high as 16 T. It will consist of measurements of thermal and charge conductivity, and thermal expansion and magnetostriction using capacitive dilatometry. In the study of fundamental properties, we gain access to the true quantum mechanical ground state of the systems of interest by performing all measurements to ultra-low temperatures and if necessary high magnetic fields. The use of dilatometry at ultra-low temperatures and high fields to probe novel electronic and magnetic phases and quantum criticality at ultra-low temperatures is unique in Canada. The foundational knowledge that will be generated through this research program is important because it underpins all technology-related disciplines. Electrons are the lifeblood of modern technology, if we are to fully harness their collective quantum behaviour for future technologies, then we need a complete fundamental understanding of such phenomena. With this knowledge in hand, Canada is well-place to target specific properties, which can then be developed for applications over the long term. This process of knowledge discovery unfettered by near-term applications is crucial for transformative research with as yet unknown impact on society. Crucially, the track record for impact from this area of research is second to none with glittering examples such as the transistor, without whose development we would have no computers, and more recently giant magneto-resistance now used in virtually every hard-drive manufactured today.