Transition Metal Oxides: Emergent Phases and Interfaces

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What principles govern the organization of electrons in a crystalline solid? Can we control the organization and dynamics of electrons? How thin can we make a superconductor and still retain its superconducting properties? Can superconductivity emerge at the nanoscale interface between two different crystals? Can light-matter interaction lead to new optically-induced electronic states in solids? Can these states lead to new types of photovoltaics? Making progress on such fundamental issues is the key to synthesizing nanoscale devices, and creating new energy and communication technologies, both of which are expected to be of immense benefit to Canada. In simple crystalline solids, the organization of electrons is governed by the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics, together with quantum statistics encoded in the Pauli principle. However, when strong electron interactions become important, the electrons can organize in entirely new ways, giving rise to remarkable new properties such as high temperature superconductivity, colossal magnetoresistance, or liquid crystalline order. Transition metal oxides are complex materials which provide a canonical example of such emergent quantum behavior, with a slew of applications ranging from low power loss transmission lines, to solid state drives, oxide catalysts, and novel photovoltaics. The long-term objective of this research programme is to acquire fundamental knowledge about the quantum behavior of electrons in crystalline transition metal oxides, with potential long-term economic benefits to Canadian society. This proposal focuses on two intertwined strands of research. The first strand deals with the theoretical study of bulk transition metal oxides containing heavy transition metals. Understanding how the strong spin-orbit coupling in these elements impacts properties such as superconductivity, magnetism, and electron transport, is the key goal, which is of great importance in a broad class of multifunctional oxides. The second strand of the proposed research deals with the theoretical study of interfaces or quantum wells of transition metal oxides, which can shed light on ultrathin correlated materials. The research programme will establish fundamental milestones in oxide physics, and set the stage for future investigations of complex quantum materials.