Quantum Criticality of Heavy Fermion Systems

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Much of modern technology is based upon knowledge of condensed matter physics and materials science, with progress in this area driven by the ongoing discovery of materials with particular, useful physical properties. For example, condensed matter physics by discovering and understanding liquid crystals, transistors, and magnetic devices allows it to work high index of refraction lenses, so we can have a little camera in the pocket. The smart phone has literally 100 of different materials that have been discovered, optimized, and refined to allow us to chat with friends and family. Materials synthesis lays the foundation for all other research in condensed matter physics, and materials are the linchpin for technologies ranging from the energy sector, to medical devices, to sensing, communications and information technologies. While the importance of materials growth has long been recognized, a shortage of high quality materials synthesis has been identified as a weakness in North American science.***My research program on the growth and characterization of novel materials has the potential to significantly impact progress in this area. Analogous to the revolution in semiconductor electronics in the twentieth century, which was unleashed when physicists understood the quantum theory of non-interacting electrons, there is a impending, second materials revolution that will occur when physicists solve the much harder quantum problem of strongly interacting electrons. My research will make important progress on this problem by focusing on a particularly clean set of model materials, in which so-called "quantum phase transitions" can be exploited to tune the balance between kinetic and potential energy in a controlled way. This has the potential to reveal useful and interesting new electronic states, and will allow us to carefully test and extend our understanding of strongly interacting electron systems. At the same time, my research program will provide an outstanding training environment for highly qualified personnel, who will become tomorrow's leaders in this area.**