Functional Property Correlations in Reduced Dimensions

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Every two years more data is generated globally than it has been generated in all of human history. The global information technology industry is approaching $5 trillion in value and accounts for approximately 10 % of the total electricity consumption. Continuing demand to increase the performance, functionality, and computational power of information and communication devices, while decreasing their energy consumption, has fueled the development of quantum technologies which rely on exploiting quantum mechanical effects in solid-state materials. The discoveries of new quantum materials and new ways to control quantum states at the nanoscale are at heart of these emerging technologies. The long-term goals of my research program are to understand fundamental principles governing the interactions between different quantum mechanical properties in solid-state materials of reduced dimensions, and to apply that knowledge to design and prepare new multifunctional nanomaterials and devices for targeted technological applications. As a part of the proposed research program we will investigate the correlations between tunable optical, electronic, and magnetic properties of new multifunctional nanomaterials, with the goal of controlling their interactions and the corresponding quantum states. The specific research objectives are to investigate interactions between: (i) plasmon and exciton in emerging plasmonic semiconductor nanostructures, (ii) electric polarization and magnetic moment in composite multiferroic nanostructures, and (iii) spin and charge in diluted magnetic metal halide perovskite nanostructures. Our methodology combines an array of optical and magneto-optical spectroscopic measurements, together with bottom-up synthesis, structural characterization, and theoretical simulations, to quantitatively describe structure-property and property-property correlations in complex multifunctional nanostructures. Comprehensive understanding of the coupling between different quantum mechanical properties of materials remains one of the most intriguing problems in solid-state chemistry and physics. The results of this research are expected to provide new knowledge about these interactions, and could lead to unique ways of manipulating quantum states, opening the door for expanding the existing and formulating new technologies based on quantum phenomena. Furthermore, this research will enable highly qualified personnel to develop various skills desirable in both industry and academia. As a result, it will prepare them for a demanding job market, contributing to Canada's position as a leader in the upcoming quantum revolution.