Unraveling atomistic effects in quantum materials via advanced experiment and theory in collaboration

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Quantum materials science focuses on new aspects of materials that exhibit quantum mechanical effects on macroscopic length scales. What distinguishes quantum materials from classical materials is the ability to probe, control, and exploit these quantum effects. There are many classes of materials that fall under the umbrella of quantum materials, of which a prime example is the semiconductor quantum dot. In nanoscale semiconductors, one sees quantum effects on individual particles as well as in their assembly into macroscopic superstructures. These effects are generally described using classical condensed matter physics based upon simple one-dimensional spectroscopies. In our group we have pioneered new methods in Two-Dimensional Electronic Spectroscopy (2DE) which enables unprecedented access to observing electronic and structural dynamics in materials. These 2DE results have called into question many of the prevailing theories of electronic structure and dynamics in quantum dots. What is missing is a way to connect the far richer 2DE results with state-of-the-art theory. Following our initial 1D and 2D ultrafast spectroscopic experiments, we will collaborate with Professor Eran Rabani (University of California at Berkeley) on combining world leading 2DE experiments with theory to guide interpretation of experiments and help develop new experiments. The impact of this collaboration will be to advance the position of the Kambhampati group as world leaders in the electronic structure and dynamic of quantum dots. The scientific impact will be to produce a truly disruptive transition in how we understand and probe one of the canonical systems of quantum materials science. This collaboration will strengthen Canadian international research networks and bring new science to Canadian researchers and provide value added training to HQP.