Muon studies of quantum materials under extreme environments

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Over the next five years my research will focus on the application of the muon spin rotation/relaxation technique (µSR) to studies of novel quantum materials under extreme conditions. My goal is to understand the remarkable physical properties of topological materials, unconventional superconductors, and magnetically frustrated materials, brought about by the effects of quantum mechanics and strong electronic correlations by applying non-thermal perturbations (chemical doping, magnetic field, pressure) to tune the material towards quantum criticality. The positive muon is a sensitive local probe of internal magnetic fields on a unique microsecond time scale and will be exploited in this work to understand the effects of disorder on the exotic physical properties of quantum materials. To date I have carried out muon studies of quantum materials in the extreme environments of applied magnetic field and/or low temperature. A new emphasis of my research will be the integration of high-pressure capabilities on the GPa scale into muon studies of quantum materials at low temperatures. High pressure can be used to bring atoms in the crystal lattice of a material closer together, inducing tunable changes of the electronic structure and magnetic interactions. This objective will exploit the investment and timely completion and implementation of new high momentum and high luminosity muon beam lines at TRIUMF, Vancouver. The new research infrastructure will provide Canadian and international users with unmatched capabilities in the Western Hemisphere to study quantum systems under normal and extreme conditions. My HQP and I will gain practical experience in high pressure research using muons via collaborative experiments on quantum materials at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland. Currently, PSI is home to the world's leading hydrostatic high-pressure muon facility for quantum materials research. Moreover, this past year a piezoelectric-driven uniaxial pressure cell was fully developed and successfully utilized in a muon experiment at PSI. The knowledge gained in this research abroad will be invaluable for establishing an analogous high-pressure research capability at TRIUMF. My team will also gain the knowledge and tools for performing theoretical calculations of muon stopping sites in materials to improve the analysis and interpretation of our experimental data. In recent years, reliable methods for calculating muon sites have been developed and applied to muon studies of materials.