Structure and magnetism of novel quantum and thermoelectric materials

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The research program proposed in this application falls into the category of materials discovery research. In particular, we will focus on quantum materials, which exhibit exotic physical properties arising from quantum mechanics of their constituent electrons. One class of quantum materials which has sparked much interest recently is quantum spin liquids. It is well known that helium does not become solid even at absolute zero temperature due to strong quantum effects. Analogously, the electron spins in quantum spin liquids fail to form a static ordered state (spin solid). Instead, the quantum spin liquid state is described by a completely different type of order called topological order, which could be useful for building a quantum computer. Another class of material of interest is thermoelectric materials, which are studied intensively as a key element of the clean energy paradigm; they can generate electricity from solar or waste heat, and can be even used for refrigeration. Recent interest in these materials has been mostly focused on their high-temperature usage, such as waste heat recovery in automobiles. However, a large number of technologies can benefit from the improved efficiency of thermoelectric materials suitable for lower temperature applications such as thermal management of batteries in electric vehicles. We propose to investigate these materials utilizing various materials synthesis and characterization methods. We plan to use various synchrotron-based magnetic x-ray spectroscopy, such as resonant inelastic x-ray scattering, as well as neutron spectroscopy methods available at international user facilities. The proposed research program will also focus on developing materials research talent in Canada through training students and postdoctoral fellows in using advanced x-ray and neutron scattering experimental techniques.