Quantum materials: research and discovery

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Technology will continue to shape the future of Canadian society and the development of new technology relies on the discovery and understanding of the properties of new materials. At this point in time, we are on the cusp of a profound shift in technology development based on the harnessing of properties associated with quantum mechanics. The materials that will allow this to happen are called quantum materials. However, before any of the technological possibilities can become reality there is much to learn about quantum materials and establishing that underlying knowledge is the focus of our research program. Quantum materials are these unique materials whose properties stem from the collective quantum mechanical behaviour of their electrons and magnetic constituents. This is a broad category which encompasses a wide variety of materials and phenomena, however, the focus of my research program is on frustrated magnetic materials and topological insulators. The goal is to generate new knowledge and understanding of the transport properties of these quantum materials, which will provide a platform for potential technological innovation. A crucial aspect of this research program is that, because these quantum mechanical properties are fragile, the experiments must be performed at low temperatures where the absence of thermal energy means they can be observed and studied far more effectively. Our laboratory is equipped with the facilities for state-of-the-art ultra-low temperature thermal and charge conductivity measurements, which can also be operated in high magnetic fields. These transport measurements provide important detailed information on the properties of mobile excitations. In addition, my research lab is uniquely poised to develop apparatus to measure the thermal Hall effect at ultra-low temperatures. This technique is valuable in establishing various topological aspects of the quantum mechanical description of a material. This measurement capability is currently available in only one or two laboratories in the world, and not in Canada. The outcomes of our research program are the temperature and magnetic field dependence of the charge and thermal transport of quantum materials. Such research not only has value in its own right because of the relevance of the mobility of excitations for applications, it can also be combined with measurements of other properties and compared to theoretical models to create a complete understanding. All of this is critical to the design of future technology. The benefits to Canadians are centered on knowledge creation that will be crucial to the commercialization of future technology designed to solve current and future societal problems. In addition, the research conducted as part of this program involves the training of the next generation of quantum materials scientists who will maintain Canada's competitiveness in this rapidly accelerating area of future technological development.