Investigation of Quantum Matter by Quantum Point Magnetic Probes

通过量子点磁探针研究量子物质

• 批准号: RGPIN-2021-03467
• 负责人: Kojima, Kenji
• 金额: $ 1.75万
• 依托单位: TRIUMF
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=764742
• 关键词: Investigation; Quantum; Matter; Point; Magnetic

Quantum Matter is the kind of material where the quantum mechanical nature of electrons manifests itself explicitly in novel properties. It ranges from a spin frustrated magnetic system which realizes a peculiar ground state called spin liquid, to superconductivity where macroscopic electrical currents flow without resistance. The recent course of my research is not only to find the actual materials which may realize quantum mechanical ground states, but also to control them by external conditions, such as magnetic fields, to realize a new phase of matter. Another course of my research is to find the mutual interactions between the multiple degrees of freedom of electrons: spin, charge and the shape of the orbital where the electron resides. This research proposal focuses on five topics in quantum matter: (1) ground state properties of frustrated spin systems and the origin of new phases in magnetic fields, particularly in (a) geometrically frustrated spin system with/without spin-orbit couplings and (b) metallic chiral magnets; (2) effect of quenched disorder in frustrated magnets and dynamical spin correlations; (3) competing ground states and their control in superconducting systems; and (4) characterization of semiconductor-based quantum matter by quantum mechanical impurities. These research topics aim to discover a new class of materials which realizes the quantum states and/or new phases created by the external conditions. The result may elucidate the relation between the quantum states of electrons and the environmental parameters. The research method involves searching for new materials which may realize the quantum matter state, and characterizing those materials with the most sensitive magnetic probes: muons and lithium-8 nuclei, which are available at TRIUMF, Canada's accelerator research institute. The static and dynamical features of these materials may be investigated by this probe method and will be compared with the existing theories. The results will give feedback to the theoretical framework and/or the materials synthesis. Six undergraduate students and five PhD students will be trained to gain materials synthesis experience, basic characterization techniques, design of the hardware to make the measurements possible, in addition to the data analysis and theoretical calculations which simulate the materials in the computer. The publication of their results will train the presentation and communication skills of the highly qualified personnel (HQP), both to the general public and to the specialists in their research field. These skills will enable HQPs to be competitive for careers in academia and industry. This research will benefit Canada by pioneering quantum matter research and identification of new phases, which may lead to future applications.

量子物质是一种电子的量子力学性质在新特性中明确表现出来的材料。它的范围从实现称为自旋液体的特殊基态的自旋受抑磁系统到宏观电流无阻力流动的超导性。我最近的研究过程不仅是寻找可能实现量子力学基态的实际材料，而且是通过外部条件（如磁场）控制它们，实现物质的新相。我研究的另一个过程是找到电子的多个自由度之间的相互作用：自旋，电荷和电子所在轨道的形状。本研究计划主要研究量子物质中的五个问题：（1）自旋阻挫系统的基态性质和磁场中新相的起源，特别是在（a）有/无自旋轨道耦合的几何阻挫自旋系统和（B）金属手征磁体中，（2）阻挫磁体中的猝灭无序效应和动态自旋关联;（3）超导系统中的竞争基态及其控制;（4）量子力学杂质对基于超导体的量子物质的表征。这些研究课题旨在发现一类新的材料，这些材料实现了由外部条件产生的量子态和/或新相。这一结果可以解释电子的量子态与环境参数之间的关系。研究方法包括寻找可以实现量子物质状态的新材料，并使用最灵敏的磁探针来表征这些材料：μ子和锂-8核，这些材料可在加拿大加速器研究所TRIUMF获得。通过这种探针方法可以研究这些材料的静态和动态特性，并与现有的理论进行比较，其结果将反馈到理论框架和/或材料合成中。六名本科生和五名博士生将接受培训，以获得材料合成经验，基本的表征技术，硬件设计，使测量成为可能，除了数据分析和理论计算，在计算机中模拟材料。他们的成果的出版将培训高素质人员（HQP）的演讲和沟通技巧，无论是对公众还是对他们研究领域的专家。这些技能将使HQP在学术界和工业界的职业生涯中具有竞争力。这项研究将使加拿大受益，开创量子物质研究和新阶段的鉴定，这可能导致未来的应用。