To obtain an understanding of the critical roles of heterogeneity, interfaces and disorder in driving materials properties, we characterize and so determine the origin, nature and consequences of the different long- and short-range ordered states found in bulk compounds, thin films and heterostructures with a variety of important properties of interest. This knowledge is crucial for enabling the design of novel materials with desired functionality. Our research focuses on studies of properties that are driven by intercalation, ionic and lattice correlations, complex spin correlations and the simultaneous presence of competing spin, charge and lattice correlations. We also devise novel neutron and x-ray scattering instrumentation and methods that enable us to investigate global and local structures simultaneously over a wide range of length and time scales.
Current research themes are the following:
- Instrument and Method Development
- Intercalation and Ionic and Lattice Correlations
- Complex Spin Correlations
- Competing Spin, Charge and Lattice Correlations