Quantum materials harness the unusual quantum properties of the electron to create unique and technologically useful states of matter. Our objective is to develop a fundamental understanding of the electronic, magnetic and chemical behaviors of these materials and interfaces, including transition metal oxides, pnictides, chalcogenides and main group halides.

Quantum States in Crystalline Matter research emphasizes growth of high-quality, single-crystal specimens and precision synthesis of interfaces designed to reveal and understand new physics or new functionalities. Our approach balances two modes of materials growth: (i) discovery synthesis of new materials and (ii) targeted growth of established systems that we modify and grow for specific test experiments.

Our group members have expertise in a wide range of growth techniques, with particular emphasis on:

• Floating zone growth, including growth at high oxygen pressures.
• Flux growth of crystals both for targeted and discovery synthesis.
• Bridgeman growth of pure, highly homogenous crystals.
• Molecular beam epitaxy of thin film quantum materials.

With an emphasis on developing structure-property relationships in complex materials and interfaces, measurements in our group focus on structural determination using X-ray diffraction and detailed electronic, magnetic, transport and thermodynamic characterization of samples. Some of our unique characterization tools include:

• Dilution refrigerator with 911 vector magnet.
• Tunnel diode oscillator.
• Magneto optic imaging.