Condensed Matter Seminar

Abstract: In this talk, I discuss why computer designers are looking to develop novel ways of computing for a variety of common but specialized tasks, why spintronic devices, particularly magnetic tunnel junctions, might make valuable contributions to this process, and why success requires considering all levels of the computational stack from devices through the architecture. I illustrate these points in terms of three recent computational platforms my colleagues and I have worked on using magnetic tunnel junctions.

[EQI] Eddleman Quantum Institute Seminar Series

Abstract: Semiconductor materials play essential roles in a host of technologies including computation, photovoltaics, light emission, and spin transport. This talk focuses on first-principles simulations of the structure, stability and electronic properties of novel semiconductor materials, especially hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites and multinary chalcogenide materials.

Abstract: Quantum mechanics exhibits a stark dichotomy between unitary time-evolution and measurement. These aspects are further contrasted by the fact that traditional many-body quantum theory is developed solely based on unitary aspects. In this talk, I will explore a fruitful synergy that emerges from the interplay between many-body quantum physics and the non-equilibrium quantum dynamics that arises from measurements.

Abstract: Atomically thin van der Waals crystals like graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides allow for the creation of arbitrary, atomically precise heterostructures simply by stacking disparate monolayers without the constraints of covalent bonding or epitaxy. While these are commonly described as nanoscale LEGO blocks, many intriguing phenomena have been discovered in the recent past that go beyond this simple analogy.

Abstract: The functionality of nematic liquid crystals lies in that their optical properties are linked to a controllable orientation of underlying nematic directors. In analogy, electronic nematicity refers to a state whose electronic properties spontaneously break rotation symmetries of the host crystalline lattice.

Abstract: Graphene at charge neutrality hosts a dense electron-hole excited state through which energy is expected to be transported with remarkable efficiency. In the transport regime characterized by frequent charge carrier collisions, this relativistic Dirac fluid violates the conventional Wiedemann-Franz law, flows as a viscous liquid of electrons, and exhibits an interparticle scattering rate limited by relativistic hydrodynamics to the shortest possible timescale for energy relaxation.

Abstract: In this talk, I will highlight our recent efforts on the development of new class of 2D material-based quantum light emitters and exploit of proximity interactions in realization of chiral quantum light emitters. 2D-Quantum emitters have generated a lot of excitement for their potential in quantum information technologies.

Abstract: Lanthanide atoms are promising ingredients for realizing single molecule magnets which remain magnetically stable at elevated temperatures. They are also being explored for their use in quantum information processing due to the relatively long relaxation times and phase coherence times of their magnetic 4f-electrons and nuclear spins. These useful properties arise in part due to the strong localization of their 4f electrons, which are shielded from the surrounding environment by their much larger valence 6s and 5d electrons.

Abstract: Motivated by the recent realization of an artificial quantum spin ice in an array of superconducting qubits with tunable parameters, we scrutinize a quantum six-vertex model on the square lattice that distinguishes type-I and type-II vertices. We map the zero-temperature phase diagram using numerical and analytical methods. Following a symmetry classification, we identify three crystalline phases alongside a subextensive manifold of isolated configurations.