(MURI) NOVEL LIGHT-MATTER INTERACTIONS IN TOPOLOGICALLY NON-TRIVIAL WEYL SEMIMETAL STRUCTURES AND SYSTEMS
Abstract
The prospect of developing new materials and systems that exhibit novel/enhanced electronic and optoelectronic properties has been intensely pursued in the last few decades. Recent years have witnessed an explosion of activities in topological physics, leading to a host of topological insulator (TI) materials with nontrivial spin-polarized edge or surface states. Of importance is the newly discovered class of materials known as Weyl semimetals (WSMs), capable of displaying novel topological states in the bulk as well as on the surface. Because of their unique features, this novel phase of matter is expected to interact in entirely new ways with electromagnetic waves throughout the spectrum, leading to large nonlinear coefficients, giant chiral photogalvanic currents and chiral pumping, strong optical bi-anisotropicity, and non-reciprocity. The overarching goal of the proposed effort is to carry out basic research in science and engineering in order to unveil the physics of light interactions with Weyl semimetals; to assess both theoretically and experimentally their potential for advanced optoelectronics, electronics, and spintronics circuitry and components; envision new applications based on their unique properties; and interface their interactions with classical and quantum light. We intend to explore a number of fundamental topics. These include: (i) design from first principles, growth, and characterization of multi-functional non-magnetic and magnetic, both Type-I and Type-II Weyl semimetals with enhanced optoelectronic properties, tailored to intended applications; (ii) design, fabrication, and characterization of meta-structures capable of interfacing with Weyl semimetals; (iii) exploring a variety of opportunities provided by their symmetries for a new generation of photonic materials and structures like new detectors, switches, integrated polarization devices, non-reciprocal elements, and modulators; Lastly (iv) new properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010322
Entities
People
- Mercedeh Khajavikhan
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Southern California