Time reversal symmetry breaking in quantum materials without magnetism
Abstract
In addition to the charge of an electron, electrons also carry a property called spin whose direction in space is controlled by a magnetic field. Remarkably, in nanoscale electronic systems, the application of large magnetic fields can result in electronic channels that exhibit no energy loss when transporting current. Such lossless electronic channels offer the possibility to realize new electronic computing devices that use a fraction of the energy currently needed. However, the large magnetic fields required to realize such lossless channels are not practical for large-scale computing applications. The overarching objective of this project, targeting Topic 4 (Materials with Extreme Properties) and managed by Dr. Ali Sayir, is to develop nanoscale material junctions that control spin without any externally applied magnetic field. Our approach is based on new atomically thin two-dimensional material systems which are layered with other 2D layers which show intrinsic magnetism or with chiral molecules. The proposed nanoscale junctions make use of the overlap between atoms to create artificial magnetic fields that have the potential to realize lossless electronic channels. We will fabricate these new nanoscale junctions and probe their properties using a combination of state-of-the-art optical and electronic techniques. The development of new ultra-low energy consumption computing devices has relevance both for high performance computing requirements of the Department of Defense as well as maintaining the technological superiority of the United States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502110219
Entities
People
- Oliver Monti
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Arizona