TOPOLOGICAL CRYSTALLINE PHASES OF MATTER: ELECTROMAGNETIC PROPERTIES, INTERACTIONS, AND NEW DIRECTIONS
Abstract
This research proposal provides a program of study that will potentially lead to unconventional topological phases of matter yet to be seen in nature, and to materials with electromagnetic response properties that could provide a portfolio of capabilities that cannot be found in conventional materials. The research effort combines investigations of crystalline topological insulators (TCIs), and the cutting-edge topological semi-metals (TSMs), with emphasis on electromagnetic response properties, sensitivity to strain, disorder, and electron interactions, and the properties of topological bound states localized on crystalline defects. Both the TCI and TSM classes of materials are expected to exhibit remarkable properties, some of which are yet to be predicted, and they both rely on the presence of certain spatial crystalline symmetries for robustness. The three goals of this proposal are: (i) to explore how the intertwining of the topological electronic structure and spatial symmetries leads to a wide array of useful phenomena including electromagnetic response properties, as well as possible applications to quantum computing; (ii) to understand how robust these phenomena are in real materials where disorder, strain, defects, and interactions are present; and (iii) to predict new classes of topological materials that lie outside of the conventional classification patterns This proposal is an opportunity for the Office of Naval Research to fund research at the ground floor of new materials and device development. Topological materials are a high-profile, and quickly progressing, field, and the ONR is in a position to nucleate transformative fundamental and applied research. Topological materials have electromagnetic properties that are advantageous for real-world applications, including possible room-temperature operation, robustness against imperfections and disorder, and ease of growth/processing, while also supporting exotic fundamental physical phenomena. The next wave of materials are the TCIs and TSMs and there is a window of opportunity now to make a large impact because of the immense potential for further theoretical and experimental breakthroughs. The likelihood of discovering far-reaching physics in these materials is almost assured, and the potential for device applications is where the ONR will benefit.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512383
Entities
People
- Taylor L. Hughes
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign