2D Heterostructures of Relativistic Mott Insulators
Abstract
Title: 2D Heterostructures of Relativistic Mott InsulatorsRelativistic Mott insulators are unique state of matter resulting from the combination of electron repulsion and strong spin-orbit coupling. This results in strong insulators, with relatively small bandgaps and bandwidths. Such a state was first demonstrated by the PI to arise in RuCl3, an exfoliatable material with adeep vacuum level. Since the bands are strongly narrowed by Coloumb repulsion and spin-orbit coupling, they have minimal optical absorption below the Mott gap, while adding a large number of electrons results in little change in the chemical potential. As such RuCl3 could provide a means to cleanly dope anextraordinary hole density in other 2D materials. This remarkable combination provides unique magnetic interactions potentially useful for topological quantum computing, spintronics, and in heterostructures new topological superconducting states as well as optoelectronic devices.In this proposal, the PI will systematically investigate the best means to create nanoscale, heterostructures with RuCl3. Changes in the band structure and magnetic excitations resulting from local doping and strain will be monitored by broadband IR and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, the potential for new plasmonic effects, sensors and sources from these heterostructures will be tested. Given the nontrivial topology, unique polarization dependence and nonlinear responses are anticipated that could enable unique abilities forsensing and communications in the Mid-IR and Thz.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012308
Entities
People
- Kenneth Burch
Organizations
- Boston College
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy