Topology of ferroic matter
Abstract
Research problem and objectives The recent experimental observation of polar topological defects, many of which were theoretically predicted by the PI more than a decade ago, has put ferroelectric materials at the forefront of topological condensed matter physics. While significant research efforts are devoted to the search and classification of new non-trivial dipolar patterns, the fundamental laws underlying the collective behavior of polar topological excitations, formation of polar topological phases, as well as, possibly new types of topological order and phenomena concealed by lowdimensional ferroelectric and multiferroic materials currently remain unexplored. Our intrinsically basic research program aims at addressing these fundamental questions with a farreaching goal of enabling systematic control over the topology of ferroic matter. Technical approaches The proposed research efforts aim at understanding and controlling the interactions that drive the emergence of topological phenomena in ferroic materials. Our endeavor will be articulated around three major thrusts. Namely, we will (1) establish the possibilities of tailoring microscopic lattice and spin interactions for on-demand polar and magnetic topologies, (2) derive the interaction mechanisms among topological defects in various systems, reveal their role in formation of topological phases and scrutinize means of controlling such interactions, (3) unravel and analyze the mechanisms of the coupling of topological defects to light, electrons, lattice defects and quasi-particles such as acoustic and optical phonons, magnons and phasons. To address these fundamental questions, we will use unique effective Hamiltonian simulation methods pioneered by the PI and develop novel first-principles as well as first-principles-based schemes that would allow to account for the coupling of polar degrees of freedom with electrons and light at finite temperature. To understand the emergence of topological phases in lowdimensional ferroelectrics and multiferroics, we will also devise original ab initio-based manybody Hamiltonian representations based on fundamentally new types of non-local polar topological excitations. All of the proposed modeling efforts will be supported by fabrication, imaging and characterization experiments performed by world-leading U.S. government laboratories and International universities collaborating on the proposed program. Anticipated outcomes and impact on DoD capabilities This work will open and chart new research frontiers at the junction of topology, condensed matter physics and materials science thereby paving the way to technological innovations. For instance, the fundamental knowledge gained within this project would reveal new versatile pathways to materializing the so far unobserved Kitaev quantum spin liquid state and the faulttolerant quantum computations it entails. Furthermore, the discovery of novel magnetoelectric mechanisms could enable a leap in low-field magnetic sensing technologies, while the proposed exploration of unusual memory effects, light-induced topological transitions and topologymediated switching of electrical conductivity in two-dimensional ferroelectrics would lead to ground-breaking advances in cryptography and neuromorphic computing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012834
Entities
People
- Laurent Bellaiche
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Arkansas System