Investigation of Interface Exchange Coupling Between Two Quantum Systems: Research Instrumentation for Physical Property Characterizations
Abstract
Surface and interface are playing pivotal roles in many of the recently discovered quantum phenomena. Investigating their complex behavior, when two quantum systems are coupled is essential for advancing the field. A topological insulator (TI) or superconductor (SC) /ferromagnetic insulator (FI) hybrid structure is a classic example showing intriguing correlated interaction from the proximatized interface coming from the electrostatic and quantum mechanical nature of the exchange coupling. Subjected to enormous exchange fields, TI and SC characteristics are profoundly modified; due to time reversal symmetry breaking, exchange gap opening in the Dirac states of TI, while triplet pair formation occurs in the SC. The interfacial exchange (IE) coupling combined with the spin momentum locking of TI surface states influences the properties of FI, creating magnetic anisotropy and stability, with the potential for yielding realistic IE driven devices. With SC/FI it is expected to open new effects such as the p-state Josephson junction towards superconducting spintronics. Interface investigations address important scientific questions for designing at the atomic scale, integration of functional properties, as well as control the complex system. This is achieved through the understanding and optimization of fundamental phenomena in FI, TI and SC materials and their heterostructures, with tuning capability of the novel interface functionalities between two quantum systems. It is expected to lead to the implementation of IE properties to build a multifunctional materials platform to probe the interplay amongst various quantum phenomena. These research activities in turn offer unique multidisciplinary opportunities training the next generation of students and researchers. This requested instrumentation, a cryogen-free Magnetic/Physical Properties Measurement unit provides the means to attain sensitive magnetic and electrical information, enabling critical exploration of advanced quantum materials and unique hetero-structural interfaces, at the leadership level through extensive collaboration within US and worldwide. This instrument will significantly enhance current ARO project as well as playing key role for other highly advanced capabilities to unveil the interface physics. Moreover, collaborators, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, REU participants and higher school interns would benefit immensely from access to such a state-of-the-art research instrumentation platform.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 09, 2020
- Source ID
- W911NF2010074
Entities
People
- Jagadeesh Moodera
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- United States Army