Quantum materials and processes

Dr Will Bryan, Scientific Theme Lead

An emerging field at the intersection of condensed matter physics, quantum optics and laser physics, the umbrella term “quantum materials” unifies a diverse range of concepts across science and engineering. Such processes are typically strongly correlated, far from equilibrium and non-thermal in nature.

From process involving charge, electric and magnetic fields, via quasi-particle dynamics and electron correlation dominated processes, to cavity QED, quantum materials has a broad scope and can be considered highly relevant to societally important considerations such as energy generation, storage and transportation, quantum communication, and very low energy electronics.

As a theme for RUEDI, quantum materials and processes covers those aspects that can be triggered by the action of a laser pulse and imaged with pulses of electrons. A non-exhaustive list of examples includes magnetic and electric skyrmions, ultrafast optically driven magnetic textures, processes in 2D materials (including Moire systems), light-engineered superconductivity, photonic and plasmonic nanostructures and 2D/3D topological processes. Taking inspiration from nanophotonics and metamaterials, coupling structures (e.g. gratings, waveguides) can also be invoked, both to initiate ultrafast dynamics, or to aid its observation.

During the preliminary consultation stage, the unique capabilities of the planned RUEDI facility were described and collectively, delegates from the event identified a representative set of challenges that illustrate the types of experiments that could be performed during the initial testing and operations phase of the RUEDI facility. As the community of users grows and the instrument comes on-line, the specific capabilities of the RUEDI facility and its associated experimental ecosystem will provide unparalleled insights.

The report from the event can be accessed here and was used to inform the conceptual design review.