Novel Materials as the Driver of New Science

Quantum materials (QM) showcase tangible manifestations of some of the most fundamental concepts in quantum physics, at a scale realizable in a research laboratory and amenable for detailed experimental exploration and manipulation. Studying such systems is important from a fundamental standpoint, but has also the potential to provide the basis for a new generation of profoundly transformative technologies, multifunctional devices and new information processing and storage.
In my talk I will focus on design and growth of novel QMs. We have several crystal growth techniques, e.g. Czochralski-technique, optical floating zone technique, chemical vapour transport, crystallisation by flux and the Bridgman-Stockbarger method. Prominent examples and classes of materials include magnetically frustrated systems (e.g. pyrochlore oxides), pnictide superconductors, materials with skyrmion lattice.
With my combined expertise in advanced crystal growth and materials characterisation, I have been able to establish a cutting-edge crystal growth and characterisation programme. Finally I will discuss new opportunities and new directions that could arise from the expansion into functional materials especially suitable for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications.