Project Title: Discovery and Characterization of Novel Quantum Materials
Principle Investigator: Madhab Neupane
ARPES system in LASCQM at the UCF Physics department. The inset shows the measured band structure of topological insulator Bi2Se3.
Project Description: Topological quantum materials like topological insulators, topological semimetals, topological superconductors, etc. have recently been in the frontline of the research in condensed matter physics because of their unique properties that can have direct application in low power energy efficient quantum devices. In Laboratory of Advanced Spectroscopic Characterization of Quantum materials (LASCQM) at UCF Physics department, we focus on the time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) study of the topological quantum materials. ARPES provides the direct visualization of energy versus momentum dispersion spectra. The objective of the study is to reveal the electronic band structure (energy-momentum dispersion) of the materials and look for the unique properties they possess. Our projects also focus on the light-matter interaction of the topological quantum materials. We also work on the growth and characterization of single crystals by using Bridgman and chemical vapor transport (CVT) methods.
Undergraduate students eager to actively engage in this study will gain a good experience of advanced spectroscopy, vacuum technology, laser, nanotechnology and crystal growth and characterization, and also have an opportunity to conduct research works at various synchrotron-based national laboratories. Specifically, the students will work on:
- Search, discovery and understanding of noble topological quantum materials using the advanced spectroscopic techniques;
- Study of the enhanced light-matter interaction of topological quantum materials.
- Synthesis and characterization of single crystals of topological quantum materials using Bridgman and CVT methods.