What is your thesis topic?
My research focuses on unveiling quantum magnetism via anomalous transport phenomena by designing an epitaxial heterostructure of a nonmagnetic metal film on an insulating quantum magnet.
How is materials processing involved in your research?
The epitaxial Bi2Ir2O7/Yb2Ti2O7 heterostructure was designed to probe the quantum spin fluctuation in a Yb2Ti2O7 crystal by detecting anomalous transport on a Bi2Ir2O7 conductive film. In this process, the traveling solvent floating zone (TSFZ) technique is employed to obtain high-quality, ultrapure Yb2Ti2O7 crystals. Substrates of Yb2Ti2O7 are then prepared by polishing the crystal surface into atomic-level flatness. Finally, pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is performed to epitaxially grow Bi2Ir2O7 film on Yb2Ti2O7 substrates. The material processing was not only involved in the synthesis process but also its characterization through use of atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and physical properties measurement.
Provide an example of where the material, process, or properties you are studying might find an application.
Quantum spin fluctuations in quantum magnets lead to unique magnetic excitations that could be useful for spintronic applications. However, due to the deficiency of free charge carriers in most quantum magnets, incorporating them into spintronic devices is especially challenging. Our design opens a new channel to tune the transport properties of itinerant electrons using localized quantum spin degrees of freedom, indicating the functional possibilities of insulating quantum magnets in spintronic devices.