The Quantum Layard Matter Group research focuses on collective excitation in crystalline materials. We aim to observe/understand/control the way electrons/photons/phonons and additional “crystal-induced” particles act in pure mediums that we confine into tiny artificial devices.
We use layered crystals, like graphite, that form strong covalent bonds in one plane versus a relatively weak “van-der-Waals” attraction between the different planes. The weak coupling between the layers allows us to engineer novel artificial crystals and playgrounds for the underlining quasi-particles to test our ideas.
Since they serve as the building blocks of the current electronic revolution, by extending the library of these “quasi-particles,” our fundamental knowledge of their interactions and the concepts to control their properties could impact all fields of life.
Current projects:
- Interfacial ferroelectricity by vdW sliding (SlideTronics).
- Symmetry engineering of vdW polytypes.
- Pseudomagnetic fields in graphene.
- Graphene-based superconducting interference devices.
