Aravind Devarakonda

Columbia University, Moore Fellow in Materials Synthesis

Combining materials synthesis, low-temperature measurement, and nanoscience to unravel how strong electron-electron interactions and subtle topological features of their quantum mechanical wavefunction combine to form complex, emergent behavior.

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Image credit: Amanda Heffernan

Research Description

Devarakonda’s research efforts combine materials synthesis, low-temperature measurement, and nanoscience to unravel how strong electron-electron interactions and subtle topological features of their quantum mechanical wavefunction combine to form complex, emergent behavior. A primary focus is identifying and synthesizing high-quality materials platforms that are simultaneously tunable and broadly accessible to a range of experimental probes. While the materials search constraints are challenging, Devarakonda believes the potential to chart a systematic understanding of the interplay between electron interactions and topology makes it imperative.

Throughout his efforts, Devarakonda draws inspiration from a long list of fundamental physics breakthroughs enabled by the invention of new materials synthesis and measurement techniques. Devarakonda is excited, with support as a Moore Fellow in Materials Synthesis, to work towards the next breakthroughs in materials synthesis techniques.

Research Impact

History suggests that new materials often lead to new physics insights. Devarakonda aspires for the novel materials identified by his lab’s synthesis efforts to have a similar impact.