Research Description
Atomic defects, dopants, and impurities in quantum materials, which are either intentionally introduced to generate new collective behavior or are an accidental byproduct of material synthesis, can have special properties. Developing and expanding the use of characterization tools with atomic-scale spin sensitivity that can uncover new information related to impurity sites is at the forefront of experimental progress. Despite rapid progress in quantum sensing and the abundant information already uncovered, achieving sub-nanometer resolution has been difficult.
Ilija Zeljkovic’s team will employ electron-spin-resonance scanning tunneling microscopy, a budding technique for quantum sensing and manipulation of spin states, and establish its use in the realm of quantum materials. The overarching goal is to build the foundation for the understanding of spin state dynamics associated with individual impurities in quantum materials, which is currently difficult to achieve using other tools.
Research Impact
Dr. Zeljkovic’s work has the potential to transform the studies of individual spin states in quantum materials by combining the high spin sensitivity of electron spin resonance and the superior resolution of scanning tunneling microscopy. The project will also pinpoint magnetic defects with high coherence times that could be used for quantum simulations.
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related links
Experimental Physics Investigators Initiative
Science
Boston College, Department of Physics
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