Quantum Materials: A View from the Lattice

Abstract: Connecting theoretical models for exotic quantum states to real materials is a key goal in quantum materials science.  The structure of the crystalline lattice plays a foundational role in this pursuit in the subfield of quantum material synthesis.  We here revisit this long-standing perspective in the context low dimensional emergent electronic phases of matter, including the realization of model two-dimensional topological and correlated electronic phenomena.  Along the way, we discuss how to define a quantum material, and how this definition has evolved in recent years. Finally, we comment on the perspective for realizing further two-dimensional model systems in complex material structures and connections to new paradigms for programmable quantum matter.

Bio: Professor Checkelsky joined the Department of Physics at MIT as an assistant professor in January 2014. He received his B.S. in Physics in 2004 from Harvey Mudd College and Ph.D. in Physics in 2010 from Princeton University. Before coming to MIT, Professor Checkelsky did postdoctoral work at Japan’s Institute for Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) and held the position of lecturer at the University of Tokyo. He was promoted to associate professor in 2019 and in 2020 named a Mitsui Career Development Professor in Contemporary Technology, an appointment he will hold until 2023