Dynamics of Quantum Matter

The research focuses on exploring non-equilibrium many-body dynamics in quantum systems that experience symmetry-breaking, topological, or jamming transitions. These systems encompass superconductors, charge-density wave, and magnetic materials found in crystalline structures, single-mono-layer setups, or heterostructures. A specific emphasis is placed on metastable systems where relaxation is hindered by unconventional mechanisms like topological protection or jamming. The experimental methods cover a wide range of timescales, spanning from attoseconds to days. These methods encompass table-top time-resolved spectroscopy with various probes, including optical, lab-on-a-chip, magnetic and non-magnetic XUV, and electron diffraction techniques. Additionally, large-scale free-electron laser facilities are utilized, which broaden the capabilities to include time-resolved elastic and inelastic x-ray scattering, TR-ARPES (Time-Resolved Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy), and imaging. 

There is also ongoing development of new techniques for studying many-body evolution within intermediate timescales, ranging from microseconds to picoseconds. These methods rely on fast scanning and laser-pulse gated tunneling microscopies. The theoretical methods include analytical techniques to simulations of many-body dynamics using both classical and quantum methods, including the use of quantum processors for simulations of quantum dynamics. 

A significant effort within the research program is devoted to applications, including ultrafast, ultra-energy-efficient memristor devices, XUV modulators and the use of nano-materials in optical devices. 

The research program is backed by in-house capabilities for crystal and thin film growth, as well as the synthesis of novel nanomaterials. These materials undergo comprehensive characterization using a variety of techniques, including electron microscopy (SEM, HRSTEM), EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy), Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy (IR), ellipsometry, SQUID magnetometry, x-ray structural analysis, and other pertinent methods. Furthermore, various transport measurements are conducted over a broad temperature range, both with and without the presence of a magnetic field.