Condensed Matter Seminar

Can spintronics help make computing more efficient?

Abstract: In this talk, I discuss why computer designers are looking to develop novel ways of computing for a variety of common but specialized tasks, why spintronic devices, particularly magnetic tunnel junctions, might make valuable contributions to this process, and why success requires considering all levels of the computational stack from devices through the architecture. I illustrate these points in terms of three recent computational platforms my colleagues and I have worked on using magnetic tunnel junctions.

Inorganic and Organic-Inorganic Semiconductors from Large-Scale Hybrid DFT

Abstract: Semiconductor materials play essential roles in a host of technologies including computation, photovoltaics, light emission, and spin transport. This talk focuses on first-principles simulations of the structure, stability and electronic properties of novel semiconductor materials, especially hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites and multinary chalcogenide materials.

Sculpting quantum phases of matter with measurements

Abstract: Quantum mechanics exhibits a stark dichotomy between unitary time-evolution and measurement. These aspects are further contrasted by the fact that traditional many-body quantum theory is developed solely based on unitary aspects. In this talk, I will explore a fruitful synergy that emerges from the interplay between many-body quantum physics and the non-equilibrium quantum dynamics that arises from measurements.

Spatial and temporal dynamics of excitons in semiconducting van der Waals heterostructures

Abstract: Atomically thin van der Waals crystals like graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides allow for the creation of arbitrary, atomically precise heterostructures simply by stacking disparate monolayers without the constraints of covalent bonding or epitaxy. While these are commonly described as nanoscale LEGO blocks, many intriguing phenomena have been discovered in the recent past that go beyond this simple analogy.

Extraordinary quenching of the Dirac plasma in graphene

Abstract: Graphene at charge neutrality hosts a dense electron-hole excited state through which energy is expected to be transported with remarkable efficiency. In the transport regime characterized by frequent charge carrier collisions, this relativistic Dirac fluid violates the conventional Wiedemann-Franz law, flows as a viscous liquid of electrons, and exhibits an interparticle scattering rate limited by relativistic hydrodynamics to the shortest possible timescale for energy relaxation.

Direct Electrical Access to the Spin Manifolds of Individual Monovalent Lanthanide Atoms

Abstract: Lanthanide atoms are promising ingredients for realizing single molecule magnets which remain magnetically stable at elevated temperatures. They are also being explored for their use in quantum information processing due to the relatively long relaxation times and phase coherence times of their magnetic 4f-electrons and nuclear spins. These useful properties arise in part due to the strong localization of their 4f electrons, which are shielded from the surrounding environment by their much larger valence 6s and 5d electrons.

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