Project Details
Description
Magnetic quantum materials not only challenge our understanding of the basic science of materials, they also can display a range of characteristics of interest for potential future applications in quantum information and other emerging technologies. The unique qualities of neutrons, which 'see' crystal structures, magnetic fluctuations and ordering, and lattice vibrations, are particularly well suited for their study. Changing the distances between atoms is well known to change the degree of atomic orbital overlap and thus the electronic and magnetic energy levels, and applying pressure is the best way to study how lattice size changes the properties of quantum materials since the degree of orbital overlap can be adjusted 'cleanly' without the introduction of chemical disorder. To effectively take advantage of the combined qualities of neutron diffraction and high pressures, careful theoretical understanding must also be employed. This proposed research program applies neutron scattering, applied pressure, and theoretical analysis to determine the properties of quantum materials. The search for a comprehensive understanding of the complex electronic interactions in quantum materials under pressure, including the interplay of collective modes with quasi-particle dynamics and the discovery and characterization of new electronic materials is critical to the development of the field. This requires the establishment of new methods to expose quantum entanglement as well as the means to understand and control the effects of quenched disorder. Neutron scattering under applied pressure will play a critical role in establishing the understanding of these materials.The proposed studies of quantum materials under pressure, materials that display the coexistence of magnetism plus other physical phenomena such as a non-trivial electronic band topology, will have important implications for revealing previously unknown information about structure and magnetism, and will expand the number of properties and potential uses that such materials can have. The frontiers are to understand, design, and harness the wealth of novel emergent states that arise in quantum magnets under pressure. The goal of this project is to close a long-standing knowledge gap in quantum materials research by developing a high-pressure neutron scattering (HP-NS) toolbox to systematically determine the magnetic structures and electronic interactions present at high pressure. To attain this goal, we have designed and tested multiple high-pressure experimental approaches through the study of trigonal 122-type AMn2M2 (alkaline earth manganese pnictide) phases using neutron scattering. Building upon our preliminary studies, we propose to focus on: 1) quantifying the effect of pressure on magnetism and crystal structure; 2) validating the role of magnetism in stabilizing its coexistence with topological electronic states; 3) modeling magnetic interactions and spin dynamics by computational theory and 4) centrally, using high pressure to manipulate the interplay of multiple quantum phenomena both experimentally and theoretically.The proposed high-pressure neutron scattering studies will open new avenues for unraveling the effects of pressure on the interacting electrons that dominate the magnetic properties in various quantum materials. This project will form the foundation for the continuing investigation of a variety of spin-dominated quantum materials under extreme conditions, (especially high pressure). The establishment of structure-magnetism-electronic property relationships in forefront quantum materials is critical for understanding and predicting the properties of matter and energy at the atomic and molecular level, thus inspiring new strategies for materials discovery and characterization, and, over the long term, benefits the development of future energy technologies. This aligns with the priorities of the Neutron Scattering Program, also dovetails with BES' mission.
Status | Finished |
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Effective start/end date | 8/1/21 → 9/30/22 |
Funding
- Basic Energy Sciences: $510,000.00
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