Epitaxially Imposed Control of Chiral Transport Phenomena (ECRP)

Many novel quantum and topological phenomena in materials are derived from or exhibit chirality, a lack of mirror symmetry. These phenomena range from novel forms of superconductivity to unusual one-dimensional (1D) states that are bound to the edge of a material. Both quantum and topological phenomena are critical elements for new classes of quantum devices and sensors, called chiraltronics. The overarching goal of this project is to create new chiral material paradigms for which symmetry and dimensionality can be directly controlled by tailoring atomically precise interfaces. These new material platforms can be tailored to elucidate how lattice, electronic, and magnetic characters determine and affect chiral phenomena. This understanding is a critical step toward new applications. To achieve this goal, this project will be subdivided into two tasks: (1) deploying new atomic-scale structures that can be used to stabilize and understand unusual, low-dimension chiral states and (2) understanding how materials with chiral structures and unusual coupling of the spin and momentum (altermagnets) can interface with superconductors to attain desired functionalities. Achieving the objectives of this project requires a strong synergy between thin-film synthesis using molecular beam epitaxy and advanced characterization of quantum and topological phenomena in the materials. This feat will lead to the ability to control and fingerprint chiral phenomena and will ultimately reveal fundamental design principles for a new generation of quantum materials with transformative possibilities.