Physics of quantum and functional materials

Although quantum effects have been exploited in a wide range of electronic devices for a long time, the past decade has seen a dramatic improvement in our understanding of how subtle quantum effects control macroscopic behaviour of a whole range of materials with different functionalities. The research programme "P1-0125: Physics of quantum and functional materials" will investigate fundamental physical phenomena in such materials and explore the possibility of emerging applications. The research programme brings together a broad and complementary expertise of a large group of condensed-matter physicists with a prominent track-record in the field proved by numerous highly-cited publications in high-profile international journals (e.g., Science and Nature series), by various national and international awards, plenary and invited talks at the most prestigious international conferences, as well as by international patents. The focus of the research programme will be around two strongly interlinked directions: materials and related technologies. Our main aim will be to deepen the understanding of (i) the quantum entanglement phenomena in materials, (ii) the topological properties and their effect on the ordered states, (iii) the new quasiparticles predicted in low-dimensional quantum materials, (iv) the role of defects in stabilizing the quantum order, (v) the role of electron correlations in fuelling the competition between various types of quantum order, and (vi) the coupling of different degrees of freedom in order to take advantage of the (multi)functional behaviour, such as found in multiferroics and electrocalorics. These phenomena will be investigated (i) in carefully selected families of quantum materials exhibiting unconventional superconductivity, quantum magnetism or exotic quantum spin-liquid ground states, (ii) in a range of topological materials, such as those with magnetic skyrmions, (iii) in multicaloric and multiferroic materials, and (iv) in high-entropy alloys. The research group will use a broad arsenal of experimental techniques available at the home institution, such as the magnetic resonance and dielectric spectroscopy, thermal and magnetic property measurements, as well as other techniques available at various large-scale user facilities, such as the neutron scattering and the muon spectroscopy. Novel techniques will also be developed to address quantum and functional phenomena over the broad energy, length and time scales. Our experimental findings will not only be compared to the paradigmatic theoretical models, but will also stimulate the research of several potential applications. In particular, we will develop a novel highly sensitive optical magnetometer method challenging the current limitations in sensitivity, we will propose new methods for quantum computing using magnetic resonance techniques, and we will explore novel functionalised materials for 3D printing beyond the current state-of-the-art.

The research programme "P1-0125: Physics of quantum and functional materials" will conduct an ambitious research programme in the field of quantum and functional materials, which is at the cutting edge of today's material and device science, by addressing several open questions that may have a profound future impact. Although materials scientists and engineers have long exploited quantum effects in a variety of electronic devices, the past decade has seen a dramatic expansion of our understanding of how subtle quantum effects control the macroscopic and functional behaviour of a wide range of materials. Our research will lead to discoveries of how quantum and topological effects define functionalities of selected families of materials and will contribute to our fundamental knowledge on (i) quantum entanglement in the solid state, (ii) the topological properties and their effect on the ordered states, (iii) the new quasiparticles predicted in low-dimensional quantum materials, (iv) the role of defects in stabilizing the quantum order, (v) the role of electron correlations in fuelling the competition between various types of quantum order, and (vi) the coupling of different degrees of freedom in order to take advantage of the (multi)functional behaviour, such as found in multiferroics and electrocalorics. Finding answers to the open questions will result in high-level publications, invited plenary and keynote talks at prominent international conferences. Novel techniques will also be developed to address quantum and functional phenomena over the broad energy, length and time scales. In particular, we will develop a novel highly sensitive optical magnetometer method challenging the current limitations in sensitivity, we will propose new methods for quantum computing using magnetic resonance techniques, and we will explore novel functionalised materials for 3D printing beyond the current state-of-the-art. Our research activities will thus lead to the creation of new products and technologies based on quantum and functional materials (e.g., multicaloric and multiferroic materials). Some of the technological solutions for detecting and manipulating quantum states of matter in functional materials will go through the full innovation process starting from the international patent applications to the assessments of the economic potential of our discoveries. Our close links with international partners will foster access to and exchange of foreign knowledge in this highly competitive and promising research field. Links with prominent worldwide scientific institutions will be further expanded to push our research well beyond current state-of-the-art. These activities will establish P1-0125 research group not only as a national but internationally recognised centre for the research and implementation of quantum and functional materials.

The importance of "P1-0125: Physics of quantum and functional materials" activities for Slovenia's socioeconomic and cultural development will be manifold: 1) Programme members will conduct high-level basic-science research while always keeping potential applications in mind. The choice of problems on novel quantum and (multi)functional materials and the collection of experimental techniques available to P1-0125 is such, that it makes particularly fertile grounds for the inventions of novel technologies. We will continue with the established practice of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection and establish standard procedures for the IPR protection and assessment of economic potential of P1-0125 inventions. Possibilities for the establishment of spin-off companies and funding opportunities (including funding via European Innovation Council) will be constantly monitored. 2) We will actively offer our expertise to the Slovenian industry and thus jointly develop new products or technologies. In this direction we will continue with our successful collaborations with the Slovenian industry from the past funding period and search for new opportunities. 3) Our research programme will continue with a culture of regular activities for promotion of science in general public as we believe that the development of society depends also on the acceptance of scientific results and novel technologies. Within the programme we will continuously develop skills to communicate science at a level that general audience can understand. Moreover, we will address general public using all modern technology platforms (e.g., YouTube or similar), participate in all major science promotion events or participate in science contributions for the national newspapers or TV/Radio stations. 4) The high level of training for students provided by the P1-0125 programme will be important for the dissemination of knowhow on quantum and functional materials outside academic boundaries and foster collaboration with Slovenian industrial partners. We will engage in study programs at the Faculty of mathematics and physics of University of Ljubljana and International postgraduate school of Institute Jožef Stefan and thus introduce new discoveries into the study curriculum. 5) As the Covid-19 will likely to continue to affect public life, we will use our knowledge and research equipment to improve and develop personal protection equipment.