Schröter Lab for Interfacial Quantum Matter
  

Our group explores interfacial quantum matter, systems where the junction between distinct materials gives rise to entirely new quantum phenomena. At these interfaces, the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts, with emergent states that defy classical understanding. A particular focus lies on chiral quantum materials, where chirality emerges at interfaces or arises from inherently chiral bulk, leading to unique effects such as chiral interface states that could enable faster, more energy efficient and robust information technologies. By combining advanced micro and nanoscale spectroscopy with the synthesis of tailored materials in house and through collaborations in Germany and abroad, we aim to reveal how interfacial symmetry, chirality, topology and electronic interactions create new forms of quantum matter.

Our group is growing— join us in shaping the interfacial quantum matter of the future!

Some of our recent work

Momentum-resolved fingerprint of Mottness - key to a mysterious superconducting effect?
Date et al., Nature Communications 16, 4037 (2025). Read the story behind the paper
The out-of-plane spectral function in Nb3Br8 reveals signatures of exotic dimerized Mott-insulator with an even number of electrons, which could help explain the mysterious field-free Josephson diode effect observed in this material. more
Discovery of orbital angular momentum monopoles in a chiral semimetal
Yen et al., Nature Physics 20, 1912–1918 (2024) 
Read the News & Views  commentary by Lee & Rappoport
First observation of isotropic orbital angular momentum radiating from a band degeneracy uniformly in all directions. It could set the stage for #ChiralElectronics! more
Discovery of a new spin-momentum locking in a chiral semimetal
J. Krieger et al., Nature Communications, 15 3720 (2024) 
Weyl type spin-momentum locking leads to spin-hedgehogs in reciprocal space that could realize more efficient memory devices more
Topological interface states lead to Josephson Diode Effect
B. Pal et al., Nature Physics 18, 1228–1233 (2022)
First experimental report of finite momentum Cooper pairing as the origin of the Josephson diode effect, driven by topological interface states more
Cherned up to the maximum!
Niels B. M. Schröter et al., Science 369, 179–183 (2020), arXiv:1907.08723
Now on the cover of the DIPC annual report!
Featured in the annual review of the Diamond Light Source 20/21! more
New fermions in a chiral topological semimetal
Niels B. M. Schröter et al., Nature Physics 15, 759–765 (2019), arXiv:1812.03310
Featured in the photon science road map of the Swiss National Academy of Sciences! more
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