Research Areas

Quantum materials are characterized by a fascinating diversity of phenomena that cannot be captured by models from classical physics. Instead, their description requires the application of quantum mechanics across broad energy and length scales. These quantum effects have the potential to bring about disruptive technologies, such as faster and more energy-efficient information processing, more compact data storage, more secure communication & encryption, and novel approaches to solving complex mathematical problems. Given this potential, quantum materials have become one of the most dynamic research areas in modern solid-state physics.

Our research group specializes in the investigation of these novel quantum materials, especially chiral quantum materials, using innovative spectroscopic methods. For the production of our samples, we either work closely with experts in single-crystal and thin-film growth, or we employ molecular beam epitaxy and micromechanical exfoliation to produce hybrid quantum materials ourselves. Our goal is to discover new physical phenomena and structure-property relationships that will advance the development of quantum materials for future quantum technologies.

Chiral quantum materials

Recently, we discovered that chiral topological semimetals can host new fermionic quasiparticles that are elusive in high-energy physics, which carry the largest topological charge that can exist in nature. Their interfaces may be very useful for spintronics applications and catalysis. We are one of the world leading groups in this nascent field of research and plan to further investigate and utilize these novel materials.

Semiconductor-superconductor interfaces for topological qubits

Semiconductor-superconductor interfaces have been predicted to be one of the most promising platforms for the realization of Majorana zero modes for topological quantum computation. We are closely collaborating with the Microscoft Quantum Materials Lab in Copenhagen and other partners from around the world to make this prediction a reality.

Interfaces made from (twisted) 2D materials

Interfaces made from materials that are only few monolayers thick have been demonstrated to host a variety of fascinating phenomena, such as electronic flat bands that can give rise to superconductivity, correlated insulators, or magnetism. We will synthesise our own 2D interfaces and work with partners from MPI Halle and around the world to further elucidate and exploit the microscopic mechanism behind these phenomena.