Institute Quantum Phenomena in Novel Materials

Quantum Phenomena in Novel Materials

The Institute Quantum Phenomena in Novel Materials investigates materials whose properties are strongly influenced by quantum mechanics.  In particular we focus on emergent phenomena in quantum magnets, unconventional superconductors and strongly correlated electron systems. Recent work has achieved insights into highly entwined parameters such as superconductivity, charge, orbital and spin orders in transition metal oxides. We are also exploring exotic quantum states in spin chains and spin ladders, and the effect of quantum fluctuations in highly frustrated magnets which can lead to new states of matter such as the quantum spin liquid.

We place particular emphasis on performing all aspect of the research starting from powder synthesis and crystal growth, through to physical properties measurements allowing the construction of phase diagrams. We then determine the crystal and magnetic structures using synchrotron and neutron diffraction techniques and finally we investigate the dynamic properties using primarily the technique of inelastic neutron scattering and muon spectroscopy.

The institute hosts the CoreLab Quantum Materials for crystal growth and sample characterisation at HZB, as well as two endstations at the UE46_PGM-1 beamline at the BESSY II synchrotron radiation source. We are involved in teaching at Berlin Technical University. Moreover, in 2019, we have joined the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Correlated Magnetism: From Frustration to Topology (SFB 1143)" of TU Dresden which has been extended until 2026.