Novel states of quantum matter under extreme conditions

• Grant number: 22/14202-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Julio Antonio Larrea Jimenez
• Grantee: Julio Antonio Larrea Jimenez
• Principal researcher abroad: Henrik Moodysson Ronnow
• Institution abroad: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Ellen Fogh ; Ivica Zivkovic ; Valentina Martelli
• Associated research grant: 18/08845-3 - An investigation into topological and exotic quantum states under extreme conditions (InvestInTopQuantEx), AP.JP

Abstract

Exploiting common scientific objectives and complementary technical expertise and experimental capabilities, we aim to establish a synergistic collaboration between École PolytecniqueFédérale de Laussane (EPFL)'s Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism (LQM) and University of São Paulo (USP)'s Laboratory for Quantum Matter under Extreme Conditions (LQMEC), which is potentially launched to be the premier in its field of research throughout South America. Specifically, we shall explore how high pressures and high magnetic fields can stabilize new states of matter in the archetypical quantum magnet SrCu2(BO3)2 and in the controlled antisite Fe disorder-cage compound Fe1+deltaGa3. Temperature (T)-pressure (p)-magnetic field (B) phase diagrams will be obtained with the aim to unveil novel correlated electronic and magnetic states. Other novel materials will likely be added as the collaboration intensifies. As such, the scientific impact is assured by choice of highly topical targets from fundamental quantum many-body physics to emergent technologies such as quantum information, spintronic and thermoelectricity. On the technical level we shall combine LQMEC's expertise in high-pressure and nanoparticle preparation techniques with LQM's expertise in magnetic measurements, ultra-low temperature methods, neutron scattering and crystal growth. This knowledge and technology transfer will lead to sustainable increase in research capabilities on both sides. Not ably does the Swiss partner engage in the establishment of a novel facility for high-pressure and high magnetic- field investigations at very-low temperatures in LQMEC which is supported by JP FAPESP project 2018/08845-3. A Corner stone of establishing the collaboration shall be mutual visits from Brazil to Switzerland and from Switzerland to Brazil. From LQM, Prof. Rnnow, Dr. I. Zivkovic andDr. E. Fogh shall visit LQMEC to firstly establish and plan the collaboration, secondly to transfer ultra-low-temperature and state-of-the-art susceptibility expertise. From LQMEC,Prof. Larrea and his PhD students will visit LQM where they can perform experiments notyet possible in Brazil, while simultaneously transferring high-pressure expertise to LQM,and bring home the knowledge accumulated in LQM. To further enrich their scientific profit, associated experiments will take place at Paul Scherrer Institute, giving the Brazilian partner access to the state-of-the-art large scale facilities: the Swiss Neutron Source and the Swiss Light source.As a further initiative towards widening the collaboration to a Swiss-Brazilian networkin the field of emergent quantum matter and electronic materials discovery, we propose a"Swiss-Brazilian Workshop on Correlated Electron Physics", which will be held 1st week August 2024 in São Paulo, adjacent to the either Brazilian Physical Society (SBF) or the Brazilian Materials Research Society (SBPMat), there by giving the Swiss participants the opportunity to participate in both and establish contacts to other scientists and research groups from São Paulo state. (AU)