Light-matter interaction in quantum materials

• Grant number: 25/02306-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Thaís Victa Trevisan
• Grantee: Thaís Victa Trevisan
• Principal researcher abroad: Rafael Monteiro Fernandes
• Institution abroad: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Quantum materials are at the forefront of fundamental science and materials research. They encompass a diverse range of materials in which strong interactions between their constituents lead to the emergence of new phases of matter with exotic macroscopic phenomena. Describing, understanding, and manipulating these phases not only unveil new aspects of quantum mechanics in interacting systems but also enable the development of novel technologies. Quantum materials significantly impact our daily lives, often in ways we may not immediately recognize. They are integral to high-resolution displays and data storage components in modern electronic devices. They also hold great promise for future innovation, as they are expected to be key enablers of quantum computing and to drive advancements in energy and sustainability through the discovery of new materials that could lead to the creation of more efficient power networks. This proposal aims to advance the field of quantum materials by theoretically investigating their interactions with light. We outline three research thrusts focused on modeling the signatures of quantum materials within two recently developed optical setups: bicircular light excitation and multidimensional spectroscopy. (AU)