Department of Physics

materials physics and condensed matter (experimental), chemical physics, condensed matter physics

My research focuses on the rational design, controlled synthesis, correlated measurement and engineering of nanostructured solid state materials. The materials of current interest include 5d transition metal oxides, topological materials, and low dimensional magnets, in which spin-orbit coupling plays a key role. We use a variety of sophisticated growth techniques including pulsed laser deposition and chemical vapor deposition to grow the spin-orbit coupled materials in nanostructured forms (e.g. 1D nanowires, 2D nanosheets, thin films and their heterostructures). We are particularly interested in studying their emergent physical properties and understanding the underlying physics using multi-functional scanning probe microscopy in correlation with low temperature transport and magnetization measurements. We are also interested in tuning and enhancing the material properties in a controlled fashion using external stimuli such as elastic strain and electromagnetic fields.

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