Topology and Magnetism in Novel Quantum Materials

Research Project, 2020 – 2021

Our aim is to develop a research collaboration and a platform for materials science search in the field of topologically protected quantum materials, by combining the Weyl fermionic electron states and magnetism. These novel materials will be used as virtual laboratories to test predictions of the laws of topological physics, which might boost applications in sensors, meteorology, low-dissipation topological quantum electronics, and spintronics.Here, we will grow and characterize the topological thin-film materials, where the bulk of the material is semimetallic and their valence and conduction bands touch near the Fermi level called Weyl semimetal (WSMs), equivalent to 3D graphene. Furthermore, we will utilize magnetic phases of these Weyl semimetals to break the time-reversal symmetry and to realize the predicted giant spin Hall and anomalous quantum Hall effects at room temperatures, due to the presence of their large Berry curvatures.This collaborative and timely project between Ratnamala Chatterjee at IIT – Delhi and Saroj Dash at Chalmers provide opportunities to utilize their unique, complementary and cutting-edge expertise in materials growth and characterization. The buildup of the consortium will enable the development of a long-term strategic collaboration between India and Sweden to develop novel materials of fundamental interests in condensed matter physics and to investigate its potential applications.