Physics (Internal)

Dynamical Materials Design

This event is part of the Condensed Matter Theory Seminar Series.

We investigate dynamical states of matter that are hidden in equilibrium and only unravel when the atoms of a solid are collectively, and in particular vibrationally, excited. Materials for future solid-state devices will have to be multifunctional, highly manipulable and display quantum mechanical effects that surpass the classical properties of state-of-the-art devices. Their properties are usually controlled through statically modifying the composition and structure of their constituent atoms or their environment with pressure and electromagnetic fields. We take a fundamentally different approach, by exploring how the properties of solids change dynamically, when the atoms are collectively excited. Specifically, we synthesize the fields of cavity quantum electrodynamics and coherent vibrational (phonon) dynamics to tailor the nonlinear interactions that tilt the potential energy landscape seen by the electrons and lead to dynamical states of matter that are not accessible in equilibrium.