Interface Engineering of Complex Oxides
In our group, we explore the interface engineering of complex oxides as a powerful approach to realize fascinating collective phenomena. These emergent properties are often "hidden" or unattainable in constituent bulk materials, requiring precise manipulation at the atomic scale. Our work is driven by the strong interplay among spin, charge, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom in correlated oxides. By leveraging the additional broken symmetries and frustrated couplings across the interfaces of artificial heterostructures, we aim to give rise to entirely new electronic, magnetic, and topological phases. Towards this broad goal, we grow nanometer-thin materials and heterostructures, addressing the formidable challenge of deciphering the microscopic origin of these phenomena through a rigorous multiprobe strategy.
Two-dimensional electron gas
We investigate the formation and control of high-mobility electron gases at the interfaces of polar and non-polar complex oxides. Our work specifically targets KTaO3 and SrTiO3 based systems, where we explore phenomena such as Rashba spin-orbit coupling, interface superconductivity, and magnetic proximity effects. By engineering these interfaces at the atomic scale, we aim to unlock new functionalities for quantum device applications.
Understanding Simultaneous Phase Transitions
Textbook physics often treats phase transitions in isolation, but complex materials like NdNiO3 frequently undergo multiple transitions simultaneously-including magnetic, structural, and metal-insulating changes. Our research group focuses on disentangling these coupled phenomena. By identifying whether these drivers are cooperative or independent, we can unlock new physical principles and design innovative technologies, such as ultrafast switches, that rely on the rapid manipulation of quantum states.
Quantum Materials with antagonistic properties
Can a material be both polar and metallic? Can superconductivity thrive alongside ferromagnetism? Our group investigates these "forbidden" combinations to push the boundaries of materials design. We focus on the fundamental physics and challenging chemistry of antagonistic phases, specifically targeting the rare family of polar metals and polar superconductors. We are studying non-centrosymmetric quantum states to uncover new electronic transport phenomena. In this direction, we have discovered glassy electron dynamics in good metallic regime, which we call as dipolar glassy metal.
Extreme compositional disorder in crystalline quantum materials
High‑entropy oxides (HEOs) are an emerging class of materials stabilized by the large configurational entropy generated when multiple cations coexist within a single lattice. This chemical complexity imparts exceptional structural stability and gives rise to diverse electronic, magnetic, and ionic functionalities. With their vast compositional tunability, HEOs present exciting opportunities for next‑generation electronic, energy, and catalytic technologies. A part of our research focuses on synthesizing and probing these materials to understand how cation disorder, lattice distortions, and electronic correlations collectively dictate their functional properties.
