Research Projects

This project aims to explore and establish dissipationless, topologically protected edge states in layered hexagonal lattice systems, particularly the Kagome lattice, governed by robust charge density wave (CDW) phases. There has been growing interest in engineering such states due to their promising applications in energy-efficient microelectronics, thermoelectric converters, improved catalysis and high-efficiency spintronic storage. Moreover, topological phases offer pathways to fault-tolerant qubits, with potential applications in fields like quantum computing for monsoon forecasting, cybersecurity, weather prediction etc. Since the discovery of layered materials and their exfoliation into ultrathin 2D layers—down to just one or two atoms thick—research has focused on harnessing the unique properties of these low-dimensional systems to create sustainable, dissipationless phases of matter. A key example is the ballistic dissipationless edge states observed in 2D electron systems under a magnetic field, which, if realized at practical conditions, could lead to low-power, high-frequency electronics etc. Haldane proposed that a similar topological edge state might emerge in hexagonal lattice systems without an external magnetic field, provided the band structure is engineered to mimic magnetic effects. Recent experiments, including magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene and TMDC systems like MoTe₂, have validated these ideas, though these states are observed only at sub-Kelvin temperatures. The next challenge is to realize these dissipationless states at higher temperatures, which requires a new platform. This proposal uses the platform of CDW phase, which stabilizes naturally at ~90K and could provide the necessary framework for protected edge states. The 2D Kagome lattice structure is a promising candidate to host unique CDW, as theoretical calculations suggest to facilitate the edge states. Initial indications in experiments are reported even though they are not currently consistent. Our proposal is to investigate (1) the CDW phases and identify transitions through temperature-dependent transport studies in suspended and substrated devices upon choice. (2)The other requirement for realization of the goal is to control strain. With strain, small change in lattice distance makes the tunable hopping amplitude. We propose to achieve through ultrathin suspended devices on piezoelectric substrates that allow strain tuning via electrical biasing. (3) The unique CDW phase emulating the topological band properties will impact the Hall transport properties, giving rise to anomalous quantum Hall without magnetic field. We would demonstrate quantized large anomalous Hall response which will be the evidence of topological non-dissipative edges adaptable with the presence of underlying robust CDW(below CDW transition temperature) phases. This is the prime interest of this study of non-dissipative phases of matter and possible applications at room temperature.