Research Projects

Quantum materials are a class of materials that rely heavily on electron-electron interaction, leading to the discovery of numerous emergent phenomena such as anomalous Hall effect, topological hall effect, quantum spin liquid, skirmions, Mott Insulating state, superconductivity, and heavy fermionic behavior. Strain can be an effective way to induce novel properties inside quantum materials. To study these phenomena, three important systems are chosen: Pyrochlore Iridates, Layered Ruthenates, and 2D van der Wall crystals. To eliminate the effect of grain boundary and size effect, high-quality single crystal samples are studied. The first part of the project focuses on growing high-quality single crystals of Pyrochlore Iridates, Layered Ruthenates, and Van der Waals Crystals using KF molten flux, Floating zone, and self-flux growth techniques. The goal is to tune the berry curvature using uniaxial strain, which can lead to the formation of strongly correlated topological phases such as large anomalous hall effect, topological Mott insulator, and magnetic Weyl Semimetal. The second part of the project aims to develop a piezoelectric-based strain cell insert and build a low-temperature magnetotransport measurement facility. The strain cell is made with piezoelectric modules that change the length of the piezo block while applying voltage, allowing for reliable and continuous variation in both compressive and tensile strains. The target is to achieve up to 1% strain using piezo-based uniaxial strain cells, with calibration of the strain gauge using optical interferometry.