NSF: Quantum Frustration
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
The new generation if electronic devices requires control if electronic properties in the atomic scale. There is particular interest in magnetic materials fir magnetic electronics ( spintrinics ) applications. Some magnetic materials have the property if frustration : this combines with quantum mechanical effects ti produce new and useful properties that can potentially be employed in the spintrinics industry. This project aims ti understand how this quantum frustration occurs by doing experiments on carefully chosen materials, each designed ti isolate a particular aspect of quantum frustration. The experiments include neutron scattering, X-ray scattering, magnetization and electrical conductance measurements between 0.05 K and room temperature, and under applied pressure. The investigation team in the UK involves both physicists and chemists: they will also collaborate with leading physicists and chemists in the USA.
Publications
Rüegg Ch
(2008)
Quantum magnets under pressure: controlling elementary excitations in TlCuCl3.
in Physical review letters
Ancona-Torres C
(2008)
Quantum and classical glass transitions in LiHoxY1-xF4.
in Physical review letters
Yavors'kii T
(2008)
Dy2Ti2O7 spin ice: a test case for emergent clusters in a frustrated magnet.
in Physical review letters
Bramwell ST
(2009)
Measurement of the charge and current of magnetic monopoles in spin ice.
in Nature
Fennell T
(2009)
Magnetic Coulomb phase in the spin ice Ho2Ti2O7.
in Science (New York, N.Y.)
Aldus R
(2013)
Ice rule correlations in stuffed spin ice
in New Journal of Physics
| Description | The aim of the project was to pioneer experimental studies of the effect of geometrical frustration in the quantum limit. Achievements of the project have included many key measurements of important magnetic materials, and notably the first experimental observation of the effective monopoles in spin ice. An achievement that has produced extensive media coverage and been used as a vehicle for the public understanding of science |
| Exploitation Route | We have continued fundamental work into the properties of frustrated magnets and continually learn more about these exotic quantum states. Our findings will be relevant to the application of quantum electronic phenomena for electronics. There is particular interest in the fabrication and study of thin films that may become the basis for new electronic devices. |
| Sectors | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Electronics |
| Description | Our research was fundamental and has opened up research areas based on quantum phenomena in condensed matter and in the study of effective magnetic monopoles |
| First Year Of Impact | 2007 |
| Sector | Electronics |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | Penn State University College of Medicin |
| Organisation | Penn State University |
| Department | College of Medicine |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Start Year | 2006 |
| Description | Princeton University |
| Organisation | Princeton University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Start Year | 2006 |