The specific scientific question to be addressed by this FWP is: how can we develop, discover, understand and ultimately control and predictably modify new and extreme examples of complex states, emergent phenomena, and superconductivity? Over the next review period we will study materials manifesting specifically clear or compelling examples (or combinations) of superconductivity, strongly correlated electrons, quantum criticality, and exotic, bulk magnetism because of their potential to lead to revolutionary steps forward in our understanding of their complex, and potentially energy relevant, properties. For example, part of our effort will focus on the understanding and control of FeAs‐based superconductors as well as searching for other examples of novel, or high temperature, superconductivity. This work will be leveraged via highly collaborative interactions between the scientists within this FWP as well as through extensive collaborations with other Ames Laboratory FWPs, other DOE laboratories, and other universities and labs throughout the world. Experiment and theory will be implemented synergistically. The experimental work will consist of new materials development and crystal growth, combined with detailed and advanced measurements of microscopic, thermodynamic, transport, and spectroscopic properties, as well as electronic structure, at extremes of pressure, temperature, magnetic field and resolution. The theoretical work will focus on modeling transport, thermodynamic and spectroscopic properties using world‐leading, phenomenological approaches to superconductors and modern quantum many‐body theory.
To accomplish our goals, three highly interacting classes of research operate both in series and in parallel:
- Design and Growth: (Canfield, Bud’ko, Johnston, Kogan)
- Advanced Characterization: (Bud’ko, Furukawa, Kaminski, Prozorov, Tanatar)
- Theory and Modeling: (Kogan, Johnston, Prozorov)
This research is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering.