Research Highlights

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Topological Quantum Switching via Light-Driven Raman Coherence

A topological switching principle is established by periodically driven, Raman phonon oscillations.
Time-dependence of such periodic driving is revealed which is needed for topological transistors and THz quantum gate applications.

Quantum beats unveils hidden Rashba effects in perovskite photovoltaics

Harnessing of phonon coherence and symmetry demonstrates “Rashba engineering” of spin-split bands for multifunctional devices.

Frustrated magnetism found in a topological insulator

Frustration can lead to topological magnetic textures, such as skyrmions, that modify the anomalous transport of topological fermions.

The Surface Termination of CsPbBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dots

An atomistic understanding of the QD surface structure will facilitate the development of more environmentally robust QDs.

Fractional Quantum Hall Effect in Weyl Semimetals

Strong electron-electron interactions can give rise to an energy gap without breaking crystal translational symmetry. This leads to a unique state, a 3D version of nonabelian 2D fractional quantum Hall liquids. The properties of this exotic state may be useful in quantum computing applications.

Nematicity’s impact on spin fluctuations and superconductivity

The role of nematicity on the relationship between AFM fluctuations and superconductivity was discovered in
iron-based superconductor Fe(Se1-xSx) systems.

Graphical depiction of the role of nematicity

3D Assembly of Gold Nanorods

Interplay of temperature, salt concentration, pH, and interpolymer complexation (IPC) provides an unparalleled diverse set of control parameters to assemble nanoparticles and nanostructures

Full-Scale Ab Initio Theory for Dynamic Nuclear Polarization

This advanced theory enables the in silico design of better polarizing agents and DNP matrices. The structure of core-shell materials can now be determined by predicting the spatial distribution of DNP enhancements.

Selective hydrogenation of nitrate to ammonia in the absence of precious metal catalysts

Nitrate removal from water supplies is a thermodynamically difficult and expensive task. Removal by hydrogenation has relied on catalysts that include scarce precious metals, e.g., Pd. Thus, discovery of an effective alternative is essential.

Maximizing Hydrogen Efficiency in the Conversion of Biorenewables to Polymer Precursors

An advanced catalyst enables conversion of biomass derivatives into nylon precursors at low temperature and ambient hydrogen pressure. This advancement can lead to large energy savings, decreased environmental impact,
and lower cost reactors for processing biorenewables with improved safety.

Illustration of catalytic hydrodemethoxylation