Colloquium with Prosper Ngabonziza, Postdoc, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research 

"Epitaxy of Quantum Materials and Heterostructures"

Towards Exploration of Novel Properties in Nanoscale Devices

The possibility of designing novel materials and heterostructures with atomic-layer precision has enabled the observation, creation and control of novel electronic and ionic systems; and also, device implementation of novel quantum phenomena. My research has been on the design, growth and characterizations of quantum materials and heterostructures. The goal has been to explore their underlying physics and study of novel properties in nanoscale structures, in particular tailoring of novel interfacial properties in superlattice-type structures.

The material systems that I have been investigating include topological quantum materials, strongly correlated electron systems, and quantum matter heterostructures fabricated from complex oxides. Electronic, magnetic, structural and ion transfer properties have been addressed using electrical transport measurements, novel spectral imaging and spectroscopic techniques; as well as synchrotron-based characterization methods.

In this talk, I will first discuss our recent research contributions on these material systems. Secondly, I will briefly introduce my teaching experience, and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students; as well as contributions related to science for society to address societal challenges. Lastly, I will discuss my future research plans, including potential scientific questions to address and how to approach them in experiments.