Dr. Cheng Cen: Quantum Phases On-Demand

The advancement of human civilization is marked by signature materials. While the current Si-based information technologies are fast approaching physical limits set by dissipation, density, and speed, quantum materials are poised to become the new generation of materials that will lay the foundation for the emergent “Quantum Age”. While manipulating the quantum phases in these materials would enable active quantum logics analogous to the switching of conventional transistors, the realization of such manipulation has always been difficult due to the lack of energetically favorable phase transition pathways. In this talk, Dr. Cen will discuss several examples of how such challenges can be addressed by combining tailored material heterostructures with novel optical and electrical excitations.