Colloquium – Mengke Liu

Mengke Liu, Harvard University

Quantum Materials with Reduced Dimensionality

In the emerging post-Silicon era, the search for revolutionary materials necessitates principles that transcend those underpinning silicon’s success. Quantum materials with reduced dimensionality hold immense promise due to their reduced symmetry, enhanced electron correlation, and unprecedented tunability. Unlike in silicon, electrons in these materials exhibit enhanced correlations and tend to behave collectively, giving rise to a wide range of novel quantum phenomena—such as high-temperature superconductivity and the fractional quantum Hall effect—with immense potential for transformative applications.

In this talk, I will present our discovery of UOTe, a quasi-2D van der Waals material that exhibits intriguing Kondo lattice physics driven by the interaction between localized and itinerant electrons. Unlike traditional 3D Kondo lattices, the reduced dimensionality of UOTe enables a precise mapping of in-plane Kondo coupling anisotropy. Through quasi-particle interference imaging, we achieved the first observation of an unconventional d-wave Kondo phenomenon. This finding provides fresh insights into the half-century-old Kondo problem and highlights the potential of reduced-dimensional systems in uncovering novel correlated quantum phenomena. Finally, I will discuss how these discoveries open pathways for advancements in quantum materials, with potential applications in addressing societal challenges, such as clean energy and quantum computing.

Monday, February 17, 2025
Talk: 3:00 PM, Stevenson Center 4327
Light refreshments available in the lobby at 2:50 PM

Host: K Varga