Magnetism and superconductivity in oxides

Complex oxides such as perovskite manganese oxides (manganites) and high critical temperature (T_c) cuprate superconductors form one of the most fascinating systems in condensed matter physics due to the challenges they pose to our understanding of fundamental phenomena and the potential for applications. Competing ground states are characteristic to these materials. Combined with the built in disorder found in such multi-element compounds, these competing ground states give rise to the inherent complexity and the unique properties of these materials

Our research projects are organized to (1) find the underlying mechanisms, which lead to the above phenomena and (2) fabricate preliminary device structures, which utilize the unique properties of transition metal oxides such as manganites. We grow our samples by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The bulk properties of these materials are then measured using x-ray diffraction, resistivity, and magnetization measurements. To unravel the physical principles leading to these properties, we need to relate the bulk properties to the microscopic properties. We investigate the microscopic properties using atomic and magnetic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and fabricated nanostructures. Our research is currently focused on phenomena such as phase separation and multiferroism in manganites. Follow this link for detailed descriptions.