Magnetoelastic coupling in novel quantum spin liquids

A quantum spin liquid (QSL) is a type of magnetic material in which the spins of the electrons are highly quantum entangled. This phase of matter has particularly exotic quasi-particles – ways of increasing the energy of the system that resemble quantum particles, but also have novel properties as compared to those we are accustomed to observing in our universe. In some cases these quasi-particles have properties that make them potentially useful for encoding quantum information. Discovering and understanding new QSLs is one of the major challenges of the field of condensed matter physics and has the potential to reshape our approach to technologies such as quantum computing. In this project, the intern will travel from Université Paris-Saclay to the Université de Sherbrooke to carry out sound velocity measurements on potential QSL materials. The goal is to understand how their quasi-particles couple to the crystal lattice, to assess in what ranges of magnetic field and temperature spin entanglement is present and to complement his work at Paris-Saclay using magnetic resonance on related materials.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jeffrey Quilliam

Student:

Partner:

Université Paris-Saclay

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Sherbrooke

Program: