Program Description The Condensed Matter Physics program seeks to investigate modern directions in the fundamental physics of condensed matter. The ultimate goal is to lead discoveries of new states of matter and understanding of fundamental phenomena towards exploitation and engineering of electronic, magnetic and photonic properties for future disruptive capabilities that are of critical interest to the U.S. Air and Space Forces.
Basic Research ObjectivesThis program pursues balanced experimental and theoretical studies, aimed at discovery and understanding of new matter states and phase transitions in both equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions, as well as understanding of their properties. The topics of interest include but are not limited to the following: Topological phases and states: The topological states in electronic materials provide protections to physical properties, for example, conductivity and spin. The interest of this topic includes prediction and discovery of interacting topological materials, new approaches for identifying topological states and effects, and characterization and understanding of defects, e.g. dislocation, in topological phases. The prediction and realization of high temperature topological states is of particular interest. Strongly correlated systems: Strongly correlated systems exhibit complex types of ordering and multifunctional properties arising from the subtle interplay between competing degrees of freedom in a near degenerate energy landscape. The interest of this topic includes prediction and realization of correlated electronic topological phases, control and modulation of electronic correlation in heterostructures, new theoretical approaches for strongly correlated systems, and unique methods of probing emergent phenomena associated with strong correlation. Quantum phase transitions: Understanding quantum critical points is a stepping stone to understanding important phenomena in many condensed matter systems, such as high-temperature superconductivity, heavy fermions, and quantum magnetism. This thrust seeks experimental efforts in identifying quantum critical points, exploring phase diagrams, and probing the dynamics of physical properties near quantum critical points in model systems. Studies of physical properties (spin, charge, thermal transport), and effects of chemical doping and strain on quantum criticality are of particular interest. This program does not focus on the synthesis or applications of high TC superconductors, metamaterials, or device physics. You are strongly encouraged to contact our Program Officer before developing a full proposal to discuss your ideas, your proposed methods, the scope of your proposed effort, as well as the resources required for a three (3) to five (5) year effort.
SolicitationBAA
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Contact InformationDr. JIWEI LUAFOSR/RTB1CMPhysics@us.af.mil