Theory of correlated quantum materials
The Hubbard model is one of the most important concepts for correlated quantum materials, a simple set of rules that helps us understand how electrons behave when they strongly interact with each other. Even though the model looks simple on paper, it can give rise to incredibly rich behaviour, including magnetism and superconductivity, and can describe a wide range of real quantum materials.
In our research, we explore how the single-particle electronic structure (t), a quantity that describes how electrons move within a system, can control the collective behaviour of electrons when in the presence of strong electron-electron interactions. For example to identify the conditions required to stabilise unconventional superconductivity.
We explore a wide range of phenomena associated with this model, from self energy interactions, influence of Hunds coupling and non-local interactions, importance of fermiology. As well as develop methods to map these parameters to material specific models that can be used to understand real materials.
Structural control of correlated phases
Utilising a combination of ab-initio methods and functional renormalisation group theory techniques, we aim to identify structural routes to manipulate and control the correlated ground state of real quantum materials.
We use a variety of computational methods to study correlated quantum materials, including density functional theory (VASP or Quantum Espresso) to get an approximation for the single-particle electronic structure, as well as understand how subtle structural details influence the electronic properties incorporating chemical bonding effects which are important to understand the electronic and superconducting properties of materials under pressure as well as surfaces and interfaces.
PRM,8,044801 (2024)
Theory of experimental measurements on correlated quantum materials
Experimental measurements are the best way to understand quantum materials. However, sometimes the data that is measured is obscured by complex processes and experimental artifacts. Understanding these artifacts allows us to extract deeper insight into correlated quantum materials and unlocks a closer, quantitative comparison between theory and experiment.
We closely interface with experimental methods in the study of correlated quantum materials, in particular, work on developing new methods to simulate and understand experimental measurements, in particular Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and Scanning tunnelling microscopy, see, for example, the open-source software CalcQPI (https://scipost.org/SciPostPhysCodeb.61).
Latest News from The RhodesLab
- We’re hiring!
We’re very happy to share that the RhodesLab is hiring a postdoctoral researcher to join us in St Andrews. https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/6878/0/462146/889/research-fellow-ar3225 The postholder will play a central role in the RhodesLab, to research the mechanisms behind unconventional superconductors and other correlated electron states in real quantum materials, working across many-body theory, electronic structure simulation, and collaboration Continue reading “https://rhodes.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/wp-content/themes/gridd” - Today marks the official launch of the RhodesLab!
With the support of a 5-year EPSRC Open Fellowship, the group will focus on developing theory and experiment-driven understanding of unconventional superconductors and strongly correlated electron systems. PhD and Postdoctoral opportunities will be coming early next year, so if you’re interested please get in touch! Excited to begin this next chapter at the University of Continue reading “https://rhodes.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/wp-content/themes/gridd” - Fantastic new Quantum Technologies Animation
The Scottish Quantum Arc (https://quantum-tech-alliance.co.uk/) has just produced a public friendly animation on quantum mechanics! If you’re interested in learning about the concepts of quantum superposition, wave-particle duality and the collapse of the wavefunction, check this out! It was designed animated and scripted by Emma Rhodes, an incredibly talented animator, see her work here -> Continue reading “https://rhodes.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/wp-content/themes/gridd”
Home | Research | Publications | The Group | Join Us
RhodesLab
