Our current research interest focuses primarily on novel magnetic materials, newly discovered 2D materials, and other unique quantum materials, including recently discovered topological insulators, Skyrmions, and magnetic Weyl semi-metals.
We are presently researching a few main topics in this area: half-metallic ferromagnets, caloric materials, permanent magnets, atomic-scale design of 2D and 3D layered heterostructures, and topological quantum materials. Each area focused on a potentially useful class of materials that can have a profound impact on electronics (i.e., spintronics in the case of nano and thin films, room-temperature solid-state refrigeration in the case of caloric systems, wind energy and hybrid vehicles in the case of high-performance permanent magnets). Keeping this as the central theme, we would like to build a robust research program in the area of magnetism and study their electronic, magnetic, and optical properties, with a vision for the “development of novel functional materials for energy application.”
We are particularly interested in magnetic, themodynamics, electrical, and thermal transport phenomena of bulk and thin films nano-structure multifunctional materials, phase transformations, and their related physical properties. We are always looking for motivated students to involve in one of the ongoing research projects. Working on project students will get an understanding of basic science and prepare for their future academic and industry career. Students will also learn materials design principles and will involve in various materials characterization techniques. Currently, we are focusing on the synthesis of materials by arc melting, melt-spinner, ball milling, magnetron sputtering, and high-temperature annealing and sintering techniques. We use x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopy, and physical property measurement systems (PPMS, DynaCool) to study phase analysis, microstructure, magnetic, thermodynamic, electrical, and magneto-optical properties (all equipped in-house).
