Texas State researcher to study quantum properties of exotic materials under Department of Defense grant

Nikoleta Theodoropoulou, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Physics at Texas State University, has received a U.S. Department of Defense grant to research the potential of exotic materials for use in cutting-edge technologies.  

The four-year, $800,000 award will support research focused on understanding the fundamental physics of transitional metal oxides (perovskite oxides) when coupled with silicon. The interaction of these materials holds the potential for exotic quantum properties at the atomic and sub-atomic levels, such as ferroelectricity, multiferroicity and unconventional superconductivity. 

“Beyond the impact this research may have on basic scientific knowledge, the potential of augmenting silicon with the multifunctionality of perovskite oxides promises tremendous benefit for technological applications,” Theodoropoulou said. “The proposed research can enable a novel approach for developing quantum materials and quantum devices, or by delivering novel device concepts that could have an impact in semiconductor applications.” 

Theodoropoulou will explore the possibility of growing oxide layers and nanostructures on silicon and utilizing such quantum-level effects as spin-orbit coupling, electron-electron interactions and superconductivity. Her research will also investigate the growth and structure of correlated oxides grown by oxide molecular beam epitaxy on silicon as they relate to the quantum electronic properties of the specialized semiconductor structures, known as heterostructures. 

The research efforts will provide training for the next generation of scientists and technical experts from diverse backgrounds that can inspire out-of-the box thinking and training.