Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The proposed research and HQP training programs in physics of classical and quantum materials under extreme pressure and temperature conditions represent a continuation of current projects and new research initiatives. The program is comprised of four main long-term research goals: (a) unravel novel dense phases in classical and quantum materials which may present unusual physical properties at extreme conditions, achieved by the extensive use of diamond anvil cell techniques (b) compare the experimentally measured physical properties of novel dense phases of materials with computationally simulated properties to refine both the experimental results and computational modelling (c) make an intensive use of synchrotron radiation to probe dense materials (d) develop innovative experimental methods, devices, and nanosensors necessary to probe condensed matter submitted to extreme conditions. As short-term goals during the next granting period, we will (i) study the physical properties of dense 2D and quasi-2D quantum systems including van der Walls intercalated materials with the main, but not exclusive, focus on the exploration of BN and C based solids at extreme conditions. In this case, the use of extreme temperature and pressure is meant to induce changes of the optical/electronic response by tuning atomic interactions in the solid state for potentially useful applications in electronics and sensing (ii) pursue the exploration of conditions for the synthesis of novel binary compounds formed by nitrogen mixed with elements and other simple molecules, using pressure to induce unconventional bonding at high density (iii) carry out a systematic study of the conditions for binary compound formation and the physical properties of these novel dense van der Waals solids as innovative solid state energy storage systems and novel nitride phases with uncommon stoichiometry and unusual physical properties (iv) pursue the development of a new method for the study of quantum materials at extreme conditions. i.e., THz time-domain spectroscopy at high pressure using femtosecond laser-based radiation sources (v) grow diamond and diamond-like materials with controlled impurity level and crystalline microstructure by chemical vapour deposition to produce functionalized doped diamond nanosensors and diamond-embedded microcircuitry, both central to achieving extreme conditions, probing electrical and magnetic properties of high-density materials and developing accurate metrology. In addition to using instrumentation in our laboratory and core research facilities at uOttawa, the proposed program will largely take advantage of synchrotron radiation facilities with national and international collaborators. Our proposed program and research environment, designed to be accessible and inclusive, will provide a highly motivating and comprehensive training for students and postdoctoral fellows.