Dr. Dennis Huang
Max-Planck Institute for Solid State Research
Heisenbergstrasse 1
D-70569 Stuttgart
Germany
Ph.: +49 (0)711 689 1535
Fax: +49 (0)711 689 1502
eMail: d.huang@fkf.mpi-stuttgart.mpg.de
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Research profile: Quantum materials at the nanoscale
Solid-state crystals provide a platform for electrons to manifest many-body effects and settle into exotic ground states. We pursue a fundamental understanding of emergent phases of electrons. At the same time, we strive to (or more often, serendipitously) uncover functional properties that could form the basis for possible long-term applications. My research activities in the Department of Quantum Materials consist of three pillars:
1. Quantum materials: Electrons in quantum materials can behave in such peculiar ways as to invoke concepts beyond semiclassical approximations, such as topology, fractionalization, or entanglement. Sometimes, we seek to realize a conjectured phase of electrons that has been predicted decades ago, but remains elusive in actual materials. Other times, we try to make sense of existing materials with puzzling electronic properties through fresh experiments and insights.
2. Material science: Quantum materials with physical properties of interest are often chemically complex, involving unusual valence states or extreme air sensitivity. On one hand, we spend much effort to prepare pristine materials and interfaces. On the other hand, we sometimes embrace the role of defects as tools, e.g., to modify the stacking configuration of layered van der Waals materials through non-stoichiometry, or enhance strain transmission in thin films through domain boundaries.
3. Nanoscale engineering and visualization: We employ state-of-the-art techniques from nanoscience to probe quantum materials. This includes the fabrication of nanomaterials through bottom-up epitaxy or top-down exfoliation, as well as nanoscale imaging through scanning probe microscopy. We collaborate with other experts at the institute for transmission electron microscopy and photoemission electron microscopy.
Research highlights
