Ab initio Unveiling of Relativistic ORdered phAses (AURORA)
Abstract :
"In condensed matter physics, "hidden-order" phases exhibit sharp transitions without a clearly identifiable order parameter, while quantum spin liquids defy magnetic order through quantum entanglement, hosting fractional excitations and emergent gauge fields. Both can arise from the intricate interplay of spin–orbit coupling and electron correlations, the former realized in 5d double perovskites and the latter proposed in dipole–octupole pyrochlores.
This project explores how doping can reveal and tune elusive hidden-order phases in 5d¹/5d² double perovskites, and whether Ce-based pyrochlores truly host U(1) quantum spin liquids emerging from the unique dipole–octupole character of their ground state multiplet. Using advanced first-principles and model-Hamiltonian methods, we aim to understand the underlying physics, uncover experimental signatures and develop design principles for realizing these exotic quantum states.
The research will be carried out by the PI in collaboration with a PhD student.
