Joe Checkelsky– Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Title: Natural Superlattice Design of Modulated Superconductors

Abstract: Connecting theoretical models for exotic quantum states to real materials is a key goal in quantum materials synthesis.  Two-dimensional model systems have been proposed to host a wide variety of exotic phases- historically a number of techniques have been used to realize these including thin film growth and mechanical exfoliation.  We describe here our recent progress in experimentally realizing 2D model systems using bulk crystal synthesis including modulated superconducting states.  We discuss their structures and the new phenomena that they support.  We comment on the perspective for realizing further 2D model systems in complex material structures and their connections to other methods for realizing 2D systems.

Speaker bio: Professor Checkelsky joined the Department of Physics at MIT as an assistant professor in January 2014. He received his B.S. in Physics in 2004 from Harvey Mudd College and Ph.D. in Physics in 2010 from Princeton University. Before coming to MIT, Professor Checkelsky did postdoctoral work at Japan’s Institute for Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) and held the position of lecturer at the University of Tokyo. He was promoted to associate professor in 2019 and in 2020 named a Mitsui Career Development Professor in Contemporary Technology, an appointment he will hold until 2023.