Speaker: Dr. Serena Eley, the University of Washington Time: 10:00-11:00am Location: BRIM 311 Abstract: In superconductors, the motion of vortices introduces unwanted dissipation that is disruptive to applications, for example, limiting the current-carrying capacity in wires and causing energy losses in microwave circuits.  Fortunately, material defects can immobilize vortices, acting as vortex pinning centers, which engenders […]

Speaker: Dr. Susanne Stemmer, Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara Time: Location: BRIM 311 Abstract: Bulk cadmium arsenide (Cd3As2) hosts topologically non-trivial bands in its electronic structure.  In thin films, it can be engineered to a variety of new topological phases.  In this talk, we will discuss topological and correlated insulator states in high-quality quantum […]

Speaker: Ashutosh Singh, UBC Time: 10:00-11:00am Location: BRIM 311 Abstract: I will begin with a pedagogical overview of the recently identified magnetic class known as altermagnets, placing them in context alongside conventional ferromagnets and antiferromagnets. I will then present my research on investigating chiral magnons in the metallic altermagnet CrSb. This will include a discussion of […]

Speaker: Joseph Maciejko, University of Alberta Time: 10:00-11:00am Location: BRIM 311 Title: Topological Landau Theory Abstract: I will discuss a notion of topology “hidden” in Landau’s theory of phase transitions. When the order parameter comprises several components in the same irreducible representation of symmetry, it can possess a nontrivial topology and acquire a Berry phase under […]

Speaker: Janez Bonča, University of Ljubljana Time: 10:00-11:00am Location: BRIM 311 Title: Signature of preformed pairs in angle-resolved two-electron coincidence photoemission Abstract: We employ density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) and variational exact diagonalization (VED) to compute single- and two-electron removal spectra of the Hubbard–Holstein model at low electron densities. By tuning electron–phonon coupling and Hubbard repulsion, […]

Speaker: Ismail El Baggari, UBC Time: 10:00-11:00am Location: BRIM 311 Title: Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) now routinely resolves the atomic structure and chemistry of materials with sub-angstrom resolution. Recent advances in instrumentation further allow spatially resolved mapping of subtle, picometer-scale atomic shifts that underpin emergent functional properties. In ferroelectrics, for example, polarization arises from tiny […]

Speaker: Brad Ramshaw, Cornell University Time: 10:00-11:00am Location: BRIM 311 Title: Phonons with a Twist: Measuring the Phonon Hall Viscosity in a Proposed Quantum Spin Liquid Abstract: The thermal Hall effect, where a temperature gradient develops perpendicular to both a heat current and an applied magnetic field, has emerged unexpectedly in a wide range of insulating […]

Speaker: Ralf Drautz, Ruhr-Universität Bochum Time: 10:00-11:00am Location: BRIM 311 Title: Foundational Graph Atomic Cluster Expansion for Atomistic Thermodynamic and Kinetic Simulation Abstract: The atomic-scale simulation of technological materials requires a departure from task-specific approximations toward universal foundations capable of generalizing across diverse chemistries. While first-principles methods offer the necessary accuracy, they lack the scalability required […]

Speaker: Pavel Kornilovich, Oregon State University Time: 10:00-11:00am Location: BRIM 311 Title: Real-Space Superconductivity: Schafroth, Bipolarons, Cuprates Abstract: The idea that superconductivity might arise from the condensation of real-space electron pairs was proposed by Swiss physicist Robert Schafroth several years before the development of BCS theory. Although this concept is now known as Bose-Einstein-condensation superconductivity, Schafroth’s contributions are […]

Speaker: Ian Fisher, Stanford University Time: 10:00-11:00am Location: BRIM 311 Title: High rank multipole order: feeling the strain Abstract: Interactions can lead to a wide variety of ordered states in materials. Phase transitions in which local atomic states develop spontaneous high rank multipole order provides a particularly rich arena for new insights. A key element in […]

Speaker: Leslie M. Schoop – Department of Chemistry - Princeton University Time: 10:00-11:00am Location: BRIM 311 Title: Which Material is worth Studying? (from the viewpoint of quantum materials) Abstract: Quantum materials are hoped to change technology in various aspects. However, most of the desired applications are hindered by the lack of suitable materials. While we know […]

Speaker: James Day, UBC Blusson QMI Time: 10:00-11:00am Location: BRIM 311 Title: Belonging at QMI: What Our Community Told Us Abstract: In fall 2025, members of the QMI community were invited to share their experiences of equity, inclusion, and belonging at the institute. This presentation summarizes preliminary findings from survey responses across our community. The results […]