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IRG Senior Participants:
Katja Nowack (Phys, co-leader), Dan Ralph (Phys, co-leader), Robert Buhrman (Appl Phys), Craig Fennie (Appl Phys),  Greg Fuchs (ApplPhys), Eun-Ah Kim (Phys), Kin Fai Mak (Phys), David Muller (ApplPhys), Farhan Rana (ElecE), Jie Shan (Appl Phys). 

Collaborators: Tomas Arias (Cornell), Sol Gruner (Cornell), Darrell Schlom (Cornell). Industrial Collaborators: Qualcomm, Samsung, Western Digital

The goal of our research is to discover, understand, and apply new mechanisms for controlling spins in magnetic devices. This field is important both because it is an area of rapid progress in fundamental materials physics (e.g., Berry phases, topological materials, and other effects of spin-orbit coupling) and because improved spin control can often be applied quickly for technology. We aim to provide the scientific foundations for energy-efficient nonvolatile memories with revolutionary capabilities and also frequency-agile nanoscale microwave oscillators extendable to THz frequencies.

The study and application of LCs stands as a central discipline of soft materials science, providing the conceptual framework for understanding and describing a wide variety of structural and dynamic behavior. IRG1 research is directed toward the creation, understanding, and application of novel soft materials with liquid crystal organization as an underlying theme, and is organized into three major project areas: Molecular/Macroscopic, Functional Liquid Crystal Assemblies, and Active Soft Interfaces.

•   Molecular/Macroscopic - This project focuses on the discovery of new LC structural paradigms; understanding the molecular origins of the macroscopic characteristics of LC systems; and the synthesis and physical evaluation of new materials designed to exhibit chosen features of LC molecular organization. Liquid crystalline systems investigated include helical nanofilament phases of bent-core LCs, colloidal LCs of inorganic molecular monolayer sheets, topological colloids, and chromonic LCs.

•   Functional Liquid Crystal Assemblies - The ordering and structural features of LC phases can be used to advantage in creating novel assemblies of molecules and other nanoscale objects with specific functionality. Investigations are being carried out on photopolymerized nanoporous room-temperature ionic LCs, active nematics, and nanoDNA LCs.

•  Active Soft Interfaces - A principal goal of this project is to develop and explore novel interfaces that can be used to probe interfacial structure and interactions, and be used to detect chemical environment. Research topics include using LC orientation as a sensitive biosensing tool with visual readout for sequence-selective detection of nucleic acids, using azo-SAMs to explore the photofluidization of glasses, and understanding the interplay of bulk and surface LC order.

Principal Investigators
Howard A. Stone (Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering)
Mikko Haataja (Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering)
Andrej Košmrlj  (Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering)

Seed start and end dates: March 1, 2017 - February 28, 2019

The next-generation materials will involve integration of self-assembly at multiple length scales and the ability to use experiments and theory, including continuum mechanics, physical chemistry, statistical physics, mesoscale modeling approaches and molecular-scale simulations, to understand and design the requisite structure-function relationships. For example, in the biological sciences it has been recognized recently that microphase separation can occur in an organized manner to allow multiphase coexistence, even in the absence of membranes. Furthermore, there are examples in the recent literature highlighting novel physics and structures made possible by manipulating the chemistry, swelling, wrinkling, and folding of thin soft materials. Also, this Seed has recently discovered novel composite structures formed by the wrapping and packing of spherical particles by long flexible fibers. Haataja, Košmrlj, and Stone proposed a Seed project highlighting hierarchical soft components built around strengths in soft materials science and engineering in the Princeton community, which has the potential to initiate a new, unique, and forward-looking IRG. Indeed, this activity led directly to preparation of a new IRG.

SuperSeed-8 Highlights
2019 (a) Phase behavior of multi-component liquid mixtures, (b) Electrostatically-driven spontaneous fiber wrapping

2018:  SuperSeed-8: Engineering of Structured Soft Materials

Principal Investigator
Leslie M. Schoop (Chemistry)

Seed start and end dates: September 1, 2017 - August 31, 2019

This seed will use chemical concepts to predict and synthesize new quantum materials. Research will focus on Dirac and Weyl materials as well as two dimensional magnetic material. With combining chemical concepts such as electron counting and bonding rules with ab initio calculations, this research will identify the best candidates that will then be grown in single crystalline form to investigate the physical properties. For these studies, this seed will work in close collaboration with other groups within the MRSEC.

Publications (also included with IRG-1 publications):

• L. M Schoop, F. Pielnhofer, and B.V Lotsch, “Chemical Principles of Topological Semimetals,” Chem. Mater., 30(10):3155–3176, 2018.
• J. Zhang, Y.-H. Chan, C.-K. Chiu, M.G. Vergniory, L.M. Schoop, A.P Schnyder, “Topological band crossings in hexagonal materials,” Phys. Rev. M, 2:074201, (2018).
• C.P. Weber, L.M. Schoop,, S.P Parkin, R.C. Newby, A. Nateprov, B. Lotsch, B.M. Krishna Mariserla, J.M. Kim, K.M Dani, H.A Bechtel, E. Arushanov, M. Ali, “Directly photoexcited Dirac and Weyl fermions in ZrSiS and NbAs,” Appl. Phys. Lett., 113 (22):221906, (2018).
• M.G. Vergniory, L. Elcoro, F. Orlandi, B. Balke, Y.H. Chan, J. Nus, A.P. Schnyder, and L.M. Schoop, “On the possibility of magnetic Weyl fermions in non-symmorphic compound PtFeSb,”Eur. Phys. J. B, 91:213, (2018).

Addresses light-matter interactions that lead to material properties not accessible in equilibrium. Phases and ordered states accessed via light-induced perturbations to energy landscapes, topological material behavior enabled by optical excitation, and formation of exotic quantum phases are explored to provide new understanding of and control over optically responsive materials. Research advances in this IRG are expected to lead to new understanding of material behavior accessible and controllable using temporally structured light, with potential applications in a broad range of technologies for communications and information processing.

The traditional home for research on materials at the University of Pennsylvania (PENN) is the Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter (LRSM). The LRSM is an autonomous entity, with its own building and laboratory space, which was created specifically to foster collaborative, interdisciplinary research on the PENN campus. The LRSM receives funding from PENN and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at PENN. The principal investigator on the NSF grant is Arjun G. Yodh, Director of the LRSM. The MRSEC provides core support for selected Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs) and seed projects to pursue a range of fundamental materials problems, involving collaborations with industry and National Laboratories. In addition, the LRSM is developing new-shared experimental facilities (SEFs) both in-house and at National Laboratories. The LRSM is also helping to sustain SEFs that are vital tools for the local materials research community. The LRSM maintains a broad range of innovative educational outreach activities to the materials community, local colleges, and high schools. The LRSM runs a vigorous summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, with a special emphasis on participation by women and under-represented groups.

Senior Investigators: J. Kent Blasie & P. Leslie Dutton IRG co-leaders; William F. DeGrado, Bohdana M. Discher, Jeffrey G. Saven, Michael J. Therien, & A. Joshua Wand

IRG-4 draws on the rich biological resource of atomic-level structures & functional mechanisms to guide design & synthesis of novel proteins as modular nano-scale materials. These adaptable self-assembling modules will be constructed to couple light-energy to conservative oxidative & reductive catalysis. These modular designed proteins have no peers in material science.

Senior Investigators:

Shu Yang & Arjun G. Yodh

IRG Leaders; Christopher S. Chen, John C.Crocker, Paul A. Janmey, Tom C. Lubensky, Karen I. Winey

IRG-1 will draw on expertise from five departments & collaborate to explore & understand the properties of filamentous networks. The goal is to design & synthesize responsive network materials. The ultimate aim is to create a new class of materials & associated technologies by combining knowledge about filamentous networks with control of responsive gels or gel elstrongents.

The University of Washington Molecular Engineering Materials Center, an NSF MRSEC, executes fundamental materials research that aims to push the frontiers of science and accelerate the emergence of future advanced technologies.

The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara, also referred to as the Materials Research Laboratory (MRL) serves as an innovation engine for discoveries in new materials. The MRL is home to a scientific and engineering community that creates new collective knowledge and fosters the next generation of scientific leaders. By enabling modern technological advances, the high-impact research conducted within the MRSEC program at UCSB has enormous societal payoff and is shaping the future of technology, the environment, and medicine.

The MRSEC at UCSB addresses fundamental problems in materials science and engineering that are critical to the future economic growth of the United States. Current areas of interest include the support of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary materials research and education of the highest quality in the areas of self-assembling materials for new adhesives and materials for hostile biological and underwater environments inspired by the common mussel. By examining the unique properties of complex oxides prepared with unprecedented perfection and purity, the MRSEC also aims to develop new microelectronic materials that complement and even out-perform existing Si-based systems. New strategies for materials that will significantly advance energy and environmental applications are a key focus of the MRSEC at UCSB. Studies designed to open up the science and engineering of robust and stable two-phase nanoscopic materials with unprecedented magnetic, radiation-resistance and thermal transport properties will push the US to the forefront of these technologies. A prime driver behind the research activities of the UCSB Materials Research Laboratory is to address problems of a scope and complexity requiring the advantages of scale and interdisciplinarity that can only be provided by a campus-based research center.

Outstanding Shared Experimental Facilities play a fundamentally important role in the research of all MRL programs and additionally, broadly impact the materials research community at UCSB, local and national companies, and government laboratories. Expanding these highly successful facilities and technology outreach programs are a major focus of future growth. An innovative approach to engaging with industry allows the MRSEC to develop productive partnerships which have resulted in numerous start-up companies and collaborative programs with major corporations. These partnerships will continue to be an economic engine for California and the United States. The MRSEC is also committed to maintaining the prominence of materials research in the United States through an integrated international outreach program that offers a portfolio of opportunities for 2-way exchange of knowledge and researchers. Recognizing the importance of Education and Human Resources, the MRSEC operates an ambitious and award winning effort with a focus on K-12, and teacher development, including specific programs designed to encourage members of underrepresented groups to consider careers in STEM disciplines. The goal is to ignite curiosity through hands-on experience, thereby fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers.