Condensed Matter

The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (SBQMI) is UBC’s venture into research of materials and phenomena explicitly involving quantum mechanics. The main research thrust is focused on Quantum Materials, whose physical properties – as a direct manifestation of many-body quantum-mechanical interactions – embody the central unresolved questions challenging the field of modern condensed matter physics.

Quantum Materials exhibit a wide range of scientifically fascinating and technologically important phenomena, including high-temperature superconductivity, colossal magnetoresistance, topological effects, myriad forms of magnetism and ferroelectricity. Devices fabricated from quantum materials are driving technological advances that hold enormous potential to revolutionize consumer electronics, telecommunications, renewable energy, and next-generation computing. SBQMI offers competitive and generous stipends for graduate students through its QuEST program.

Research topics in SBQMI are grouped around five themes:

1. Atomic level design of novel quantum materials
2. Emergent electronic phenomena at interfaces
3. Topologically protected quantum states
4. Photonic manipulation of quantum states
5. Novel materials for sustainable energy   

Some experimental techniques employed by SBQMI researchers are illustrated below:

(Image courtesy of Christopher Gutierrez)