Functional oxides

Quantum materials
We investigate the properties of oxide quantum matter in low-dimensions, aiming to engineer and harness their unique properties. In particular, we use the Rashba spin-orbit coupling (SOC) of interfacial 2-dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) to achieve spin-charge interconversion, with record efficiencies. We also explore the interaction of SOC with superconductivity with a view towards topological superconductivity. Finally, we introduce ferroic orders in 2DEGs to achieve non-volatile functionalities for beyond CMOS.

Multiferroics
The “Multiferroics” research topic is dedicated to the physics of the coupling between epitaxial stresses, polar order and magnetic order in functional oxide thin films. We exploit magnetoelectric coupling for deterministic control of antiferromagnetic textures by an electric field in multiferroic films. We aim to produce neuromorphic devices from ferroelectric, antiferroelectric and relaxor ultrathin films.

Nickelates compounds
The family of rare-earth (R) nickelates compounds exhibit an astonishing array of electronic and magnetic phenomena. On the one hand, superconductivity was recently discovered (2019) in the layered compound when hole-doped (RNiO2), but is still poorly reproducible. Therefore, we are currently focused on improving the challenging synthesis of such superconducting phase, with the goal of attaining a precise control over it and eventually fabricate nanodevices. On the other hand, the perovskite phase (RNiO3) shows a highly tuneable metal-insulator transition. We aim at achieving an active control on the metal-insulator transition temperature by strain engineering, which could enable the use of these compounds for applications in infrared camouflage.