Professor Maia Vergniory leads pioneering research at Université de Sherbrooke in topological quantum materials, poised to revolutionise quantum technology and drive interdisciplinary innovation.
Navigating the 21st century, our reliance on silicon-based technology faces significant challenges due to intrinsic physical barriers. The size of atoms imposes constraints on device miniaturisation: Addressing these problems could demand a departure from silicon, the fundamental building block of contemporary devices. The use of other categories of more efficient materials, such as quantum materials, is therefore essential. Advances in these areas will help develop environmentally friendly technologies, addressing pressing issues of climate change and energy demand. However, discovering which compounds are suitable for quantum applications, among the tens of thousands of chemically stable compounds, has always been a daunting task. Overcoming the challenge of discovering workable quantum materials is key to developing new quantum technologies.
Canada Excellence Research Chair
This challenge is being met head-on by the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Topological Quantum Matter, led by Professor Maia Vergniory at the Université de Sherbrooke, one of Canada’s top ten research universities¹ and a pioneer in quantum technology. Backed by a major grant of $4m over eight years, the CERC enables Professor Vergniory and her team to pursue ambitious research aiming to advance quantum materials science through the development of topological quantum chemistry to discover topological materials.
Professor Maia Vergniory holds a prominent position in the global field of quantum condensed matter. Her remarkable achievements include co-creating topological quantum chemistry (TQC), a new research field, twice gracing the cover of the prestigious journal Nature for her highly cited scientific papers, and earning significant recognition for her contributions to science, such as the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award in 2017, and being named a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 2022.
The Université de Sherbrooke’s Institut quantique (IQ), an establishment recognised worldwide as a leader in the field of quantum science with state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry connections, provides an ideal environment for Professor Vergniory’s interdisciplinary research. Her team, comprising talented students and researchers, focuses on theoretical and simulation-based studies to design new quantum devices and materials. These efforts contribute to advancements in quantum sensing, fault-tolerant quantum computing, and other cutting-edge technologies. The IQ’s unique interdisciplinary quantum research environment will facilitate the transition from theory to experimentation.
Exploring new quantum materials through Topological Quantum Chemistry
Professor Vergniory is a trailblazer in the field of topological quantum chemistry, a discipline that merges quantum mechanics with materials science. It provides a clear path to understanding the electronic structures of materials by connecting their topological properties with their chemical and orbital symmetries, using both graph and group theory. This new framework enhances our understanding of materials like topological insulators and semimetals by unifying the chemists’ focus on local bonding and interactions with the physicists’ emphasis on electronic band structures. It allows us to classify and predict topological phases, aiding the discovery of new topological materials. These recently discovered materials exhibit unique electronic properties, featuring insulating interiors and conductive surfaces that are highly resistant to defects and interactions. Such characteristics hold immense potential for applications in a variety of fields.
Bridging theory and practical applications
Currently, the transition of topological materials towards quantum technologies is in its infancy. Professor Vergniory’s goal is to stimulate this transition by discovering new functional topological materials. This highly interdisciplinary project sits at the nexus of physics, chemistry, and computer science. Using topological quantum chemistry, her team has already identified that, among the materials in the Inorganic Crystal Structure Database (ICSD) – the largest repository of fully identified inorganic crystal structures – about 50% display topological properties. The electronic structure and topological properties of these materials have been uploaded to a public website.
Despite this success, much work remains, and topological quantum chemistry has thus far relied on Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, which fail in materials with strong electronic correlations. An important objective is to incorporate electronic correlations into the theory and to bridge TQC-based materials discovery with the design of technologically useful devices. This involves developing new theoretical and numerical frameworks to study the electronic and magnetic properties of real materials in low dimensions and designing new metamaterials.
“It’s very exciting because we are pushing the limits of knowledge,” stated the researcher. “There are still many questions remaining, and we have no idea what the outcome will be.”
The unique properties of topological materials enable a range of transformative applications. Their robust electronic states can enhance the efficiency of microelectronic components, improve the performance of catalysts, refine thermoelectric converters, and lead to the development of innovative magnetic storage media. By incorporating electronic correlations into topological quantum chemistry, Professor Vergniory aims to unlock the potential of quantum materials with strong electronic interactions, such as high-temperature superconductors, further expanding the scope of quantum technologies while contributing to the creation of eco-friendly technologies.
A vision for the future
The Université de Sherbrooke’s excellence in research and strategic investments in quantum technologies make it a prime candidate for international partnerships. The university’s successful track record in securing funding from prestigious programmes like the CERC underscores its capability to lead ambitious projects that address global challenges. By highlighting Professor Vergniory’s groundbreaking work, the Université de Sherbrooke invites researchers and institutions worldwide to collaborate in advancing the frontiers of science and technology. Moreover, Professor Vergniory is recruiting students to join her research group.
Her work epitomises the university’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and interdisciplinary research. It is not just a step forward in theoretical materials science but a leap towards practical, sustainable technology solutions for the future, opening the way to hitherto unforeseen areas of science.
For more information or to discuss partnering with our innovative university, please contact us at research@usherbrooke.ca.
References
- According to Research Infosource (Top 50 Research Universities 2023)
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