Physics and potential for quantum technologies of KTaO3 two-dimensional electron gases

This project aims to investigate the quantum-level physical properties of potassium tantalate, a crystalline substance that demonstrates the ability to generate superconductivity through two-dimensional electron gases that form between thin films of potassium tantalate and an insulator. This superconductivity is interesting because it seems to only be present in thin films and not in bulk potassium tantalate crystals (i.e. shaped crystals at a 3-5cm scale) and is able to be generated at relatively higher temperatures than other similar substances (such as strontium titanate). This substance has the potential to advance our ability to create technologies in spintronics and topological quantum computation.

Supporting mechanism: UChicago-CNRS PhD Joint Programme

Active dates: July 1, 2025-June 30, 2027

Europe
Particles, Molecules, & the Universe
Peter Littlewood

Chair, Department of Physics

Professor, Department of Physics, James Franck Institute, and the College

Fellow, Institute of Molecular Engineering

The University of Chicago

Manuel Bibes

Research Director, Laboratoire Albert Fert (CNRS/Thales/Université Paris Saclay)

CNRS