Date: June 22, 2022

Time: 2:30 pm

Location: ABB 102

Guest: Dr. Pat Clancy, Assistant Professor
Physics and Astronomy
McMaster University

Title: Living on the (absorption) edge: exploring quantum materials with resonant x-rays

Abstract:
X-ray beams provide a powerful tool for investigating the structure of materials on an atomic level.  The beams produced by modern synchrotron x-ray sources, such as the Advanced Photon Source and the Canadian Light Source, offer even more exciting possibilities - with precise and highly tuneable control of x-ray energy and polarization.  In particular, these beams can be tuned to specific atomic resonances to enable studies of magnetism (Resonant Magnetic X-ray Scattering) or the characteristic excitations of materials (Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering).  In this talk, I will describe how we can take advantage of these resonant x-ray scattering techniques to explore the structural, magnetic, and electronic properties of novel quantum materials such as iridates (e.g. Sr2IrO4 and Li2IrO3) and magnetic skyrmion materials (e.g. Co8Zn8Mn4).