Our research focuses on exploring how the behavior nanoscale ferroic materials can be influenced through geometric patterning or confinement and through interactions across interfaces. We aim to explore and control the formation of novel distributions of spin in magnetic nanostructures, for example skyrmions in nanoscale magnetic disks and magnetic monopole defects in artificial spin ices, as well as flux-closure and metastable domains in ferroelectric nanostructures.
We are also exploring how confinement and charged defects affect the charge transport behavior in resistance switching oxides, by visualizing the 3D distribution of conducting filaments and by creating artificial resistance switching networks.
Another area of interest is linking structure, composition and function in optical nanocomposites, which have potential applications as X-ray imaging plates and as coatings for solar cells.
We make extensive use of in-situ 3D microscopy, for example using aberration-corrected Lorentz transmission electron microscopy to explore the local behavior at the nanoscale. For example to understand how magnetic domains respond to external stimuli such as magnetic fields and temperature, and to understand the transport behavior in nanoscale oxide networks. We also develop the three-dimensional analysis and imaging techniques that we use. Much of our research is carried out at Argonne National Lab in Chicago, where we have access to a range of unique capabilities.
Our research is fundamental but has potential applications in information storage technology.