Public Abstract

DE-SC0019443: Programmable Quantum Materials (Pro-QM)

Award Status: Active

Institution: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York (Morningside Campus), New York, NY
UEI: F4N1QNPB95M4
PM: Sefat, Athena

Most Recent Award Date: 05/26/2026
Number of Support Periods: 8
PI: Basov, Dmitri

Current Budget Period: 08/01/2025 - 01/31/2027
Current Project Period: 08/01/2022 - 01/31/2027

Public Abstract

Title: Programmable Quantum Materials (Pro-QM) Energy Research Frontiers Center (EFRC) Pro-QM EFRC Director: D.N. Basov, Professor of Physics, Columbia University Co-Investigators and participating organizations: Columbia University: A. Asenjo-Garcia, C.R. Dean, M. Delor, J. Hone, M. Lipson, J. McIver, A.J. Millis, X. Roy, A. Pasupathy, R. Quieroz, P.J. Shuck, X.Y. Zhu; Brookhaven National Laboratory: V. Bisogni, M. Liu; University of Washington: J.-H. Chu, D.H. Cobden, M. Yankowitz, A. Velian, D. Xiao, X. Xu. Quantum materials (QMs) combine electronic interactions, topology, and dimensionality to produce remarkable macroscopic observables. The Energy Frontiers Research Center on Programmable Quantum Materials (Pro-QM) aims to discover, characterize and deploy new forms of quantum matter controllable by light, gating, magnetic proximity, electromagnetic environment and nano-mechanical manipulation, effectively programming their quantum properties. These objectives are fully aligned with the DOE mission. Programmable QMs are central to fulfilling the promise of quantum technology for disruptive advances in information processing, transfer, and sensing, because they enable currently unattainable properties and functions. Pro-QM will focus van der Waals (vdW) layered solids revealing a vast portfolio of electronic, magnetic and photonic properties and enabling a new generation of heterostructures with an unprecedented degree of in operando controllability. The specific research thrusts of Pro-QM are: i) to create, image and utilize interacting topological states in quantum materials with emphasis on dynamic manipulation; ii) to engineer correlated phases in QMs with new forms of electronic/magnetic order and to create interacting light-matter interfaces hosting quantum effects down to the single-photon level. Pro-QM will develop and implement strategies for transforming QMs into desired states with on demand quantum properties beyond the reach of common semiconductors or metals. Our ambitious but concrete goals rely on two cross-cutting themes: a) tailored materials, assemblies and architectures, and b) the development of transformative quantum nano-imaging methods harnessing entangled photon pairs. The impact. The goals of Pro-QM EFRC are daring in their experimental and intellectual reach and promise disruptive impact on the DOE Grand Challenges for fundamental energy research. A concerted EFRC effort is imperative for making the desired leaps. On-demand topological transitions and in operando controlled electronic, magnetic and photonic properties employing reconfigurable quantum interfaces will establish new classes of phenomena and possibilities. The on-demand strategy pursued by Pro-QM will bring about new functionalities based on new physical principles, an outcome with major and lasting societal impact.

Title: Programmable Quantum Materials (Pro-QM)

Energy Research Frontiers Center (EFRC)

Pro-QM EFRC Director: D.N. Basov, Professor of Physics, Columbia University

Co-Investigators and participating organizations: Columbia University: A. Asenjo-Garcia, C.R. Dean, M. Delor, J. Hone, M. Lipson, J. McIver, A.J. Millis, X. Roy, A. Pasupathy, R. Quieroz, P.J. Shuck, X.Y. Zhu; Brookhaven National Laboratory: V. Bisogni, M. Liu; University of Washington: J.-H. Chu, D.H. Cobden, M. Yankowitz, A. Velian, D. Xiao, X. Xu.

Quantum materials (QMs) combine electronic interactions, topology, and dimensionality to produce remarkable macroscopic observables. The Energy Frontiers Research Center on Programmable Quantum Materials (Pro-QM) aims to discover, characterize and deploy new forms of quantum matter controllable by light, gating, magnetic proximity, electromagnetic environment and nano-mechanical manipulation, effectively programming their quantum properties. These objectives are fully aligned with the DOE mission. Programmable QMs are central to fulfilling the promise of quantum technology for disruptive advances in information processing, transfer, and sensing, because they enable currently unattainable properties and functions.

Pro-QM will focus van der Waals (vdW) layered solids revealing a vast portfolio of electronic, magnetic and photonic properties and enabling a new generation of heterostructures with an unprecedented degree of in operando controllability.

The specific research thrusts of Pro-QM are: i) to create, image and utilize interacting topological states in quantum materials with emphasis on dynamic manipulation; ii) to engineer correlated phases in QMs with new forms of electronic/magnetic order and to create interacting light-matter interfaces hosting quantum effects down to the single-photon level.

Pro-QM will develop and implement strategies for transforming QMs into desired states with on demand quantum properties beyond the reach of common semiconductors or metals. Our ambitious but concrete goals rely on two cross-cutting themes: a) tailored materials, assemblies and architectures, and b) the development of transformative quantum nano-imaging methods harnessing entangled photon pairs.

The impact. The goals of Pro-QM EFRC are daring in their experimental and intellectual reach and promise disruptive impact on the DOE Grand Challenges for fundamental energy research. A concerted EFRC effort is imperative for making the desired leaps. On-demand topological transitions and in operando controlled electronic, magnetic and photonic properties employing reconfigurable quantum interfaces will establish new classes of phenomena and possibilities. The on-demand strategy pursued by Pro-QM will bring about new functionalities based on new physical principles, an outcome with major and lasting societal impact.