Researchers in QMC, in collaboration with theorists at the Condensed Matter Theory Center (CMTC) and JQI, have produced the first experimental evidence that one metal—and likely others in its class—have electrons that manage to preserve a higher spin (j=3/2) angular momentum state in the topological half-Heusler semimetal YPtBi. A radical anisotropy observed in quantum oscillations in a highly isotropic system cannot be explained by conventional scenarios, but rather is naturally explained by the warping feature of the $j=3/2$ Fermi surface, providing direct proof of active high angular momentum quasiparticles that eventually superconduct. Read more in JQI News and in Physical Review Research.

QMC Prof. Richard Greene has been named a Distinguished University Professor—the highest academic honor bestowed by the University of Maryland. This award is in recognition of his peerless Teaching, Leadership, Service and Research Achievements.  (read more)   

Undergraduate researchers Emerson Hemley, Winslow Weiss and Yash Anand, as well as high school student Sarah Celaya, have been actively involved in quantum materials research in QMC. Congratulations to Winslow who is off to graduate school at Stanford, and to Sarah who off to Berkeley for undergraduate studies!

QMC Prof. Cheng Gong was awarded the University of Maryland’s annual Invention of the Year for developing a technology that allow stores, warehouses, and other users to accurately determine the freshness of meat. His tool, based on graphene, helps determine the presence of specific gas emissions from meat degradation. The announcement is found here (read more)