Hrvatska zaklada za znanostSoftFlu - Soft-phonon physics and electron-phonon fluctuations in layered two-dimensional systems | ||
| project leader | Dino Novko | |
| associates | Vito Despoja Nina Girotto Erhardt | |
| web page | https://www.croris.hr/projekti/projekt/15930 | |
| start date | 12.12.2025. | |
| end date | 11.12.2028. | |
| total ammount | 180.315,00 € | |
| research areas | Solid state physics Surface physics |
Abstract
Comprehending unconventional ordered states in correlated quantum materials is one of the prime goals of condensed matter physics, which could provide us with the guidelines for controllable manipulation of the technologically desirable phases of matter, such as superconductivity and charge density waves (CDW). A key to unlock the mysteries of these states is to understand the “normal” phase from which they emerge, usually believed to be dominated by fluctuations of many-body interactions. The present project will take this quest and perform a comprehensive theoretical survey of charge-order phenomena, dynamics of soft phonons, and electron-phonon-related fluctuations in correlated quasi-two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). The interplay of electron and lattice correlations in doped TMDs results in a wide spectrum of intertwined ordered states such as pseudogap (PG), CDW and superconductivity. Compared to the latter two phases, the PG and the corresponding origin are less studied despite its importance in understanding the unconventional superconductivity and its universality across the correlated systems. The project proposes a first-principles methodology that incorporates higher-order electron-phonon fluctuations, which will be able to accurately describe the puzzling charge-order states, soft phonons, and electron-lattice dynamics in various TMDs. Besides the fundamentals of CDW and PG fluctuations, the project plans to explore the transport, optical properties, and light-matter interaction across the phase diagram of CDW-bearing TMDs. With this we will lay down necessary guidelines for various optical spectroscopies and transport measurements in probing the fluctuations and charge-order states, as well as explore the potential of the correlated TMDs and charge-order excitations as a new platform for light manipulation and low-loss plasmonics.
