A new dimension in materials research

14 Tesla for new insights into the world of quantum materials: a state-of-the-art 14-Tesla measurement platform has come into operation at the Institute of Physics at the University of Augsburg. The facility enables experiments under extreme conditions and opens up new insights into the physical fundamentals of future technologies. Researchers in the Emmy Noether Research Group led by Dr Aisha Aqeel can now analyse the fundamental properties of quantum materials in even greater detail.

Dr Aisha Aqeel (second from the right) setting up the new system with: PhD student Ankita Nayak (left) and Dr Merlin Müller (2nd left), as well as Dr Ricardo Viana from the system’s manufacturer, Quantum Design. *© University of Augsburg*

Quantum materials are regarded as key to future applications, such as in energy-efficient electronics, quantum information technology and novel sensor systems. The state-of-the-art 14-Tesla system from the TeslatronPT series, which is now in operation at the Institute of Physics, enables materials to be studied at temperatures close to absolute zero and under magnetic fields of up to 14 Tesla. By way of comparison, this corresponds to a magnetic field approximately 300,000 times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field.

“This facility opens up entirely new experimental possibilities for us,” says Dr Aisha Aqeel. “We can now investigate quantum materials under conditions that were previously inaccessible on site, thereby gaining a better understanding of fundamental physical mechanisms.” The physicist heads the Emmy Noether Group ‘Spintronics with Chiral Helimagnetic Isolators’, which is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Through these groups, the DFG honours and supports outstanding early-career researchers.

Properties of modern quantum materials

The new facility brings key questions in modern solid-state physics into sharp focus. Among other things, the researchers are investigating how electron correlations form in complex materials, what properties define novel superconductors and topological materials, and how magnetic and electronic effects can be specifically harnessed for spintronics applications.

By combining broadband resonance spectroscopy with precise transport measurements, the researchers can directly link microscopic excitations to the macroscopic electronic behaviour of materials. This provides a particularly comprehensive insight into the physical mechanisms underpinning the properties of modern quantum materials.

One of the aims is to identify mechanisms that could enable future lossless energy transfer or particularly fast and efficient electronic components.

Strengthening Augsburg as a centre of research

A particular advantage of the facility is its completely cryogen-free (‘dry’) operation. As no liquid helium is required, this not only improves operational stability but also significantly enhances the sustainability and long-term availability of the research infrastructure.

The commissioning of the facility marks an important milestone for the Emmy Noether Research Group and the Institute of Physics at the University of Augsburg. “The new facility will play a central role in national and international collaborations in future and create attractive conditions for young researchers,” explains Dr Manfred Albrecht, Professor of Experimental Physics and host of the Emmy-Noether research group. “It paves the way for experiments that have so far only been possible at a handful of specialised centres worldwide.”