Quantum Materials: Electronic Structure, Devices and Characterization

Quantum materials have rapidly emerged as a frontier of modern science, largely driven by discoveries of low-dimensional systems where electronic interactions, symmetry, and topology produce novel quantum phases. CHEM 1800 aims to introduce these advances to students with interdisciplinary interests in chemistry, materials science, physics, and nanotechnology. The course begins with the electronic structure of solids, connecting atomic orbitals and chemical bonding to band formation in 2D materials. It then examines Coulomb interactions and correlated phenomena, including excitons, trions, magnetism, and Mott transitions. Emphasis is placed on how device platforms, such as dual-gated heterostructures, and moiré superlattices, enable control of emergent states. The final portion focuses on experimental characterization, including optical spectroscopy, quantum emission measurements, low-temperature transport, and scanning probe techniques. The course integrates theory, device design, and spectroscopy to provide a comprehensive perspective on emergent quantum behavior.