Emerging opportunities in condensed matter research inspired by quantum confinement
We see opportunities to develop new functionality in complex mesoscale materials that arise from bridging the gap between atomic dimensions and micron length scales. Over such length scales, the discrete energy levels found in systems confined to small dimensions (quantum confinement) become denser and ultimately continuous as interfaces spread apart. Consequently, coupling of multiple order parameters can become energetically favorable giving rise to new phenomena. For example, heterostructures and “materials with vertical architecture nanopillars” contain immense amounts of surface and interface material—the interfaces have structures and properties that differ from bulk; often in very interesting ways. Control of novel properties through synthesis to achieve new functionality is a grand challenge. Success will have broad ranging impact in fields of catalysis, energy conversion and spintronics. Owing to the diverse length, time and energy scales, a coordinated multidiscipline effort involving synthesis, characterization and modeling is required. The goal of the workshop is to identify outstanding questions worthy of such coordination, prioritization of the goals and development of strategies to integrate teams at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, UTK and beyond.
