Dragonics

Transport physics is a field of science dedicated to the understanding of the complex dynamics of particles under the influence of an external field. In condensed matter systems, the study of the transport phenomena elucidates the various competing fundamental interactions among the constituent particles. Via these interactions, the particles exchange energy and momenta and, as a consequence, develop finite lifetimes. Transport measurements and computations are, therefore, important probes for studying the nature of the various quasiparticles and collective excitations in condensed matter systems.
A deep understanding of transport physics is also a precursor to being able to engineer quantum materials for the various applications such as in thermoelectrics, thermal management, and photovoltaics. To deepen our understanding of transport phenomena, I propose here to work on three aspects of this topic that as of yet have not been thoroughly investigated in an ab initio (i.e. parameters-free) manner. In the course of this project, I will develop for the first time the necessary computational tools and probe the Coulomb drag, magnetodrag, and electron-phonon fluid – three condensed matter transport phenomena that can come together to result in the emergence of new physics. My work will clarify the conditions under which these phenomena emerge in real-life materials. I envision that the knowledge generated in the course of this project will enable unprecedented control over materials properties and will open up a new field of inquiry that I call dragonics. In the course of the work proposed here, I will answer one overarching scientific question:
What causes certain materials to exhibit strong drag phenomena?
This project will run for 72 months and has 4 objectives. By developing the necessary computational tools and carrying out calculations on real-life materials, we will
1. understand under what conditions the strong electron-phonon-Coulomb drag effects manifest;
2. understand under what conditions the strong magnetodrag effects manifest;
3. understand under what conditions the electron-phonon fluid transport regime emerges; and
4. deliver free/open source, ab initio transport software to the research community.
Our work will enable unprecedented control over the transport properties of materials and potentially impact energy harvesting and thermal management applications and help with society's transition to clean energy.