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SBQMI Physicists Receive Over $6 Million from CFI for Research
SBQMI physics investigators George Sawatzky and Sarah Burke will receive funding to develop a quantum materials electron microscopy centre and a four-probe scanning probe microscope, respectively. The new equipment will enable the researchers to probe the mysteries of quantum materials, which have the potential to transform information processing, nanoelectronics, medicine, and energy production. Both projects, worth a combined $6.1 million, are housed at the Institute.
The funding is from the Canada Foundation for Innovation. The national investment was announced by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Canada’s Minister of Science, at UBC. “Our government understands that scientists need to have the best labs and tools if they’re going to make discoveries that will pave the way to a brighter future for all people.” said Duncan. “That’s why this funding announcement is so important; it gives scientists and their students the opportunity to further their research in areas where Canada has a competitive advantage.”
Sarah Burke: $1,200,000
Project: 4-probe Scanning Probe Microscope for realizing quantum device concepts based on emerging materials
The 4-probe Scanning Probe Microscope provides a direct crossover between the characterization of structure and electronic properties on the atomic scale, to device characteristics through electronic transport measurements. With the ability to measure electronic transport over small length scales, we will be able to probe the distinct physical properties of quantum materials and explore future device concepts, without the need to develop lithographic techniques for each one of these sensitive, nanostructured materials.
George Sawatzky: $4,942,756
Project: Quantum Materials Electron Microscopy Centre
The electron microscopy facility will be set up in the Institute with several state of the art microscopes and one that will allow for electron energy loss spectroscopy with high energy resolution. This will propel new developments in the field of correlated electron systems and especially ultra-thin films and interfaces.