Correlated electron systems exhibit rich quantum phases such as superconductivity, Mott insulating behavior, charge density waves, and spin-ice states. Our research investigates how lattice strain, disorder, and structural changes influence the electronic and magnetic properties of these materials. Using transport, magnetization, spectroscopy, and structural probes, we uncover the role of electron correlations in driving exotic behaviors ranging from pseudogap states to frustrated magnetism in pyrochlores. Together, these studies deepen our understanding of correlated electron physics and provide routes toward applications in superconductivity, spintronics, and quantum devices.
Faculty involved: Prof. Bindu Radhamany and Prof. C.S. Yadav

Low-dimensional and layered materials present a unique platform to explore excitons, phonons, and collective quantum states with direct relevance for optoelectronics and quantum technologies. Our research spans optical studies of excitonic complexes, biexcitons, and plasmon-phonon coupling in two-dimensional semiconductors, alongside investigations of quasiparticle and phonon dynamics in quantum magnets and layered systems using light scattering and transport. In parallel, we develop and study transition metal chalcogenides and perovskites for photovoltaic and optoelectronic device applications, focusing on their carrier dynamics, electronic structure, and photophysical processes. By combining insights from excitonic physics, phonon studies, and materials engineering, we bridge fundamental quantum phenomena with next-generation optoelectronic technologies.
Faculty involved: Prof. Ajay Soni, Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Prof. Suman Kalyan Pal

Ultracold atomic gases provide an exceptional platform to study macroscopic quantum phenomena in a highly controlled environment. At nano-Kelvin temperatures, Bose–Einstein condensates exhibit striking coherence and serve as quantum simulators of complex condensed matter systems. Our research focuses on understanding the role of quantum and thermal fluctuations in equilibrium and out-of-equilibrium dynamics of spinor condensates. These studies not only shed light on fundamental aspects of quantum many-body physics but also have strong implications for emerging quantum technologies. By carefully probing fluctuation effects, we aim to bridge atomic physics with condensed matter phenomena and contribute to the broader field of quantum simulation and control.
Faculty involved: Dr. Arko Roy

Our research explores the rich physics of magnetic and topological quantum materials where correlations, topology, and structural effects give rise to emergent properties. We investigate quantum magnetism in 3D spin systems, focusing on rare-earth-based insulating compounds and their unusual ground states such as spin liquids, spin ices, and quantum critical phases. Parallelly, we study intermetallic alloys like RScX (R = rare earth; X = Ga, Si, Ge, Sn), which exhibit fascinating behaviors including heavy fermion states, spin-glass order, multiple magnetic transitions, and superconductivity. Another direction is the exploration of Weyl semimetal candidates in Heusler alloys, where exotic quasiparticles with definite chirality emerge due to broken symmetries. In addition, we probe the magnetocaloric effect in rare-earth intermetallics and transition metal oxides, a property with direct application in energy-efficient magnetic refrigeration. Together, these efforts contribute to advancing fundamental understanding and technological potential of novel magnetic and topological materials.
Faculty involved: Prof. Kaustav Mukherjee

Computational materials science provides powerful insights into the fundamental behavior of complex materials. Using first-principles electronic calculations within density functional theory (DFT), our research explores the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of intermetallics, rare-earth compounds, magnetic oxides, magnetoelectrics, and heterostructures. Such studies help identify potential candidates for applications in energy technologies, including electrode materials for photoelectrochemical cells. In addition to DFT, we employ modern machine learning approaches to analyze and predict magnetization in iron-based compounds, demonstrating how data-driven methods complement traditional theory. The synergy of electronic structure methods and artificial intelligence paves the way for designing novel materials with tailored properties for energy conversion, spintronics, and next-generation technologies.
Faculty involved: Prof. Arti Kashyap