By Brooklyn Draisey
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is leading a study into materials that could be applied to quantum technology as part of a more than $1 million grant with partner universities.
UNI announced in a news release the university will receive $340,000 of the overall grant, other portions of which were awarded to South Dakota State University and the University of Virginia, to study advanced materials with different magnetic qualities. The grant comes from the National Science Foundation, or NSF.
Pavel Lukashev, a physicist and professor at UNI, will serve as principal investigator for the project, with UNI Physics Department Head Paul Shand working as his co-principal investigator.
“NSF research grants are extremely competitive, especially for institutions that are not major research centers,” Lukashev said in the release. “Our work combines experimental and theoretical approaches to advance quantum science with a focus on novel magnetic compounds, while also giving UNI students hands-on experience at the forefront of research.”
The research will focus on “topological magnetic materials,” according to the release, specifically Heusler alloys, which were described as “metal mixtures that are relatively easy to make and adjust for different magnetic properties.”
These materials, as well as other components that have uncommon magnetic patterns, will be analyzed by researchers to see if they could potentially become base components of future technologies — like quantum computing or advanced data storage.
Students will also have the chance to participate in research for the project, the release stated, as well as the publication and presentation of the work.
“The materials we study offer an exciting platform for discovering new topologically protected phases,” Shand said in the release. “This award highlights UNI’s strength in physics and our ability to contribute meaningfully to national research priorities.”
Originally published by the Iowa Capital Dispatch. Republished with permission.
