Samuele Sanna

(visit also the page of research projects of the Quantum Materials Lab)

1. Novel quantum phenomena in materials with strong Spin-Orbit coupling

   The aim is to study the interplay between spin, orbital, and charge degrees of freedom which are believed to govern novel quantum states of materials with strong relativistic spin-orbit coupling. In particular, the physical properties will be investigated mainly by nuclear magnetic resonance, muon spectroscopy, electrical conductivity.

   In collaboration with: Brown and Ohio State Universities (USA), Univ of Wien, University of Parma.

   Possible places where to do part of the thesis work: Bologna University, Brown University (USA), Paul Sherrer Institute (Switzerland), University of Parma.

2. Study of unconventional superconductivity

   Superconductivity is a fascinating macroscopic quantum phenomenon which has attracted the interest of the scientific community for more than one century. Despite that and even though many technologies are now based on superconductors covering from medical diagnostic and research to energy and environmental purposes, the fundamental mechanism of superconductivity is still a mystery for many important classes of unconventional superconductors. The main aim of this thesis project is to unveil the hidden parameters controlling the microscopic mechanism of superconductivity, i.e. controlling the strength of Cooper pairing, in different superconducting families by electric conductivity, using muon spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance experimental techniques. Available projects are on newly discovered materials such as van der Waals 2D-superconductors with strong spin orbit coupling and novel vanadium-based kagome AV₃Sb₅ (A = K, Rb, Cs) superconductors to study the interplay between competing electronic phases, such as charge density order, hidden time reversal symmetry breaking and superconductivity.
   

   In collaboration with: University of Parma and Pavia, CNR-SPIN in Genoa, Brown University, University of California Santa Barbara.
   

   Possible places where to do part of the thesis work: Bologna University, Brown University (USA), Paul Sherrer Institute (Switzerland), University of Parma (I), Sorbonne Université (FR), Laboratoire National des Champs Magnétiques Intenses (Grenoble).
   

3. Quantum coherence and muon-nuclei quantum entangled states in matter

   This project is aimed to the study of quantum coherent states due to the interaction between the muons implanted in matter and the nuclear spins. In muon spin spectroscopy (µSR), the entanglement of muon and nearest-neighbor nuclear spins gives rise to an oscillatory time dependence of the muon polarization that can be detected and measured. This study is focused to systems with nuclei with higher spin, which implies the inclusion of quadrupolar interactions, and consider the potentiality of this coherent oscillations to develop a quantum sensing technique of charge-related phenomena in matter.

   In collaboration with: Oxford University (UK) and University of Parma (Italy).

   Possible places where to do part of the thesis work: Bologna University, Paul Sherrer Institute (Switzerland), University of Parma.

4. Novel (ferro)magnetic materials for automotive applications

   The project is dedicated to the study of magnetic materials for the construction of permanent magnets for use in high-efficiency electric motors for automotive purposes. The transport sector is the main responsible of the air pollution in European cities (1/4 of total greenhouse gas emissions). The main aim of the project is to produce new eco-sustainable magnetic material with total or partial substitution of rare earth elements to improve motors in hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles, with a particular focus on reducing energy consumption and related CO₂ emission.

In collaboration with: the CNR-IMEM (Parma, Italy) and Minarelli-Fantic Motors company.

Possible places where to do part of the thesis work: Bologna University, CNR-IMEM (Parma), other European Labs and Istitutions.