Experimental condensed matter physics research at ZJU Physics is diverse and vibrant, covering a variety of interdisciplinary frontiers of quantum phases, emergent phenomena (superconductivity, topology and quantum criticality…), nano- and low-dimensional science, etc.

Current experimental directions include but are not limited to the following areas:

(1)  Unconventional superconductivity and topological matters

The search for unconventional superconducting systems and investigations of their pairing mechanisms are still the focus in the community. Recently, topological states in condensed matter are of growing interest due to their exotic properties and potential applications. ZJU Physics have state-of-the-art research facilities for sample synthesis, tuning and characterization, with the aim of broadening the horizons of superconducting and topological aspects of matter.

(2)  Strongly correlated electron systems;

Strongly correlated electron systems such as heavy fermions have attracted intense attention due to their rich electronic phase diagrams and exotic quantum states arising from the strong electronic correlations. ZJU has also established the Center for Correlated Matter as an important base to study heavy fermions with an international specialized team.

(3)  Quantum computation;

Superconducting electronic circuits is a solid-state platform for researching quantum computation and quantum information. With the standard nano-fabrication technique, superconducting quantum circuits can be naturally scaled up to multi-qubit (~100) systems, enabling the quantum supremacy of a quantum computer. The physics department has developed state-of-the-art low-temperature systems for the precise quantum control of superconducting circuits, and collaborated to build the ZJU center for micro- and nano-fabrication.

(4)  Nano- and low-dimensional science;

Nanoscience has been one of the major themes in condensed matter physics for over 40 years. With the discovery of graphene and the flourish of archetypal 2D materials with extremely rich and extraordinary physical properties, the field is now re-energized and full of opportunities. Research groups at ZJU Physics in this area focus on nanotubes, black phosphorous, and other emergent low-dimensional systems, with the aim of exploring novel device concepts using 2D materials.

(5)  Surface and interface physics

A new platform has been provided to study exotic properties of the emergent states at the surface or interface with the enhanced capability of epitaxial thin film growth and spectroscopic surface characterization.

(6)  Semiconductor physics and optoelectronic devices

Semiconductor quantum structures have been a fertile playground for discovering novel electron physics and developing novel electronic and optoelectronic devices in history. The research group of semiconductor physics and optoelectronic devices in ZJU has been interested in telluride compounds related topological crystal insulators, low dimensional semiconductor physics, mid-infrared and THz detector devices.