Quantum Materials
How do we build and map new quantum worlds?
The CIFAR Quantum Materials program is advancing a new era of discovery in which materials are created on demand and probed at unprecedented depth. Breakthroughs in nanoscale control allow researchers to design materials atom by atom, layer by layer, and even defect by defect. By engineering structure, symmetry, and disorder with exceptional precision, the program seeks to create entirely new quantum states of matter: tailored platforms in which unexpected phenomena can emerge and be studied. This work spans designer superlattices, moiré structures, chiral materials, and novel bulk architectures, supported by close integration of theory, synthesis, and advanced measurement.
Impact Clusters
The Quantum Materials program is part of the Exploring Emerging Technologies Impact Cluster.
CIFAR’s research programs are organized into 5 distinct Impact Clusters that address significant global issues and are committed to fostering an environment in which breakthroughs emerge.
Research and Societal Impact Highlights
Twisted materials and engineered quantum phases
In 2018, CIFAR Fellow Pablo Jarillo-Herrero discovered superconductivity and correlated insulating states in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene, launching the field of “twistronics.” These discoveries built directly on theoretical ideas from program Advisor Allan Macdonald, and the QM program is now extending these concepts to other layered materials. Marcel Franz has proposed twisting of cuprates to engineer new electronic and topological phases while Josh Folk has discovered superconductivity in transition metal dichalcogenides. These studies demonstrate that carefully stacking and twisting layers provides a powerful route to creating and controlling exotic quantum states.
Harnessing disorder to discover new quantum states
While disorder is often viewed as detrimental, the Quantum Materials program is turning it into an axis for discovery. Program Co-Director Alannah Hallas and Fellow Johnpierre Paglione are designing high-entropy materials to control atomic-scale disorder, while Fellow Andrea Damascelli and Co-Director Brad Ramshaw probe how this disorder shapes electronic and superconducting behavior. Advisor Nigel Hussey show that disorder can destabilize competing phases or even stabilize new states of matter. Together, these efforts highlight how “imperfection” can become a powerful lever for exploration in quantum materials.
Bridging the 2D and 3D materials worlds
The CIFAR Quantum Materials program uniquely connects the 2D and bulk quantum materials communities, combining complementary strengths. Techniques and insights from bulk materials are applied to 2D systems, while 2D platforms are used to emulate complex physics from bulk compounds. The program also explores creating new 2D materials from bulk systems. By linking flat-band physics, quantum Hall effects, and device design with the deep challenges of strongly correlated bulk materials, the program forges a singular integration of 2D and 3D quantum materials research.
Path to Societal Impact
We invite experts in industry, civil society, healthcare and government to join fellows in our Quantum Materials program for in-depth, cross-sectoral conversations that drive change and innovation.
The Quantum Materials program advances impact by building the scientific foundations, expertise, and collaborations needed for future quantum technologies.
Area of focus:
- Building the quantum pipeline by training the next generation of quantum materials researchers by engaging diverse cohorts in global collaborations.
- Promote scientific integrity, data transparency, and reproducibility in the field of quantum materials.
- Translation of discoveries into applications for quantum computing, spintronics, and energy technologies.
- Strengthen connections with industry to guide real-world innovation.
Founded In
1987
Renewal Dates
1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2019, 2025
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Condensed matter and quantum physics
Atomic, chemical and computational physics
Nanomaterials and materials engineering
Contact
Fellows & Advisors
Program Directors
Leon Balents
Program Co-Director
Alannah Hallas
Program Co-Director
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar 2020-2022
Brad Ramshaw
Program Co-Director
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar 2020-2022
Fellows
James Analytis
Fellow
N. Peter Armitage
Fellow
Kwabena Bediako
Fellow
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar 2020-2022
Andrea Damascelli
Fellow
Claudia Felser
Associate Fellow
Joshua Folk
Fellow
Marcel Franz
Fellow
Liang Fu
Associate Fellow
Bruce D. Gaulin
Fellow
Pablo Jarillo-Herrero
Fellow
Hae-Young Kee
Fellow
Yong Baek Kim
Associate Fellow
Adina Luican-Mayer
Fellow
Qiong Ma
Fellow
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars 2022-2024
Vidya Madhavan
Fellow
Satoru Nakatsuji
Fellow
University of Tokyo
United States
Johnpierre Paglione
Fellow
Subir Sachdev
Fellow
Louis Taillefer
Fellow
André-Marie Tremblay
Associate Fellow
Advisors
Nigel Hussey
Advisory Committee Chair
University of Bristol
United Kingdom
Allan Macdonald
Advisor
Joerg Schmalian
Advisor
Roser Valentí
Advisor
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars
Zakaria Al Balushi
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars 2022-2024
Kwabena Bediako
Fellow
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar 2020-2022
Judy Cha
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar 2017-2019
Alex Frañó
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars 2022-2024
Alannah Hallas
Program Co-Director
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar 2020-2022
Qiong Ma
Fellow
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars 2022-2024
Brad Ramshaw
Program Co-Director
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar 2020-2022
Kate A. Ross
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar 2016-2018
Luyi Yang
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar 2016-2018
Recent News
Advances
A new quantum limit for electrons
July 28, 2021
Event Brief
Canadian Neutron Initiative Roundtable: Towards a National Neutron Strategy
March 17, 2021
Industry & Technology
Neutron scattering for quantum materials research
January 13, 2021
Award
Pablo Jarillo-Herrero honoured with Buckley Prize
October 22, 2019
In Memoriam