Exploring the frontier of quantum materials
New generations of materials are constantly being discovered experimentally and predicted theoretically, and confound our conventional understanding of how metals, insulators and semiconductors work. These new materials, classified as quantum materials, involve strong correlations between electrons or magnetic moments, quantum entanglement, topology or frustration, and lead to emergent phenomena like superconductivity, magnetic monopoles or topological insulators – phenomena that are often intriguing for both a fundamental understanding of materials and their vast technological potential.
Researchers in quantum matter work on topics including high-temperature superconductivity, frustrated magnetism and spin-ice, topological insulators, spin-liquids, quantum entanglement, and quantum machine learning.
World-class research
Work with leaders in the field and conduct research in our state-of-the-art facilities. What could you do at Waterloo?
The Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) is a global leader in discovering and developing smart and functional materials, connected devices, next-generation energy systems, and therapeutics, and theranostics. WIN’s 285, 000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility meets the highest scientific standards for controlling vibration, electromagnetic radiation, temperature, and humidity, making it a global centre of excellence for nanotechnology and its applications.
The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) was founded in 2002 to position Canada as a leader in quantum research, and today it’s one of the top quantum information research institutes in the world. Experts in all fields of quantum information science and technology come to IQC to conduct research, share knowledge, and encourage and support the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.
Meet our researchers
Raffi Budakian, Professor
Dr. Budakian develops experimental tools for ultra-sensitive detection of electron and nuclear spins. His research uses force detection, nanomechanical oscillators, and magnetic resonance techniques to study magnetism and quantum phenomena on nanometer scales. His group designs advanced spin detection and manipulation methods, develops high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging tools, and investigates defects and dopants in materials. This work has applications in condensed matter physics, quantum information science, and biological imaging.
Anton Burkov, Professor
Dr. Burkov studies strongly correlated and topologically ordered states of matter, with a focus on quantum materials and cold atomic gases. His research explores how the microscopic behaviour of electrons gives rise to unusual macroscopic properties such as topological order, novel transport phenomena, and spin-related effects. He develops theoretical models of topological insulators, Dirac and Weyl semimetals, and related materials to better understand the fundamental physics underlying emerging quantum technologies.
Michel Gingras, Professor
University Research Chair
Dr. Gingras studies how collective behaviour emerges in frustrated magnetic materials, where competing interactions prevent conventional ordering. His research combines analytical theory and advanced numerical methods to explore strongly correlated classical and quantum states, emergent gauge theories, and exotic phases of matter such as quantum spin ice. By connecting microscopic interactions to low-energy physics, he seeks to uncover new principles of condensed matter and predict emergent phenomena that can be observed in real materials.
David Hawthorn, Professor
Department Chair
Dr. Hawthorn studies quantum materials using advanced x-ray spectroscopy techniques to understand how their electronic properties emerge from competing forms of order. His research focuses on high-temperature superconductors, including charge-density waves, electronic nematicity, disorder, and the microscopic mechanisms underlying superconductivity. He also develops new resonant soft x-ray scattering instrumentation that enables discoveries in quantum materials. This work helps reveal the fundamental physics governing complex electronic systems.
Robert Hill, Associate Professor
Teaching Fellow
Dr. Hill studies materials whose exotic properties arise from the collective quantum mechanical behaviour of electrons. His experimental research uses precise low-temperature measurements to investigate unconventional superconductivity, quantum phase transitions, frustrated magnetic systems, spin liquids, spin ice, and transport in low-dimensional materials. His work helps test and refine theoretical models while exploring emergent electronic and magnetic phenomena, including novel phases of matter and unusual excitations such as magnetic monopole-like behaviour in spin-ice systems.
Jan Kycia, Professor
Dr. Kycia experimentally investigates superconducting and quantum devices, including Josephson-junction systems, superconducting sensors, and semiconductor quantum dots used as spin qubits. His research is conducted at ultra-low temperatures, where quantum effects can be studied with high precision and minimal noise. His group explores cryogenic electronics, quantum sensing, qubits, and the materials challenges that influence device performance. This work advances quantum computing and sensing technologies while providing tools to study novel quantum materials.
Roger Melko, Professor
Dr. Melko studies strongly correlated many-body systems, with a focus on emergent phenomena, phase transitions, quantum criticality, and entanglement. His research uses advanced computational methods to investigate quantum materials, frustrated magnets, cold atoms, and quantum computers. His group develops and applies techniques such as quantum Monte Carlo, tensor networks, and machine learning to explore complex quantum systems. A central goal of his work is to uncover new states of matter and better understand quantum behaviour.
Dmitry Pushin, Associate Professor
Dr. Pushin applies quantum information processing methods to neutron optics and interferometry. His research uses neutron interferometers as platforms for precision measurements, quantum control, and studies of fundamental physics. By combining quantum information science, neutron physics, and condensed matter physics, his group investigates topics including neutron phase imaging, neutron orbital angular momentum, dark-energy-related phenomena, and tests of quantum mechanics. His work advances neutron interferometry as a powerful tool for both fundamental research and materials science.
Want to study or partner with us?
Helping to shape and encourage the next generations of scientists is at the core of what we do. Prospective graduate students interested in studying with one of our faculty are welcome to reach out to them directly. You can also check out current student research opportunities in Earth.
Research is made better through strong collaboration. If you’re an industry leader looking to partner with us, we would love to hear from you.