Kayla Nguyen, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and member of the Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science and Materials Science Institute has received an Early Career Program award from the US Department of Defense (DOD) to study topological and superconducting materials using four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy and multislice electron ptychography—a technique that uses diffraction patterns to reconstruct an image, useful for understanding the magnetic properties of materials.  

Real, scalable devices used for quantum computing rely on spin manipulation and an understanding of how spins interact at the atomic scale. Magnetic structures such as skyrmions are topologically protected, meaning that their spin textures can act as barriers from deformation from crystalline grains and defects and thermal fluctuations. The goal of the project is to deepen understanding of topological magnetism by visualizing local magnetic fields and atomic structures in three dimensions for materials grown as thin films. Nguyen plans to image the magnetic fields of chiral magnetic skyrmions (a topological magnetic material) to understand how their properties can be modified when grown adjacent to superconductor.  

By developing new forms of imaging beyond current capabilities, this work will allow scientists to tune technologies based on magnetism—leading to large improvements in data storage, miniaturization of devices, and quantum information sciences. 

Nguyen’s work is funded by the DOD’s US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory, one of eight science and technology domains within the command, which discovers, innovates, and transitions science and technology to ensure dominant strategic land power. The Early Career Program awards are funded by the army to support early-career scientists and engineers who show exceptional ability and promise for conducting basic research.