Charge density waves in Quantum materials tuned by magnetic Field and Disorder – CQFD

Charge density waves are spatial periodic oscillations of the electronic density that are a feature of many families of superconductors. A recurring question in these systems is whether the charge density wave is an epiphenomenon that simply comes about fortuitously in a system that is already prone to electronic instabilities, or whether this density wave actually plays an active role in triggering the superconducting state.
The question is particularly debated in the high-temperature superconducting cuprates where it is still unclear which, of a charge density wave or another electronic order known as pseudogap, is responsible for the drastic changes of the Fermi surface close to the doping where superconductivity reach the highest temperature.
The goal of this project is therefore to disentangle the influences of the charge-density wave and the pseudogap on the Fermi surface close to optimal doping in several important families of high-temperature superconducting cuprates. To achieve this goal, innovative experimental techniques such as high magnetic field, focused ion beam sample preparation and irradiation-induced disorder will be employed.