Competing Orders in Quantum Materials

Much of condensed-matter physics boils down to understanding the competition between ordered states with different symmetries and different properties. For example, the unconventional superconductivity that emerges from a correlated insulator in oxide superconductors competes with charge orders, whereas the phase diagram of moiré graphene shows a plethora of insulating states driven either by correlations or topology. The delicate balance between competing states can be upset by an ultrafast perturbation that can allow transient or metastable states to emerge as the conditions for the competition change. Paradigmatic models such as the Hubbard model reduce experimental complexity to only a few parameters to aid theoretical study.

In this conference, we bring these various strands together to examine the competition between different states from all of these points of view. We will feature sessions on 2D materials, nickelate superconductors, ultrafast probes of quantum materials, quantum simulation using 2D materials, and the synthesis and characterisation of samples where this fascinating physics manifests. Our aim is to facilitate dialogue between communities that are analysing the competition between states from alternative points of view and inspire new ways of thinking about familiar problems.

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