Relationship between the electronic structure and the functional properties of new quantum materials

Abstract

This thesis explores novel materials whose properties are inherently tied to their electronic structure. We focus on the experimental study of three materials, using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Angle Resolved Photoemission. First, Mg-doped CuRhO2, which displays a high value of the thermoelectric coefficient owing to its unique electronic structure. Second, thin films of the correlated metal CaVO3, which undergo a metal-to-insulator transition (MIT) below a critical film thickness. Lastly, a heterostructure of 2D magnetic transition metal dihalide FeCl2 on top of an Au(111) surface, with unique electronic states near the Fermi level.