Quantum materials are solids in which interacting atoms and electrons transcend their individual identities and collectively produce spectacular, unexpected macroscopic quantum phenomena. Apart from being a deeply fascinating area of study, our ability to understand and manipulate such materials may help address some of today’s biggest technological challenges in energy, information processing, and computing. A sampling of questions I try to answer:

How do functional properties emerge from microscopic interactions?

Can we use light to induce new phases of matter that do not exist at equilibrium?

What are the ingredients that underpin high-Tc superconductivity?

I employ light, spanning terahertz, visible, and X-ray frequencies, as a tool to answer these questions. I am particularly interested in employing intense, ultra-short pulses of light to drive materials into transient nonequilibrium phases, a dimension of inquiry that offers exciting possibilities but remains largely uncharted.