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 information processing, computing, and sustainable energy. A sampling of questions I try to answer:

How do macroscopic phenomena emerge from microscopic interactions?

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

What are the microscopic 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.