Dr Shuqui Wang, Associate Professor in Physics, has been selected as the winner of this year’s prize thanks to her groundbreaking work in studying how electrons behave at ultra-low temperatures.
Dr Wang uses a quantum microscope to study how electrons interact with each other at atomic scale. By investigating these particles at ultra-low temperatures just above absolute zero, Dr Wang discovered that the electrons start to show some really unusual and interesting behaviours in these extreme conditions.
“With this microscope, I can see how these electrons interact with each other at a scale so small that we're looking at individual atoms,” Dr Wang explained.
“Imagine electrons as dancers on a microscopic dance floor. Sometimes they pair up and move together beautifully, which we call 'pairing,' and sometimes they push each other away, or 'repulse' each other. By watching their 'dance,' I can learn about their relationships and how they affect the material properties, like conductivity and magnetism.
“Scientifically, this is like taking photographs of the very essence of quantum mechanics in action within new and exotic materials. These are the kinds of materials that could one day revolutionize technologies, leading to ultra-fast computers or new types of electronics that can work under conditions previously thought impossible.”
Dr Wang’s research has made significant contributions to the field. Her work has had a strong impact in the field of topological quantum matter, representing a breakthrough in identifying an unprecedented quantum state - a topological pair density wave, the spin-triplet superconductor known as UTe2. Her research in orbital ordering has also opened doors to a unified explanation of high-temperature superconductivity.
Dr Wang added: “I am thrilled and honoured to join the distinguished recipients of the Nicholas Kurti Prize. It encouragingly validates both the scientific and engineering aspects of experimental physics. I am deeply grateful to the brilliant and intelligent scientists—my advisors and colleagues—with whom I have worked with. Their guidance and collaboration have been invaluable in helping me receive this wonderful recognition.”
Matt Martin, Managing Director at Oxford Instruments NanoScience said: “It is always a privilege to support the work of outstanding young scientists, and Dr Wang is no exception. It was especially interesting reading about her work with dilution refrigerators and developing scanning tunnelling microscopes. Her contributions to the field of low-temperature physics and their implications for the development of technologies like quantum computing make her a very worthy winner of this year’s prize.”
For more information about the Nicholas Kurti Science Prize, visit: The Nicholas Kurti Science Prize for Europe - Nanoscience - Oxford Instruments (oxinst.com)