Basic Chemistry & Physics

A Comprehensive Experimental Approach to Multifunctional Quantum Materials and Their Physical Properties: Geometry and Physics in Condensed Matter

PhD: Elisabetta Nocerino, KTH Royal Institute of Technology (2022)

This project investigated how atomic arrangement, symmetry, and interactions give rise to emergent physical phenomena in multifunctional quantum materials. Through a combination of high-resolution neutron and X-ray scattering and muon spin rotation (µSR), the research explored a range of newly synthesized compounds exhibiting complex magnetic ground states and unconventional symmetry breaking.

The studies revealed that understanding the temperature-dependent evolution of crystal structures is essential to interpreting the magnetic and electronic behavior of these materials. The systems examined connect fundamental condensed matter physics with potential applications in spintronics, quantum computing, and sustainable energy technologies.

By combining multiple large-scale experimental techniques, this work provided new insight into the geometry–property relationships that govern collective quantum phenomena, contributing to the broader understanding of how structure and symmetry define functionality in advanced materials

Elisabetta Nocerino has a background that combines classical studies with physics, holding a high school qualification in classical studies and a Master’s degree in Physics. She completed her master’s thesis at the University of Naples Federico II, focusing on novel technologies for astroparticle detection with a strong hands-on experimental approach. Her interests lie in experimental physics and detector technologies, alongside strong personal interests in dance, music, and the arts.