Dr. Connie Li
By Kate Nichols
NQPI Editorial Intern
Dr. Connie Li of the United States Naval Research Laboratory presented “Direct Electrical Detection in Spin-Momentum Locking Topological Insulators” on Oct. 18 as part of the Ohio University Physics & Astronomy Colloquium Series.
Li and her research team study topological insulators, which are materials that are insulating in the bulk but transport electric current on the surface. The electrons flowing on the surface have the property that their spin is locked to their momentum [how the electrons move].
“It’s always exciting to study brand new stuff because it’s uncharted territory,” said Li.
Practical applications for this research include improving memory storage in devices and the development of novel transistors.
Next, Li plans to extend her research to semi-metals with topological properties.
Li’s visit was hosted by Dr. Eric Stinaff, Associate Professor of Physics & Astronomy and Director of the Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute.
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