Quantum Heterostructures and Device Physics Lab @ LSU
Welcome to the Ngabonziza Research Group
Our lab is based in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Louisiana State University (LSU), where our research lies at the intersection of Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, and Engineering Physics. We focus on the epitaxial growth of quantum materials and complex heterostructures, with particular emphasis on understanding and engineering emergent phenomena at the nanoscale. Using advanced thin-film synthesis techniques, we develop high-quality materials to explore novel functionalities in next-generation quantum devices.
The overarching goal of our research is to design and realize novel electronic systems with transformative potential. We investigate their practical applications in quantum electronics, spintronics, and in areas critical to energy and environmental technologies. By engineering new materials at the atomic scale, we aim to advance both fundamental scientific understanding and innovative solutions for future technological challenges.
Assistant Professor of Physics – Louisiana State University
Current Research Interests include
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Metallic Delafossite Thin Films
Complex Oxide Heterostructures
Our research interests are on transparent conducting oxide heterostructures for applications in the next-generation of transparent electronic devices; and on ionic conducting oxide heterostructures for applications in clean energy technologies
Correlated Electron Systems
Research interests are on 4d correlated electron systems; in particular, ruthenates and/or magnetic functional materials (e.g., strontium ruthenate oxides of the Ruddlesden Popper phases). These systems exhibit complex interplay between the charge, spin, orbital and lattice degrees of freedom.
We use single crystals, thin films and heterostructures of these materials to explore their unique magnetic/electronic properties.
Topological Quantum Materials and Thermoelectricity
We explore the potential of topological insulator boundary states for thermoelectricity to realize a variety of high-performance thermoelectric devices.
Combined studies of thin film growth and characterizations, as well as quantum transport explorations of novel functionalities in nanoscale topological devices are performed.
Our research focuses on epitaxial thin films of the metallic delafossite PdCoO₂, a material of growing interest due to its ultrahigh in-plane electrical conductivity, extreme anisotropic transport, and potential to uncover novel low-dimensional quantum phenomena. Using pulsed laser deposition (PLD), we achieve atomic-level precision in the growth of PdCoO₂ thin films. Our work aims to explore the magnetotransport properties of ultraclean PdCoO₂ systems and integrate them with other complex oxides to enable next-generation electronic and spintronic applications. By precisely tuning thickness and strain, we seek to engineer emergent electronic functionalities and advance the fundamental understanding of delafossite oxide physics.
Our work
01.
Research Interests
The focus of our research group is on epitaxy of thin films and heterostructures for use in electronic devices.
02.
Research Facilities
In our research lab, we use a multicluster vacuum system architecture equipped with a Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) chamber for thin film growth.
03.
Contribution to Society
We believe that diversity in scientific research groups/labs is critical for academic and research success; and also, for science to be of the highest quality, more inclusive, more creative, and more innovative.
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