Jesse Reyes

Major: Biochemistry and Physics
Mentors: Jack Tregidga, Professor John Harter

Polar Distortions on PtBi₂

Quantum materials exhibit unique phenomena that allow for properties of superconductivity, topological phase transitions, and spin-orbit coupling. These properties are of great interest as they have the potential for improvement in various technologies. Our interests are surrounded around platinum bismuthide (PtBi2) which has been shown to exhibit novel quantum phenomena. We look to investigate the effect of strain on the crystal structure by comparing between the polar and non-polar structure. Utilizing low-temperature Raman Spectroscopy to help probe phonon modes (vibrations), and Density Functional Theory to analyze the structural stability and vibrational behavior can we look to investigate this polar distortion that could occur in PtBi2. Identifying this distortion property of PtBi2 can open the door for high-impact quantum and electrical applications – particularly in quantum computing, sensors, or even topological devices.