Cutting-edge quantum research funded by United States Department of Defense

An $800,000 United States Department of Defense grant will be funding research conducted at Texas State University on the potential of exotic materials used for cutting-edge technologies. Associate Professor of Physics Nikoleta Theodoropoulou, PH.D., is studying the addition of transition metal oxides—perovskite oxides—to silicon and the electrical and magnetic properties that could create.

Theodoropoulou is a native of Greece, where she received her bachelor’s degree in physics, later coming to the United States to get her Ph.D. at the University of Florida.

She said her research will revolve around the quantum properties of transition metal oxides, and to simplify understanding of these concepts, it’s important to initially discuss When I first read the press release about the $800,000 U.S. Department of Defense grant awarded to Nikoleta Theodoropoulou for the potential of exotic materials used for cutting edge technologies, I found myself lost in the physics of it all and with no idea what it meant. However, I knew that it would be a big discovery and incredibly interesting once I wrapped my head around it. I literally wrote out about ten of the single words used in the press release in order to ask her what they meant, which was not a common occurrence for me. Although I went into the conversation knowing literally nothing about quantum properties, I left feeling confident that I understood that the research would investigate whether adding a small layer of transition metal oxides to silicon could give it both constant magnetic and electrical properties that would not create heat. It was clear that Theodoropoulou’s research would have major implications for technology, which I found exciting. She also quenched my thirst for knowledge and understanding by patiently explaining the fundamental theories behind her research. She is a great teacher. I think the other reason I have chosen this article as one of my favorites of 2023 is because it means big things for my alma mater, Texas State University, and the type of research that will be conducted there. This makes me proud, but also will give me a plethora of interesting and knowledgeable individuals with which to interview in the future. Keep the discoveries coming Texas State!

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