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Welcome to the Xie Lab

We study crystal structures and their electronic and magnetic properties to inspire new perspectives in the chemistry of novel quantum materials.

 

Research

What if we could discover materials that carry electricity without heat loss, store information in entirely new ways, or enable future quantum technologies? My research is driven by these questions. I study quantum materials -- systems in which the electron behavior leads to surprising and often counterintuitive properties, such as unconventional magnetism or superconductivity. These phenomena arise not from individual atoms, but from how atoms and electrons interact collectively, making them both fascinating and challenging to understand.

My journey into this field began with a simple idea: if we can understand how atoms bond, we can begin to predict how materials behave. Rather than treating materials as black boxes, my group studies how the arrangement of atoms and electronic interactions give rise to their properties. This approach allows us not only to explain known materials, but also to design entirely new ones. A defining feature of my work is the use of extreme conditions, especially high pressure, to explore hidden states of matter. Pressure acts like a “knob” that allows us to gently squeeze atoms closer together, changing how they interact without altering the material’s compositions. Under these conditions, materials can transform into unexpected ways, such as becoming metallic, magnetic, or even entering entirely new quantum states. To capture these changes, my group develops and applies advanced experimental techniques, including X-ray and neutron scattering, which allow us to “see” how atoms and magnetic structures evolve deep inside materials. Through this work, we have uncovered new transformations and revealed how subtle atomic-scale changes can dramatically affect material behavior. These discoveries advance fundamental understanding while pointing toward future technologies, including energy-efficient devices and quantum information systems. More recently, we have expanded toward translating discoveries into practice by developing thin films and device-compatible materials, while also accelerating discovery through spectroscopy and data-driven approaches.

At its heart, my research is about uncovering the hidden rules that govern matter and using that knowledge to shape the materials of the future.

Read More

 

Critical Charge-Transfer Pairs and Electron Counting Rules for Superconductivity and Magnetism

 

Spin-Orbit Coupling (SOC) Effects on Magnetism in 4d/5d Transition Metal Halides

 

High-Pressure Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction on Solid State Materials