Talks

I will introduce mochi_class, a refined version of the popular Einstein-Boltzmann solver hi_class optimised for calculations within Horndeski's gravity framework. Thanks to (i) a re-parametrisation of Horndeski functions, (ii) a numerically stable quasi-static approximation, and (iii) support for time-dependent inputs, mochi_class enhances hi_class capabilities and nicely complements other public Einstein-Boltzmann solvers. Additionally, I will present a non-parametric approach that, when integrated with Principal Component Analysis, can effectively reconstruct Horndeski functions from well-studied modified gravity models, extending the exploration of scalar-tensor theories beyond conventional parametrisations. I will conclude by highlighting practical applications where mochi_class can prove instrumental in analysing current and forthcoming large-scale structure data.

We present a comprehensive joint analysis of two distinct methodologies for measuring the masses of galaxy clusters: hydrostatic measurements and caustic techniques. We show that by including cluster-specific assumptions obtained from hydrostatic measurements in the caustic method, the potential mass bias between these approaches can be significantly reduced. While this may appear to diminish the caustic method as a technique independent of the dynamical state of a cluster, it provides a means to refine mass constraints and offers an avenue for scrutinizing modifications to gravity. Applying this approach to two well-observed massive galaxy clusters A2029 and A2142, we find no discernible mass bias, affirming the method's validity. We draw a similar conclusion when applying this approach to modified gravity models. Specifically, our implementation allows us to investigate Chameleon and Vainshtein screening mechanisms, enhancing our understanding of these modified gravity scenarios. Furthermore, we explore the prospect of achieving more precise constraints with fewer systematic errors by exclusively employing the caustic method to constrain screening mechanisms on a larger scale, encompassing several hundred stacked galaxy clusters.

Since the discovery of the accelerated expansion of the universe, significant progress has been made to develop modified gravity theories as alternatives to dark energy and these have been developed into tests of General Relativity itself via cosmological observations. These models share common properties such as screening mechanisms they use to evade the stringent Solar System tests. In this talk, I will review recent status of observational tests of screened modified gravity models and discuss the prospect of cosmological tests of gravity from ongoing surveys such as Euclid.

The coming years will see an amazing increase in data on the large-scale structure of the Universe, ushering in a new phase for "precision cosmology". One of the major questions in fundamental physics concerns the nature of the dark energy, and the new data may help to shed light on this issue. But in order to unlock the full power of the future data to test alternative models like Horndeski Gravity, we need theoretical predictions that are as accurate as the new observations on all scales, including non-linear scales. In my presentation I will introduce our relativistic N-body code for cosmological simulations, gevolution, and how we are using it to look at non-linear effects in the Universe. In particular I will discuss our k-essence simulations, how to use them for cosmology, and what can happen when dark energy clustering becomes non-linear in models with low speed of sound.

This talk will introduce scalar-tensor theories of gravity that contain a single scalar degree of freedom in addition to the usual tensor modes. These theories constitute the very broad family of Degenerate Higher-Order Scalar-Tensor (DHOST) theories, which include and extend Horndeski theories. Cosmological aspects of these theories will then be discussed. Finally, I will also present some results concerning black hole perturbations in the context of these models of modified gravity.

I will present the class of effective field theories of dark energy, which aim to reproduce a dark energy-like phenomenology by modifying general relativity with the addition of a scalar graviton. I will review how non-linearities can "screen" local scales from scalar effects, therefore allowing these theories to pass existing solar-system experimental tests. I will then present fully relativistic simulations of gravitational wave generation in these theories in 1+1 dimensions (stellar oscillations and collapse) and 3+1 dimensions (binary neutron stars). I will show that screening tends to suppress the (subdominant) dipole scalar emission in binary neutron star systems, but it fails to quench monopole scalar emission in gravitational collapse, and quadrupole scalar emission in binaries. This opens the way to the exciting possibility of testing dark energy with gravitational wave data.

With a rapidly growing family of vdW materials, the role of dielectric and metals have become more important than ever. In this talk, I will present challenges associated with the synthesis of atomically-precise three-dimensional (3D) perovskite nanomembranes followed by our group’s effort to address them. Using hybrid molecular beam epitaxy that employs a metal-organic precursor, titanium isopropoxide (TTIP), to supply both Ti and oxygen (without the need for additional oxygen), epitaxial SrTiO3 (STO) films were grown directly on a graphene layer transferred on to bulk STO substrate. Films were then successfully exfoliated and transferred onto other substrates. Using Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution X-ray diffraction, we show that the transferred STO membrane is single-crystalline and can be integrated with other vdW materials. I will also present sacrificial layer route to create oxide membranes resulting in room temperature dielectric constant of ~ 300. Finally, I will present...

In recent years, the experimental realization of magnetic long-range order in atomically thin 2D materials has shown a big potential in spintronic applications in ultrathin magnets due to the possibility of manipulation of magnetism by external fields, strain or proximity effects in van der Waals heterostructures. Specifically, the family of metallic magnets FenGeTe2 (n=3, 4, 5) has attracted a huge attention due to their high Curie temperatures and intriguing properties. In this talk, I will review the status of this research field, highlighting our own research by ab initio density functional theory, calculations of interatomic exchange interaction parameters and Monte Carlo simulations. A particular emphasis will be given on the systematic study of the electronic structure and magnetism of FenGeTe2 magnets along with some critical discussions on the importance of electron correlation with the aid of dynamical mean field theory, spin-orbit coupling and effects of transition metal dop...

Double perovskite oxides (DPOs) with two transition metal ions (A2BB′O6) offer a fascinating platform for exploring exotic physics and practical applications. Studying these DPOs as ultrathin epitaxial thin films on single crystalline substrates can add another dimension to engineering electronic, magnetic, and topological phenomena. Understanding the consequence of polarity mismatch between the substrate and the DPO would be the first step towards this broad goal. We investigate this by studying the interface between a prototypical insulating DPO Nd2NiMnO6 and a wide-band gap insulator SrTiO3. The interface is found to be insulating in nature. By combining several experimental techniques and density functional theory, we establish a site- selective charge compensation process that occurs explicitly at the Mn site of the film, leaving the Ni sites inert. We further demonstrate that such surprising selectivity, which cannot be explained by existing mechanisms of polarity compensation, i...

Observation of magnetic ordering in 2D layered materials at finite temperatures have drawn significant interest in recent years. Though Mermin-Wagner-Hohenburg theorem forbids long range ordering in 2D systems, anisotropy can lead to spin ordering at finite temperatures. One of such classes of 2D magnets explored recently is the transition metal phosphorus trisulphides (MPS3, M = Mn, Fe, and Ni) that hosts antiferromagnetic (AFM) ground state at low temperatures [1]. The AFM ground state exhibits different spin dimensionalities, (viz., n=1,2, and 3) due to the presence of an axial or planar anisotropy or in the absence of any anisotropic element [2] which may be described by the Ising (e.g., FePS3), XY (e.g.,
NiPS3), and Heisenberg (e.g., MnPS3) Hamiltonians, respectively [1]. Engineered heterostructures of magnetic layered materials with high spin-orbit coupled systems like topological materials has the potential to control the quantum interactions unravelling a variety of exotic phe...