In rod-like and disc-like molecular systems, in addition to the three states of gas, liquid, and solid, states called liquid crystals appear, but in recent years, electronic states similar to liquid crystals have been observed one after another in various quantum materials. It is. Such electronic states have been independently studied in the fields of spin systems, strongly correlated metals, and superconductivity. In this new academic field, these are referred to as “spin liquid crystals”, “charged liquid crystals”, “electron pairs”. Organized as “Liquid Crystal”, focusing on the points that appear due to the quantum many-body effect, we aim to build a basic theory by treating them in a unified way with the new concept of “Quantum Liquid Crystals”. In addition to these electronic states, a wide range of materials such as a state that breaks some symmetry in a system called a quantum fluid, and a quantum effect introduced based on ordinary liquid crystals are regarded as quantum liquid crystals. And explore diversity.
Historically, the science of “liquid crystal / soft matter” that transcends three forms of materials has been developed, and various new applications have been opened. This region is positioned as the quantum version. For example, in the development of physics from “fluid mechanics” to “quantum fluid (liquid)”, new concepts such as superconductivity and quantum Hall effect have emerged. The creation of new academics is also expected in the development of science. In addition, elucidating the ground state and controlling elementary excitation lays the foundation for new quantum liquid crystal technology, enabling high-speed and huge responses by changing the electronic state itself, enabling quantum information technology, etc. The emergence of useful new functions is expected.

　

Area Representative Takaaki Shibauchi
(The University of Tokyo Graduate School
Professor, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences)