Unveiling Strongly Correlated Materials with Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering

Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) has emerged as a pivotal technique in the field of strongly correlated materials. Over the past decade, RIXS has gained prominence due to its ability to probe various degrees of freedom, such as lattice, spin, and charge, in quantum materials. This technique has proven particularly valuable in the study of quantum magnets and unconventional superconductors, where traditional methods like inelastic neutron scattering (INS) face limitations. RIXS offers significant advantages, including better statistics due to large light-matter interactions, making it suitable for smaller crystals and thin films. Notable discoveries, such as the observation of paramagnons in cuprates and the characterization of superconductivity in infinite layer nickelates, underscore the importance of RIXS in advancing our understanding of these complex materials. Despite its potential, RIXS remains a complex technique, requiring substantial theoretical input to interpret the plethora of excitations it reveals. Recent advancements in synchrotron facilities are further enhancing the capabilities of RIXS, opening new avenues for exploring novel materials and excitations, thereby refining existing models and offering fresh insights into the intricate world of strongly correlated materials.

This Research Topic aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of strongly correlated materials as revealed by RIXS. The primary objective is to address specific questions related to the latest advancements in RIXS technology, the exploration of quantum materials, and the characterization of unconventional superconductors and quantum magnets. By testing hypotheses related to the role of RIXS in uncovering new excitations and refining theoretical models, this research seeks to enhance our comprehension of these complex systems. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying strongly correlated materials and to highlight the potential of RIXS in driving future discoveries in this captivating field.

To gather further insights into the boundaries and limitations of RIXS in the study of strongly correlated materials, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Recent advances in synchrotron facilities used for resonant inelastic x-ray scattering.
- Exploration of quantum materials using RIXS.
- Unconventional superconductivity with a focus on nickelates, cuprates, etc.
- One-dimensional and two-dimensional quantum magnets realized in quantum materials and their characterization using RIXS

Keywords: Strongly correlated materials, quantum magnets, superconductivity, resonant inelastic x-ray scattering

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.