Joseph Checkelsky

Research Interests

Research in Checkelsky lab focuses on the study of exotic electronic states of matter through the synthesis, measurement, and control of solid state materials. Of particular interest are studies of correlated behavior in topologically non-trivial materials, the role of geometrical phases in electronic systems, and novel types of geometric frustration. These studies aim to uncover new physical phenomena that expand the boundaries of understanding of quantum mechanical condensed matter systems and also to open doorways to new technologies by realizing emergent electronic and magnetic functionalities.

The experimental approach of the laboratory is to work at the intersection of fundamental solid state physics, solid state chemistry, and nanoscience. Techniques range from transport and thermodynamic measurements to bulk single crystal and epitaxial thin film growth to nanoscale probe and device fabrication. We aim to generate an active feedback between these methodologies to incisively probe the fundamental physics of interest.

Biographic Sketch

Professor Checkelsky joined the Department of Physics at MIT as an assistant professor in January 2014. He received his B.S. in Physics in 2004 from Harvey Mudd College and Ph.D. in Physics in 2010 from Princeton University. Before coming to MIT, Professor Checkelsky did postdoctoral work at Japan’s Institute for Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) and held the position of lecturer at the University of Tokyo. He was promoted to associate professor in 2019 and in 2020 named a Mitsui Career Development Professor in Contemporary Technology, an appointment he will hold until 2023.