Li0.9Mo6O17: A Bridge between Mott Insulation and Superconductivity

Speaker: Ali Khosravi
Affiliation: University of South Carolina
Date: November 7^th

Abstract: Li₀.₉Mo₆O₁₇ (LMO) is a special material that can act like both a Mott insulator and a
superconductor. When it gets colder, it strangely becomes more symmetric, not less — a very
rare behavior. This happens because of strong electron interactions that balance two opposite
states. By studying LMO, we can learn how quantum effects control this balance. It may help us
understand other superconductors near the Mott insulating state. Future tools like second
harmonic generation might reveal the hidden symmetry inside it.