The Future of the Correlated Electron Problem

TL;DR

This paper discusses the major open problems in the physics of strongly correlated electron systems and suggests potential research directions to advance understanding and predictive capabilities in this challenging field.

Contribution

It presents a collective perspective from experts on key open issues and future research routes in the study of correlated electron materials.

Findings

Identification of key open problems in correlated electron physics

Proposed research directions for understanding complex materials

Encouragement of collaborative efforts to solve hard problems

Abstract

A central problem in modern condensed matter physics is the understanding of materials with strong electron correlations. Despite extensive work, the essential physics of many of these systems is not understood and there is very little ability to make predictions in this class of materials. In this manuscript we share our personal views on the major open problems in the field of correlated electron systems. We discuss some possible routes to make progress in this rich and fascinating field. This manuscript is the result of the vigorous discussions and deliberations that took place at Johns Hopkins University during a three-day workshop January 27, 28, and 29, 2020 that brought together six senior scientists and 46 more junior scientists. Our hope, is that the topics we have presented will provide inspiration for others working in this field and motivation for the idea that significant progress can be made on very hard problems if we focus our collective energies.