Abstract: Advances in quantum science and technology rely on ever-improving control over quantum degrees of
freedom including electron spin, photons, and magnons, which can store, transmit, and exchange information. Understanding their mutual interactions, propagation, and non-equilibrium dynamics within solid-state systems is a crucial challenge at the forefront of this effort. My research broadly investigates the dynamics and effective couplings among these quantum degrees of freedom. Specifically, my talk will center around two themes: 1. developing multifunctional vdW heterostructures for spin-based quantum information processing; 2. accelerating next-generation spin-orbit torque MRAM based on 2D magnets and topological materials. Led by the development of optical-valleytronic spin injection, ultrafast optical scanning microscopy, and Sagnac interferometry, I will present our experimental efforts in harnessing the outstanding opportunities enabled by the pristine van der Waals interfaces of 2D materials with unparalleled Kerr sensitivity, temporal, and spatial resolutions. Our work aims to bridge the urgent needs of the microelectronics industry by enabling new forms of nonvolatile magnetic memory, low-power computing, optical interconnects, and multifunctional hybrid materials with widespread societal impact.