The mechanism behind high temperature superconductivity is, more than 30 years after its initial discovery, still one of the great open questions in condensed matter physics. With this proposal I am looking to, for the first time, directly investigate the many-body correlations governing the pairing of electrons in high Tc cuprate superconductors. The novel technique, called coincidence two electron angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy, or 2e-ARPES, is being pioneered at the Quantum Matter Institute at UBC. This technique will allow the extraction and spectroscopy of two electrons forming a paired state, such as those comprising a Cooper-pair, simultaneously. By applying momentum and energy conservation laws to the measured electron pair, the initial momentum structure of the electron pair (i.e., Q = k1 + k2), the correlation strength and two-electron wavefunction symmetry can be determined. By complementing these measurements by state-of-the-art time- and angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy to determine also the single-particle spectral function, we are aiming to get a complete picture of the physical laws behind unconventional high temperature superconductivity.

This proposal for an international, trans-disciplinary study on the biofuel feedstock, Jatropha curcas, has been initiated by our team members in Ghana and Ethiopia, in response to the needs of local stakeholders, and in light of the dearth of policies to guide the development of the biofuel industries in both countries. The effects of Jatropha curcas cultivation and production on the lives and livelihoods of local and rural farmers in Africa have generally not been considered and are not well understood. Yet, land across Africa continues to be acquired to establish plantations for biofuel production. In Ghana and Ethiopia in particular, this has resulted in several conflicts and land use changes, including increased threats to food security and forest conservation. In spite of these conflicts, biofuels and other alternative fuel sources have enormous potential to serve both development and conservation interests by offering a sustainable solution to local energy needs if the opportunities and constraints facing their production are addressed in a fair and equitable manner, and in consideration of local livelihood and land tenure objectives. There is a lack of knowledge for informing policy in this field. Without evidence-based research, both Ghana and Ethiopia have failed to develop policies to mitigate conflicts and enhance cooperation on biofuels. Without adequate policies, it will be difficult to ensure the cultivation and production of biofuels in the future occur in a manner that is effective, sustainable, and just for all stakeholders. We aim to contribute knowledge to the emerging global dialogue on the implications of industrial biofuel production in general, and in regard to Jatropha curcas in particular. We will do so by focusing on the socio-economic implications of Jatropha curcas for local people in regard to their land rights, livelihoods, food production and participation in governance. An inductive, comparative, qualitative approach using case studies is appropriate in the context of this topic since the purpose of this research is for the discovery, exploration, and deeper investigation of this relatively new area. A major focus of this project will be on the generation of knowledge through high-quality research. Ghana and Ethiopia (and other developing countries) will be provided with the tools and perspectives for evidence-based policy development and practice. We also aim to develop the capacity of local institutions and individuals in Ghana and Ethiopia to enable a cooperative and supportive institutional environment for the production and processing of Jatropha curcas.