Project acronym collectiveQCD
Project Collectivity in small, srongly interacting systems
Researcher (PI) Korinna ZAPP
Host Institution (HI) LUNDS UNIVERSITET
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2018-STG
Summary In collisions of heavy nuclei at collider energies, for instance at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, the energy density is so high that an equilibrated Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP), an exotic state of matter consisting of deconfined quarks and gluons, is formed. In proton-proton (p+p) collisions, on the other hand, the density of produced particles is low. The traditional view on such reactions is that final state particles are free and do not rescatter. This picture is challenged by recent LHC data, which found features in p+p collisions that are indicative of collective behaviour and/or the formation of a hot and dense system. These findings have been taken as signs of QGP formation in p+p reactions. Such an interpretation is complicated by the fact that jets, which are the manifestation of very energetic quarks and gluons, are quenched in heavy ion collisions, but appear to be unmodified in p+p reactions. This is puzzling because collectivity and jet quenching are caused by the same processes. So far there is no consensus about the interpretation of these results, which is also due to a lack of suitable tools.
It is the objective of this proposal to address the question whether there are collective effects in p+p collisions. To this end two models capable of describing all relevant aspects of p+p and heavy ion collisions will be developed. They will be obtained by extending a successful description of p+p to heavy ion reactions and vice versa.
The answer to these questions will either clarify the long-standing problem how collectivity emerges from fundamental interactions, or it will necessitate qualitative changes to our interpretation of collective phenomena in p+p and/or heavy ion collisions.
The PI is in a unique position to accomplish this goal, as she has spent her entire career working on different aspects of p+p and heavy ion collisions. The group in Lund is the ideal host, as it is very active in developing alternative interpretations of the data.
Summary
In collisions of heavy nuclei at collider energies, for instance at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, the energy density is so high that an equilibrated Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP), an exotic state of matter consisting of deconfined quarks and gluons, is formed. In proton-proton (p+p) collisions, on the other hand, the density of produced particles is low. The traditional view on such reactions is that final state particles are free and do not rescatter. This picture is challenged by recent LHC data, which found features in p+p collisions that are indicative of collective behaviour and/or the formation of a hot and dense system. These findings have been taken as signs of QGP formation in p+p reactions. Such an interpretation is complicated by the fact that jets, which are the manifestation of very energetic quarks and gluons, are quenched in heavy ion collisions, but appear to be unmodified in p+p reactions. This is puzzling because collectivity and jet quenching are caused by the same processes. So far there is no consensus about the interpretation of these results, which is also due to a lack of suitable tools.
It is the objective of this proposal to address the question whether there are collective effects in p+p collisions. To this end two models capable of describing all relevant aspects of p+p and heavy ion collisions will be developed. They will be obtained by extending a successful description of p+p to heavy ion reactions and vice versa.
The answer to these questions will either clarify the long-standing problem how collectivity emerges from fundamental interactions, or it will necessitate qualitative changes to our interpretation of collective phenomena in p+p and/or heavy ion collisions.
The PI is in a unique position to accomplish this goal, as she has spent her entire career working on different aspects of p+p and heavy ion collisions. The group in Lund is the ideal host, as it is very active in developing alternative interpretations of the data.
Max ERC Funding
1 500 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-02-01, End date: 2024-01-31
Project acronym COMPASS
Project Colloids with complex interactions: from model atoms to colloidal recognition and bio-inspired self assembly
Researcher (PI) Peter Schurtenberger
Host Institution (HI) LUNDS UNIVERSITET
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE3, ERC-2013-ADG
Summary Self-assembly is the key construction principle that nature uses so successfully to fabricate its molecular machinery and highly elaborate structures. In this project we will follow nature’s strategies and make a concerted experimental and theoretical effort to study, understand and control self-assembly for a new generation of colloidal building blocks. Starting point will be recent advances in colloid synthesis strategies that have led to a spectacular array of colloids of different shapes, compositions, patterns and functionalities. These allow us to investigate the influence of anisotropy in shape and interactions on aggregation and self-assembly in colloidal suspensions and mixtures. Using responsive particles we will implement colloidal lock-and-key mechanisms and then assemble a library of “colloidal molecules” with well-defined and externally tunable binding sites using microfluidics-based and externally controlled fabrication and sorting principles. We will use them to explore the equilibrium phase behavior of particle systems interacting through a finite number of binding sites. In parallel, we will exploit them and investigate colloid self-assembly into well-defined nanostructures. Here we aim at achieving much more refined control than currently possible by implementing a protein-inspired approach to controlled self-assembly. We combine molecule-like colloidal building blocks that possess directional interactions and externally triggerable specific recognition sites with directed self-assembly where external fields not only facilitate assembly, but also allow fabricating novel structures. We will use the tunable combination of different contributions to the interaction potential between the colloidal building blocks and the ability to create chirality in the assembly to establish the requirements for the controlled formation of tubular shells and thus create a colloid-based minimal model of synthetic virus capsid proteins.
Summary
Self-assembly is the key construction principle that nature uses so successfully to fabricate its molecular machinery and highly elaborate structures. In this project we will follow nature’s strategies and make a concerted experimental and theoretical effort to study, understand and control self-assembly for a new generation of colloidal building blocks. Starting point will be recent advances in colloid synthesis strategies that have led to a spectacular array of colloids of different shapes, compositions, patterns and functionalities. These allow us to investigate the influence of anisotropy in shape and interactions on aggregation and self-assembly in colloidal suspensions and mixtures. Using responsive particles we will implement colloidal lock-and-key mechanisms and then assemble a library of “colloidal molecules” with well-defined and externally tunable binding sites using microfluidics-based and externally controlled fabrication and sorting principles. We will use them to explore the equilibrium phase behavior of particle systems interacting through a finite number of binding sites. In parallel, we will exploit them and investigate colloid self-assembly into well-defined nanostructures. Here we aim at achieving much more refined control than currently possible by implementing a protein-inspired approach to controlled self-assembly. We combine molecule-like colloidal building blocks that possess directional interactions and externally triggerable specific recognition sites with directed self-assembly where external fields not only facilitate assembly, but also allow fabricating novel structures. We will use the tunable combination of different contributions to the interaction potential between the colloidal building blocks and the ability to create chirality in the assembly to establish the requirements for the controlled formation of tubular shells and thus create a colloid-based minimal model of synthetic virus capsid proteins.
Max ERC Funding
2 498 040 €
Duration
Start date: 2014-02-01, End date: 2019-01-31
Project acronym CUHL
Project Controlling Ultrafast Heat in Layered materials
Researcher (PI) Klaas-Jan TIELROOIJ
Host Institution (HI) FUNDACIO INSTITUT CATALA DE NANOCIENCIA I NANOTECNOLOGIA
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE3, ERC-2018-STG
Summary In this project I propose to take advantage of the enormous potential created by the recent material science revolution based on two-dimensional (2D) layered materials, by bringing it to the arena of nanoscale heat transport, where heat transport occurs on ultrafast timescales. This opens up a new research field of controllable ultrafast heat transport in layered materials. In particular, I will take advantage of the myriad of possibilities for miniature material and device design, with unprecedented controllability and versatility, offered by Van der Waals (VdW) heterostructures – stacks of different layered materials assembled on top of each other – and 1D systems of layered materials.
Specifically, I will introduce novel device geometries based on VdW heterostructures for passively and actively controlling phonon modes and thermal transport. This will be measured mainly using time-domain thermoreflectance measurements. I will also develop novel time-resolved measurement techniques to follow heat spreading and coupling between different heat carriers: light, phonons, and electrons. These techniques will be mainly based on time-resolved infrared/Raman spectroscopy and photocurrent scanning microscopy. Moreover, I will study one-dimensional layered materials and assess their thermoelectric properties using electrical measurements. And finally, I will combine these results into hybrid devices with a photoactive layer, in order to demonstrate how phonon control allows for tuning of electrical and optoelectronic properties.
The results of this project will have an impact on the major research fields of phononics, electronics and photonics, revealing novel physical phenomena. Additionally, the results are likely to be useful towards applications such as thermal management, thermoelectrics, photovoltaics and photodetection.
Summary
In this project I propose to take advantage of the enormous potential created by the recent material science revolution based on two-dimensional (2D) layered materials, by bringing it to the arena of nanoscale heat transport, where heat transport occurs on ultrafast timescales. This opens up a new research field of controllable ultrafast heat transport in layered materials. In particular, I will take advantage of the myriad of possibilities for miniature material and device design, with unprecedented controllability and versatility, offered by Van der Waals (VdW) heterostructures – stacks of different layered materials assembled on top of each other – and 1D systems of layered materials.
Specifically, I will introduce novel device geometries based on VdW heterostructures for passively and actively controlling phonon modes and thermal transport. This will be measured mainly using time-domain thermoreflectance measurements. I will also develop novel time-resolved measurement techniques to follow heat spreading and coupling between different heat carriers: light, phonons, and electrons. These techniques will be mainly based on time-resolved infrared/Raman spectroscopy and photocurrent scanning microscopy. Moreover, I will study one-dimensional layered materials and assess their thermoelectric properties using electrical measurements. And finally, I will combine these results into hybrid devices with a photoactive layer, in order to demonstrate how phonon control allows for tuning of electrical and optoelectronic properties.
The results of this project will have an impact on the major research fields of phononics, electronics and photonics, revealing novel physical phenomena. Additionally, the results are likely to be useful towards applications such as thermal management, thermoelectrics, photovoltaics and photodetection.
Max ERC Funding
1 475 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-12-01, End date: 2023-11-30
Project acronym CurvedSusy
Project Dynamics of Supersymmetry in Curved Space
Researcher (PI) Guido Festuccia
Host Institution (HI) UPPSALA UNIVERSITET
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2014-STG
Summary Quantum field theory provides a theoretical framework to explain quantitatively natural phenomena as diverse as the fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background, superconductivity, and elementary particle interactions in colliders. Even if we use quantum field theories in different settings, their structure and dynamics are still largely mysterious. Weakly coupled systems can be studied perturbatively, however many natural phenomena are characterized by strong self-interactions (e.g. high T superconductors, nuclear forces) and their analysis requires going beyond perturbation theory. Supersymmetric field theories are very interesting in this respect because they can be studied exactly even at strong coupling and their dynamics displays phenomena like confinement or the breaking of chiral symmetries that occur in nature and are very difficult to study analytically.
Recently it was realized that many interesting insights on the dynamics of supersymmetric field theories can be obtained by placing these theories in curved space preserving supersymmetry. These advances have opened new research avenues but also left many important questions unanswered. The aim of our research programme will be to clarify the dynamics of supersymmetric field theories in curved space and use this knowledge to establish new exact results for strongly coupled supersymmetric gauge theories. The novelty of our approach resides in the systematic use of the interplay between the physical properties of a supersymmetric theory and the geometrical properties of the space-time it lives in. The analytical results we will obtain, while derived for very symmetric theories, can be used as a guide in understanding the dynamics of many physical systems. Besides providing new tools to address the dynamics of quantum field theory at strong coupling this line of investigation could lead to new connections between Physics and Mathematics.
Summary
Quantum field theory provides a theoretical framework to explain quantitatively natural phenomena as diverse as the fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background, superconductivity, and elementary particle interactions in colliders. Even if we use quantum field theories in different settings, their structure and dynamics are still largely mysterious. Weakly coupled systems can be studied perturbatively, however many natural phenomena are characterized by strong self-interactions (e.g. high T superconductors, nuclear forces) and their analysis requires going beyond perturbation theory. Supersymmetric field theories are very interesting in this respect because they can be studied exactly even at strong coupling and their dynamics displays phenomena like confinement or the breaking of chiral symmetries that occur in nature and are very difficult to study analytically.
Recently it was realized that many interesting insights on the dynamics of supersymmetric field theories can be obtained by placing these theories in curved space preserving supersymmetry. These advances have opened new research avenues but also left many important questions unanswered. The aim of our research programme will be to clarify the dynamics of supersymmetric field theories in curved space and use this knowledge to establish new exact results for strongly coupled supersymmetric gauge theories. The novelty of our approach resides in the systematic use of the interplay between the physical properties of a supersymmetric theory and the geometrical properties of the space-time it lives in. The analytical results we will obtain, while derived for very symmetric theories, can be used as a guide in understanding the dynamics of many physical systems. Besides providing new tools to address the dynamics of quantum field theory at strong coupling this line of investigation could lead to new connections between Physics and Mathematics.
Max ERC Funding
1 145 879 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-09-01, End date: 2020-08-31
Project acronym DARKJETS
Project Discovery strategies for Dark Matter and new phenomena in hadronic signatures with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider
Researcher (PI) Caterina Doglioni
Host Institution (HI) LUNDS UNIVERSITET
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2015-STG
Summary The Standard Model of Particle Physics describes the fundamental components of ordinary matter and their interactions. Despite its success in predicting many experimental results, the Standard Model fails to account for a number of interesting phenomena. One phenomenon of particular interest is the large excess of unobservable (Dark) matter in the Universe. This excess cannot be explained by Standard Model particles. A compelling hypothesis is that Dark Matter is comprised of particles that can be produced in the proton-proton collisions from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.
Within this project, I will build a team of researchers at Lund University dedicated to searches for signals of the presence of Dark Matter particles. The discovery strategies employed seek the decays of particles that either mediate the interactions between Dark and Standard Model particles or are produced in association with Dark Matter. These new particles manifest in detectors as two, three, or four collimated jets of particles (hadronic jets).
The LHC will resume delivery of proton-proton collisions to the ATLAS detector in 2015. Searches for new, rare, low mass particles such as Dark Matter mediators have so far been hindered by constraints on the rates of data that can be stored. These constraints will be overcome through the implementation of a novel real-time data analysis technique and a new search signature, both introduced to ATLAS by this project. The coincidence of this project with the upcoming LHC runs and the software and hardware improvements within the ATLAS detector is a unique opportunity to increase the sensitivity to hadronically decaying new particles by a large margin with respect to any previous searches. The results of these searches will be interpreted within a comprehensive and coherent set of theoretical benchmarks, highlighting the strengths of collider experiments in the global quest for Dark Matter.
Summary
The Standard Model of Particle Physics describes the fundamental components of ordinary matter and their interactions. Despite its success in predicting many experimental results, the Standard Model fails to account for a number of interesting phenomena. One phenomenon of particular interest is the large excess of unobservable (Dark) matter in the Universe. This excess cannot be explained by Standard Model particles. A compelling hypothesis is that Dark Matter is comprised of particles that can be produced in the proton-proton collisions from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.
Within this project, I will build a team of researchers at Lund University dedicated to searches for signals of the presence of Dark Matter particles. The discovery strategies employed seek the decays of particles that either mediate the interactions between Dark and Standard Model particles or are produced in association with Dark Matter. These new particles manifest in detectors as two, three, or four collimated jets of particles (hadronic jets).
The LHC will resume delivery of proton-proton collisions to the ATLAS detector in 2015. Searches for new, rare, low mass particles such as Dark Matter mediators have so far been hindered by constraints on the rates of data that can be stored. These constraints will be overcome through the implementation of a novel real-time data analysis technique and a new search signature, both introduced to ATLAS by this project. The coincidence of this project with the upcoming LHC runs and the software and hardware improvements within the ATLAS detector is a unique opportunity to increase the sensitivity to hadronically decaying new particles by a large margin with respect to any previous searches. The results of these searches will be interpreted within a comprehensive and coherent set of theoretical benchmarks, highlighting the strengths of collider experiments in the global quest for Dark Matter.
Max ERC Funding
1 268 076 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-02-01, End date: 2021-01-31
Project acronym DM
Project Dirac Materials
Researcher (PI) Alexander Balatsky
Host Institution (HI) KUNGLIGA TEKNISKA HOEGSKOLAN
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE3, ERC-2012-ADG_20120216
Summary "The elegant Dirac equation, describing the linear dispersion (energy/momentum) relation of electrons at relativistic speeds, has profound consequences such as the prediction of antiparticles, reflection less tunneling (Klein paradox) and others. Recent discovery of graphene and topological insulators (TI) highlights the scientific importance and technological promise of materials with “relativistic Dirac dispersion"" of electrons for functional materials and device applications with novel functionalities. One might use term ‘Dirac materials’ to encompass a subset of (materials) systems in which the low energy phase space for fermion excitations is reduced compared to conventional band structure predictions (i.e. point or lines of nodes vs. full Fermi Surface).
Dirac materials are characterized by universal low energy properties due to presence of the nodal excitations. It is this reduction of phase space due to additional symmetries that can be turned on and off that opens a new door to functionality of Dirac materials.
We propose to use the sensitivity of nodes in the electron spectrum of Dirac materials to induce controlled modifications of the Dirac points/lines via band structure engineering in artificial structures and via inelastic scattering processes with controlled doping. Proposed research will expand our theoretical understanding and guide design of materials and engineered geometries that allow tunable energy profiles of Dirac carriers."
Summary
"The elegant Dirac equation, describing the linear dispersion (energy/momentum) relation of electrons at relativistic speeds, has profound consequences such as the prediction of antiparticles, reflection less tunneling (Klein paradox) and others. Recent discovery of graphene and topological insulators (TI) highlights the scientific importance and technological promise of materials with “relativistic Dirac dispersion"" of electrons for functional materials and device applications with novel functionalities. One might use term ‘Dirac materials’ to encompass a subset of (materials) systems in which the low energy phase space for fermion excitations is reduced compared to conventional band structure predictions (i.e. point or lines of nodes vs. full Fermi Surface).
Dirac materials are characterized by universal low energy properties due to presence of the nodal excitations. It is this reduction of phase space due to additional symmetries that can be turned on and off that opens a new door to functionality of Dirac materials.
We propose to use the sensitivity of nodes in the electron spectrum of Dirac materials to induce controlled modifications of the Dirac points/lines via band structure engineering in artificial structures and via inelastic scattering processes with controlled doping. Proposed research will expand our theoretical understanding and guide design of materials and engineered geometries that allow tunable energy profiles of Dirac carriers."
Max ERC Funding
1 700 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-04-01, End date: 2018-03-31
Project acronym DYNAMO
Project Dynamics and assemblies of colloidal particles
under Magnetic and Optical forces
Researcher (PI) Pietro Tierno
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE3, ERC-2013-StG
Summary Control of microscale matter through selective manipulation of colloidal building blocks will unveil novel scientific and technological avenues expanding current frontiers of knowledge in Soft Matter systems. I propose to combine state-of-the-art micromanipulation techniques based on magnetic and optical forces to transport, probe and assemble colloidal matter with single particle resolution in real time/space and otherwise unreachable capabilities. In the first part of the project, I will use paramagnetic colloids as externally controllable magnetic inclusions to probe the structural and rheological properties of optically assembled colloid crystals and glasses. In the second part, I will realize a new class of anisotropy patchy magnetic colloids, characterized by selective, directional and reversible interactions and employ these remotely addressable units to realize gels and frustrated crystals (static case), active jamming and synchronization via hydrodynamic coupling (dynamic case).
DynaMO project will power a basic experimental research embracing a variety of apparently different systems ranging from deterministic ratchets, viscoelastic crystals, glasses, patchy colloidal gels, frustrated crystals, active jamming, and hydrodynamic waves. The ERC grant will allow me to establish a young and dynamic research group of interdisciplinary nature focused on these issues and aimed at performing high quality research and training/inspiring talented researchers in innovative and challenging scientific projects.
Summary
Control of microscale matter through selective manipulation of colloidal building blocks will unveil novel scientific and technological avenues expanding current frontiers of knowledge in Soft Matter systems. I propose to combine state-of-the-art micromanipulation techniques based on magnetic and optical forces to transport, probe and assemble colloidal matter with single particle resolution in real time/space and otherwise unreachable capabilities. In the first part of the project, I will use paramagnetic colloids as externally controllable magnetic inclusions to probe the structural and rheological properties of optically assembled colloid crystals and glasses. In the second part, I will realize a new class of anisotropy patchy magnetic colloids, characterized by selective, directional and reversible interactions and employ these remotely addressable units to realize gels and frustrated crystals (static case), active jamming and synchronization via hydrodynamic coupling (dynamic case).
DynaMO project will power a basic experimental research embracing a variety of apparently different systems ranging from deterministic ratchets, viscoelastic crystals, glasses, patchy colloidal gels, frustrated crystals, active jamming, and hydrodynamic waves. The ERC grant will allow me to establish a young and dynamic research group of interdisciplinary nature focused on these issues and aimed at performing high quality research and training/inspiring talented researchers in innovative and challenging scientific projects.
Max ERC Funding
1 309 320 €
Duration
Start date: 2014-01-01, End date: 2018-12-31
Project acronym ELECTRONOPERA
Project Electron dynamics to the Attosecond time scale and Angstrom length scale on low dimensional structures in Operation
Researcher (PI) Anders Mikkelsen
Host Institution (HI) LUNDS UNIVERSITET
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE3, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary We will develop and use imaging techniques for direct probing of electron dynamics in low dimensional structures with orders of
magnitude improvements in time and spatial resolution. We will perform our measurements not only on static structures, but on
complex structures under operating conditions. Finally as our equipment can also probe structural properties from microns to
single atom defects we can directly correlate our observations of electron dynamics with knowledge of geometrical structure. We
hope to directly answer central questions in nanophysics on how complex geometric structure on several length-scales induces
new and surprising electron dynamics and thus properties in nanoscale objects.
The low dimensional semiconductors and metal (nano) structures studied will be chosen to have unique novel properties that will
have potential applications in IT, life-science and renewable energy.
To radically increase our diagnostics capabilities we will combine PhotoEmission Electron Microscopy and attosecond XUV/IR
laser technology to directly image surface electron dynamics with attosecond time resolution and nanometer lateral resolution.
Exploring a completely new realm in terms of timescale with nm resolution we will start with rather simple structure such as Au
nanoparticles and arrays nanoholes in ultrathin metal films, and gradually increase complexity.
As the first group in the world we have shown that atomic resolved structural and electrical measurements by Scanning Tunneling
Microscopy is possible on complex 1D semiconductors heterostructures. Importantly, our new method allows for direct studies of
nanowires in devices.
We can now measure atomic scale surface chemistry and surface electronic/geometric structure directly on operational/operating
nanoscale devices. This is important both from a technology point of view, and is an excellent playground for understanding the
fundamental interplay between electronic and structural properties.
Summary
We will develop and use imaging techniques for direct probing of electron dynamics in low dimensional structures with orders of
magnitude improvements in time and spatial resolution. We will perform our measurements not only on static structures, but on
complex structures under operating conditions. Finally as our equipment can also probe structural properties from microns to
single atom defects we can directly correlate our observations of electron dynamics with knowledge of geometrical structure. We
hope to directly answer central questions in nanophysics on how complex geometric structure on several length-scales induces
new and surprising electron dynamics and thus properties in nanoscale objects.
The low dimensional semiconductors and metal (nano) structures studied will be chosen to have unique novel properties that will
have potential applications in IT, life-science and renewable energy.
To radically increase our diagnostics capabilities we will combine PhotoEmission Electron Microscopy and attosecond XUV/IR
laser technology to directly image surface electron dynamics with attosecond time resolution and nanometer lateral resolution.
Exploring a completely new realm in terms of timescale with nm resolution we will start with rather simple structure such as Au
nanoparticles and arrays nanoholes in ultrathin metal films, and gradually increase complexity.
As the first group in the world we have shown that atomic resolved structural and electrical measurements by Scanning Tunneling
Microscopy is possible on complex 1D semiconductors heterostructures. Importantly, our new method allows for direct studies of
nanowires in devices.
We can now measure atomic scale surface chemistry and surface electronic/geometric structure directly on operational/operating
nanoscale devices. This is important both from a technology point of view, and is an excellent playground for understanding the
fundamental interplay between electronic and structural properties.
Max ERC Funding
1 419 120 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-10-01, End date: 2015-09-30
Project acronym eNANO
Project FREE ELECTRONS AS ULTRAFAST NANOSCALE PROBES
Researcher (PI) Javier Garcia de Abajo
Host Institution (HI) FUNDACIO INSTITUT DE CIENCIES FOTONIQUES
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE3, ERC-2017-ADG
Summary With eNANO I will introduce a disruptive approach toward controlling and understanding the dynamical response of material nanostructures, expanding nanoscience and nanotechnology in unprecedented directions. Specifically, I intend to inaugurate the field of free-electron nanoelectronics, whereby electrons evolving in the vacuum regions defined by nanostructures will be generated, guided, and sampled at the nanoscale, thus acting as probes to excite, detect, image, and spectrally resolve polaritonic modes (e.g., plasmons, optical phonons, and excitons) with atomic precision over sub-femtosecond timescales. I will exploit the wave nature of electrons, extending the principles of nanophotonics from photons to electrons, therefore gaining in spatial resolution (by relying on the large reduction in wavelength) and strength of interaction (mediated by Coulomb fields, which in contrast to photons render nonlinear interactions ubiquitous when using free electrons). I will develop the theoretical and computational tools required to investigate this unexplored scenario, covering a wide range of free-electron energies, their elastic interactions with the material atomic structures, and their inelastic coupling to nanoscale dynamical excitations. Equipped with these techniques, I will further address four challenges of major scientific interest: (i) the fundamental limits to the space, time, and energy resolutions achievable with free electrons; (ii) the foundations and feasibility of pump-probe spectral microscopy at the single-electron level; (iii) the exploration of quantum-optics phenomena by means of free electrons; and (iv) the unique perspectives and potential offered by vertically confined free-electrons in 2D crystals. I will face these research frontiers by combining knowledge from different areas through a multidisciplinary theory group, in close collaboration with leading experimentalists, pursuing a radically new approach to study and control the nanoworld.
Summary
With eNANO I will introduce a disruptive approach toward controlling and understanding the dynamical response of material nanostructures, expanding nanoscience and nanotechnology in unprecedented directions. Specifically, I intend to inaugurate the field of free-electron nanoelectronics, whereby electrons evolving in the vacuum regions defined by nanostructures will be generated, guided, and sampled at the nanoscale, thus acting as probes to excite, detect, image, and spectrally resolve polaritonic modes (e.g., plasmons, optical phonons, and excitons) with atomic precision over sub-femtosecond timescales. I will exploit the wave nature of electrons, extending the principles of nanophotonics from photons to electrons, therefore gaining in spatial resolution (by relying on the large reduction in wavelength) and strength of interaction (mediated by Coulomb fields, which in contrast to photons render nonlinear interactions ubiquitous when using free electrons). I will develop the theoretical and computational tools required to investigate this unexplored scenario, covering a wide range of free-electron energies, their elastic interactions with the material atomic structures, and their inelastic coupling to nanoscale dynamical excitations. Equipped with these techniques, I will further address four challenges of major scientific interest: (i) the fundamental limits to the space, time, and energy resolutions achievable with free electrons; (ii) the foundations and feasibility of pump-probe spectral microscopy at the single-electron level; (iii) the exploration of quantum-optics phenomena by means of free electrons; and (iv) the unique perspectives and potential offered by vertically confined free-electrons in 2D crystals. I will face these research frontiers by combining knowledge from different areas through a multidisciplinary theory group, in close collaboration with leading experimentalists, pursuing a radically new approach to study and control the nanoworld.
Max ERC Funding
1 899 788 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-12-01, End date: 2023-11-30
Project acronym ENFORCE
Project ENgineering FrustratiOn in aRtificial Colloidal icEs:degeneracy, exotic lattices and 3D states
Researcher (PI) pietro TIERNO
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE3, ERC-2018-COG
Summary Geometric frustration, namely the impossibility of satisfying competing interactions on a lattice, has recently
become a topic of considerable interest as it engenders emergent, fundamentally new phenomena and holds
the exciting promise of delivering a new class of nanoscale devices based on the motion of magnetic charges.
With ENFORCE, I propose to realize two and three dimensional artificial colloidal ices and investigate the
fascinating manybody physics of geometric frustration in these mesoscopic structures. I will use these soft
matter systems to engineer novel frustrated states through independent control of the single particle
positions, lattice topology and collective magnetic coupling. The three project work packages (WPs) will
present increasing levels of complexity, challenge and ambition:
(i) In WP1, I will demonstrate a way to restore the residual entropy in the square ice, a fundamental longstanding
problem in the field. Furthermore, I will miniaturize the square and the honeycomb geometries and investigate the dynamics of thermally excited topological defects and the formation of grain boundaries.
(ii) In WP2, I will decimate both lattices and realize mixed coordination geometries, where the similarity
between the colloidal and spin ice systems breaks down. I will then develop a novel annealing protocol based
on the simultaneous system visualization and magnetic actuation control.
(iii) In WP3, I will realize a three dimensional artificial colloidal ice, in which interacting ferromagnetic
inclusions will be located in the voids of an inverse opal, and arranged to form the FCC or the pyrochlore
lattices. External fields will be used to align, bias and stir these magnetic inclusions while monitoring in situ
their orientation and dynamics via laser scanning confocal microscopy.
ENFORCE will exploit the accessible time and length scales of the colloidal ice to shed new light on the
exciting and interdisciplinary field of geometric frustration.
Summary
Geometric frustration, namely the impossibility of satisfying competing interactions on a lattice, has recently
become a topic of considerable interest as it engenders emergent, fundamentally new phenomena and holds
the exciting promise of delivering a new class of nanoscale devices based on the motion of magnetic charges.
With ENFORCE, I propose to realize two and three dimensional artificial colloidal ices and investigate the
fascinating manybody physics of geometric frustration in these mesoscopic structures. I will use these soft
matter systems to engineer novel frustrated states through independent control of the single particle
positions, lattice topology and collective magnetic coupling. The three project work packages (WPs) will
present increasing levels of complexity, challenge and ambition:
(i) In WP1, I will demonstrate a way to restore the residual entropy in the square ice, a fundamental longstanding
problem in the field. Furthermore, I will miniaturize the square and the honeycomb geometries and investigate the dynamics of thermally excited topological defects and the formation of grain boundaries.
(ii) In WP2, I will decimate both lattices and realize mixed coordination geometries, where the similarity
between the colloidal and spin ice systems breaks down. I will then develop a novel annealing protocol based
on the simultaneous system visualization and magnetic actuation control.
(iii) In WP3, I will realize a three dimensional artificial colloidal ice, in which interacting ferromagnetic
inclusions will be located in the voids of an inverse opal, and arranged to form the FCC or the pyrochlore
lattices. External fields will be used to align, bias and stir these magnetic inclusions while monitoring in situ
their orientation and dynamics via laser scanning confocal microscopy.
ENFORCE will exploit the accessible time and length scales of the colloidal ice to shed new light on the
exciting and interdisciplinary field of geometric frustration.
Max ERC Funding
1 850 298 €
Duration
Start date: 2020-01-01, End date: 2024-12-31
