Project acronym 0MSPIN
Project Spintronics based on relativistic phenomena in systems with zero magnetic moment
Researcher (PI) Tomá Jungwirth
Host Institution (HI) FYZIKALNI USTAV AV CR V.V.I
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE3, ERC-2010-AdG_20100224
Summary The 0MSPIN project consists of an extensive integrated theoretical, experimental and device development programme of research opening a radical new approach to spintronics. Spintronics has the potential to supersede existing storage and memory applications, and to provide alternatives to current CMOS technology. Ferromagnetic matels used in all current spintronics applications may make it impractical to realise the full potential of spintronics. Metals are unsuitable for transistor and information processing applications, for opto-electronics, or for high-density integration. The 0MSPIN project aims to remove the major road-block holding back the development of spintronics in a radical way: removing the ferromagnetic component from key active parts or from the whole of the spintronic devices. This approach is based on exploiting the combination of exchange and spin-orbit coupling phenomena and material systems with zero macroscopic moment. The goal of the 0MSPIN is to provide a new paradigm by which spintronics can enter the realms of conventional semiconductors in both fundamental condensed matter research and in information technologies. In the central part of the proposal, the research towards this goal is embedded within a materials science project whose aim is to introduce into physics and microelectronics an entirely new class of semiconductors. 0MSPIN seeks to exploit three classes of material systems: (1) Antiferromagnetic bi-metallic 3d-5d alloys (e.g. Mn2Au). (2) Antiferromagnetic I-II-V semiconductors (e.g. LiMnAs). (3) Non-magnetic spin-orbit coupled semiconductors with injected spin-polarized currents (e.g. 2D III-V structures). Proof of concept devices operating at high temperatures will be fabricated to show-case new functionalities offered by zero-moment systems for sensing and memory applications, information processing, and opto-electronics technologies.
Summary
The 0MSPIN project consists of an extensive integrated theoretical, experimental and device development programme of research opening a radical new approach to spintronics. Spintronics has the potential to supersede existing storage and memory applications, and to provide alternatives to current CMOS technology. Ferromagnetic matels used in all current spintronics applications may make it impractical to realise the full potential of spintronics. Metals are unsuitable for transistor and information processing applications, for opto-electronics, or for high-density integration. The 0MSPIN project aims to remove the major road-block holding back the development of spintronics in a radical way: removing the ferromagnetic component from key active parts or from the whole of the spintronic devices. This approach is based on exploiting the combination of exchange and spin-orbit coupling phenomena and material systems with zero macroscopic moment. The goal of the 0MSPIN is to provide a new paradigm by which spintronics can enter the realms of conventional semiconductors in both fundamental condensed matter research and in information technologies. In the central part of the proposal, the research towards this goal is embedded within a materials science project whose aim is to introduce into physics and microelectronics an entirely new class of semiconductors. 0MSPIN seeks to exploit three classes of material systems: (1) Antiferromagnetic bi-metallic 3d-5d alloys (e.g. Mn2Au). (2) Antiferromagnetic I-II-V semiconductors (e.g. LiMnAs). (3) Non-magnetic spin-orbit coupled semiconductors with injected spin-polarized currents (e.g. 2D III-V structures). Proof of concept devices operating at high temperatures will be fabricated to show-case new functionalities offered by zero-moment systems for sensing and memory applications, information processing, and opto-electronics technologies.
Max ERC Funding
1 938 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-06-01, End date: 2016-05-31
Project acronym 2DTHERMS
Project Design of new thermoelectric devices based on layered and field modulated nanostructures of strongly correlated electron systems
Researcher (PI) Jose Francisco Rivadulla Fernandez
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSIDAD DE SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE3, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary Design of new thermoelectric devices based on layered and field modulated nanostructures of strongly correlated electron systems
Summary
Design of new thermoelectric devices based on layered and field modulated nanostructures of strongly correlated electron systems
Max ERC Funding
1 427 190 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-11-01, End date: 2015-10-31
Project acronym 3-TOP
Project Exploring the physics of 3-dimensional topological insulators
Researcher (PI) Laurens Wigbolt Molenkamp
Host Institution (HI) JULIUS-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAT WURZBURG
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE3, ERC-2010-AdG_20100224
Summary Topological insulators constitute a novel class of materials where the topological details of the bulk band structure induce a robust surface state on the edges of the material. While transport data for 2-dimensional topological insulators have recently become available, experiments on their 3-dimensional counterparts are mainly limited to photoelectron spectroscopy. At the same time, a plethora of interesting novel physical phenomena have been predicted to occur in such systems.
In this proposal, we sketch an approach to tackle the transport and magnetic properties of the surface states in these materials. This starts with high quality layer growth, using molecular beam epitaxy, of bulk layers of HgTe, Bi2Se3 and Bi2Te3, which are the prime candidates to show the novel physics expected in this field. The existence of the relevant surface states will be assessed spectroscopically, but from there on research will focus on fabricating and characterizing nanostructures designed to elucidate the transport and magnetic properties of the topological surfaces using electrical, optical and scanning probe techniques. Apart from a general characterization of the Dirac band structure of the surface states, research will focus on the predicted magnetic monopole-like response of the system to an electrical test charge. In addition, much effort will be devoted to contacting the surface state with superconducting and magnetic top layers, with the final aim of demonstrating Majorana fermion behavior. As a final benefit, growth of thin high quality thin Bi2Se3 or Bi2Te3 layers could allow for a demonstration of the (2-dimensional) quantum spin Hall effect at room temperature - offering a road map to dissipation-less transport for the semiconductor industry.
Summary
Topological insulators constitute a novel class of materials where the topological details of the bulk band structure induce a robust surface state on the edges of the material. While transport data for 2-dimensional topological insulators have recently become available, experiments on their 3-dimensional counterparts are mainly limited to photoelectron spectroscopy. At the same time, a plethora of interesting novel physical phenomena have been predicted to occur in such systems.
In this proposal, we sketch an approach to tackle the transport and magnetic properties of the surface states in these materials. This starts with high quality layer growth, using molecular beam epitaxy, of bulk layers of HgTe, Bi2Se3 and Bi2Te3, which are the prime candidates to show the novel physics expected in this field. The existence of the relevant surface states will be assessed spectroscopically, but from there on research will focus on fabricating and characterizing nanostructures designed to elucidate the transport and magnetic properties of the topological surfaces using electrical, optical and scanning probe techniques. Apart from a general characterization of the Dirac band structure of the surface states, research will focus on the predicted magnetic monopole-like response of the system to an electrical test charge. In addition, much effort will be devoted to contacting the surface state with superconducting and magnetic top layers, with the final aim of demonstrating Majorana fermion behavior. As a final benefit, growth of thin high quality thin Bi2Se3 or Bi2Te3 layers could allow for a demonstration of the (2-dimensional) quantum spin Hall effect at room temperature - offering a road map to dissipation-less transport for the semiconductor industry.
Max ERC Funding
2 419 590 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-04-01, End date: 2016-03-31
Project acronym ACTIVENP
Project Active and low loss nano photonics (ActiveNP)
Researcher (PI) Thomas Arno Klar
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAT LINZ
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE3, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary This project aims at designing novel hybrid nanophotonic devices comprising metallic nanostructures and active elements such as dye molecules or colloidal quantum dots. Three core objectives, each going far beyond the state of the art, shall be tackled: (i) Metamaterials containing gain materials: Metamaterials introduce magnetism to the optical frequency range and hold promise to create entirely novel devices for light manipulation. Since present day metamaterials are extremely absorptive, it is of utmost importance to fight losses. The ground-breaking approach of this proposal is to incorporate fluorescing species into the nanoscale metallic metastructures in order to compensate losses by stimulated emission. (ii) The second objective exceeds the ansatz of compensating losses and will reach out for lasing action. Individual metallic nanostructures such as pairs of nanoparticles will form novel and unusual nanometre sized resonators for laser action. State of the art microresonators still have a volume of at least half of the wavelength cubed. Noble metal nanoparticle resonators scale down this volume by a factor of thousand allowing for truly nanoscale coherent light sources. (iii) A third objective concerns a substantial improvement of nonlinear effects. This will be accomplished by drastically sharpened resonances of nanoplasmonic devices surrounded by active gain materials. An interdisciplinary team of PhD students and a PostDoc will be assembled, each scientist being uniquely qualified to cover one of the expertise fields: Design, spectroscopy, and simulation. The project s outcome is twofold: A substantial expansion of fundamental understanding of nanophotonics and practical devices such as nanoscopic lasers and low loss metamaterials.
Summary
This project aims at designing novel hybrid nanophotonic devices comprising metallic nanostructures and active elements such as dye molecules or colloidal quantum dots. Three core objectives, each going far beyond the state of the art, shall be tackled: (i) Metamaterials containing gain materials: Metamaterials introduce magnetism to the optical frequency range and hold promise to create entirely novel devices for light manipulation. Since present day metamaterials are extremely absorptive, it is of utmost importance to fight losses. The ground-breaking approach of this proposal is to incorporate fluorescing species into the nanoscale metallic metastructures in order to compensate losses by stimulated emission. (ii) The second objective exceeds the ansatz of compensating losses and will reach out for lasing action. Individual metallic nanostructures such as pairs of nanoparticles will form novel and unusual nanometre sized resonators for laser action. State of the art microresonators still have a volume of at least half of the wavelength cubed. Noble metal nanoparticle resonators scale down this volume by a factor of thousand allowing for truly nanoscale coherent light sources. (iii) A third objective concerns a substantial improvement of nonlinear effects. This will be accomplished by drastically sharpened resonances of nanoplasmonic devices surrounded by active gain materials. An interdisciplinary team of PhD students and a PostDoc will be assembled, each scientist being uniquely qualified to cover one of the expertise fields: Design, spectroscopy, and simulation. The project s outcome is twofold: A substantial expansion of fundamental understanding of nanophotonics and practical devices such as nanoscopic lasers and low loss metamaterials.
Max ERC Funding
1 494 756 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-10-01, End date: 2015-09-30
Project acronym AUTO-EVO
Project Autonomous DNA Evolution in a Molecule Trap
Researcher (PI) Dieter Braun
Host Institution (HI) LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE3, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary How can we create molecular life in the lab?
That is, can we drive evolvable DNA/RNA-machines under a simple nonequilibrium setting? We will trigger basic forms
of autonomous Darwinian evolution by implementing replication, mutation and selection on the molecular level in a single
micro-chamber? We will explore protein-free replication schemes to tackle the Eigen-Paradox of replication and translation
under archaic nonequilibrium settings. The conditions mimic thermal gradients in porous rock near hydrothermal vents on the
early earth. We are in a unique position to pursue these questions due to our previous inventions of convective replication,
optothermal molecule traps and light driven microfluidics. Four interconnected strategies are pursued ranging from basic
replication using tRNA-like hairpins, entropic cooling or UV degradation down to protein-based DNA evolution in a trap, all
with biotechnological applications. The approach is risky, however very interesting physics and biology on the way. We will:
(i) Replicate DNA with continuous, convective PCR in the selection of a thermal molecule trap
(ii) Replicate sequences with metastable, tRNA-like hairpins exponentially
(iii) Build DNA complexes by structure-selective trapping to replicate by entropic decay
(iv) Drive replication by Laser-based UV degradation
Both replication and trapping are exponential processes, yielding in combination a highly nonlinear dynamics. We proceed
along publishable steps and implement highly efficient modes of continuous molecular evolution. As shown in the past, we
will create biotechnological applications from basic scientific questions (see our NanoTemper Startup). The starting grant will
allow us to compete with Jack Szostak who very recently picked up our approach [JACS 131, 9628 (2009)].
Summary
How can we create molecular life in the lab?
That is, can we drive evolvable DNA/RNA-machines under a simple nonequilibrium setting? We will trigger basic forms
of autonomous Darwinian evolution by implementing replication, mutation and selection on the molecular level in a single
micro-chamber? We will explore protein-free replication schemes to tackle the Eigen-Paradox of replication and translation
under archaic nonequilibrium settings. The conditions mimic thermal gradients in porous rock near hydrothermal vents on the
early earth. We are in a unique position to pursue these questions due to our previous inventions of convective replication,
optothermal molecule traps and light driven microfluidics. Four interconnected strategies are pursued ranging from basic
replication using tRNA-like hairpins, entropic cooling or UV degradation down to protein-based DNA evolution in a trap, all
with biotechnological applications. The approach is risky, however very interesting physics and biology on the way. We will:
(i) Replicate DNA with continuous, convective PCR in the selection of a thermal molecule trap
(ii) Replicate sequences with metastable, tRNA-like hairpins exponentially
(iii) Build DNA complexes by structure-selective trapping to replicate by entropic decay
(iv) Drive replication by Laser-based UV degradation
Both replication and trapping are exponential processes, yielding in combination a highly nonlinear dynamics. We proceed
along publishable steps and implement highly efficient modes of continuous molecular evolution. As shown in the past, we
will create biotechnological applications from basic scientific questions (see our NanoTemper Startup). The starting grant will
allow us to compete with Jack Szostak who very recently picked up our approach [JACS 131, 9628 (2009)].
Max ERC Funding
1 487 827 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-08-01, End date: 2015-07-31
Project acronym CONQUEST
Project Controlled quantum effects and spin technology
- from non-equilibrium physics to functional magnetics
Researcher (PI) Henrik Ronnow
Host Institution (HI) ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE3, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary The technology of the 20th century was dominated by a single material class: The semiconductors, whose properties can be tuned between those of metals and insulators all of which describable by single-electron effects. In contrast, quantum magnets and strongly correlated electron systems offer a full palette of quantum mechanical many-electron states. CONQUEST aim to discover, understand and demonstrate control over such quantum states. A new experimental approach, building on established powerful laboratory and neutron scattering techniques combined with dynamical control-perturbations, will be developed to study correlated quantum effects in magnetic materials. The immediate goal is to open a new field of non-equilibrium and time dependent studies in solid state physics. The long-term vision is that the approach might nurture the materials of the 21st century.
Summary
The technology of the 20th century was dominated by a single material class: The semiconductors, whose properties can be tuned between those of metals and insulators all of which describable by single-electron effects. In contrast, quantum magnets and strongly correlated electron systems offer a full palette of quantum mechanical many-electron states. CONQUEST aim to discover, understand and demonstrate control over such quantum states. A new experimental approach, building on established powerful laboratory and neutron scattering techniques combined with dynamical control-perturbations, will be developed to study correlated quantum effects in magnetic materials. The immediate goal is to open a new field of non-equilibrium and time dependent studies in solid state physics. The long-term vision is that the approach might nurture the materials of the 21st century.
Max ERC Funding
1 500 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-04-01, End date: 2016-03-31
Project acronym COOPAIRENT
Project Cooper pairs as a source of entanglement
Researcher (PI) Szabolcs Csonka
Host Institution (HI) BUDAPESTI MUSZAKI ES GAZDASAGTUDOMANYI EGYETEM
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE3, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary Entanglement and non-locality are spectacular fundamentals of quantum mechanics and basic resources of future quantum computation algorithms. Electronic entanglement has attracted increasing attention during the last years. The electron spin as a purely quantum mechanical two level system has been put forward as a promising candidate for storing quantum information in solid state. Recently, great progress has been achieved in manipulation and read-out of quantum dot based spin Qubits. However, electron spin is also suitable to transfer quantum information, since mobile electrons can be coherently transmitted in a solid state device preserving the spin information. Thus, electron spin could provide a general platform for on-chip quantum computation and information processing.
Although several theoretical concepts have been worked out to address spin entangled mobile electrons, the absence of an entangler device has not allowed their realization so far. The aim of the present proposal is to overcome this experimental challenge and explore the entanglement of spatially separated electron pairs. Superconductors provide a natural source of entanglement, because their ground-state is composed of Cooper pairs in a spin-singlet state. However, the splitting of the Cooper pairs into separate electrons has to be enforced, which has been very recently realized by the applicant in two quantum dot Y-junction. This Y-junction will be used as a central building block to split Cooper pairs in a controlled fashion and the non-local nature of spin and charge correlations will be addressed in various device configurations.
Our research project will lead to a fundamental understanding of the production, manipulation and detection of spin entangled mobile electron pairs, thus it will significantly extend the frontiers of quantum coherence and opens a new horizon in the field of on-chip quantum information technologies.
Summary
Entanglement and non-locality are spectacular fundamentals of quantum mechanics and basic resources of future quantum computation algorithms. Electronic entanglement has attracted increasing attention during the last years. The electron spin as a purely quantum mechanical two level system has been put forward as a promising candidate for storing quantum information in solid state. Recently, great progress has been achieved in manipulation and read-out of quantum dot based spin Qubits. However, electron spin is also suitable to transfer quantum information, since mobile electrons can be coherently transmitted in a solid state device preserving the spin information. Thus, electron spin could provide a general platform for on-chip quantum computation and information processing.
Although several theoretical concepts have been worked out to address spin entangled mobile electrons, the absence of an entangler device has not allowed their realization so far. The aim of the present proposal is to overcome this experimental challenge and explore the entanglement of spatially separated electron pairs. Superconductors provide a natural source of entanglement, because their ground-state is composed of Cooper pairs in a spin-singlet state. However, the splitting of the Cooper pairs into separate electrons has to be enforced, which has been very recently realized by the applicant in two quantum dot Y-junction. This Y-junction will be used as a central building block to split Cooper pairs in a controlled fashion and the non-local nature of spin and charge correlations will be addressed in various device configurations.
Our research project will lead to a fundamental understanding of the production, manipulation and detection of spin entangled mobile electron pairs, thus it will significantly extend the frontiers of quantum coherence and opens a new horizon in the field of on-chip quantum information technologies.
Max ERC Funding
1 496 112 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-02-01, End date: 2016-10-31
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) MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University
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 FEMMES
Project FerroElectric Multifunctional tunnel junctions for MEmristors and Spintronics
Researcher (PI) Agnès Yvonne Georgette Barthélémy
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITE PARIS-SUD
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE3, ERC-2010-AdG_20100224
Summary The aim of the project FEMMES is to study the interplay between charge/spin tunneling and ferroelectricity in Ferroelectric Tunnel Junctions (FTJs) composed of two electrodes separated by a ferroelectric tunnel barrier. It will address fundamental issues such as the influence of interfaces and small thicknesses on the ferroelectricity, the dependence of the charge and spin tunneling on the ferroelectric orientation (electroresistance), the impact of the ferroelectricity of the barrier on the magnetism and spin polarisation of the electrodes.
I propose to exploit FTJs and the intrinsic low-power of “ferroelectric writing”, to obtain:
1) a low-power electrical control of spin polarized electron sources for spintronics in FTJs with magnetic electrodes.
2) memristive FTJs mimicking the plasticity of synapses for an exploitation in neuromorphic analog circuits.
This will be achieved by a synergetic approach combining:
- ab initio calculations to determine the most appropriate combination of ferroelectric materials and electrodes and to obtain a complete description of the impact of the ferroelectric character on the transport properties.
- the growth of selected heterostructures and extensive characterization of their structural, ferroelectric and magnetic properties.
- the patterning of junctions (at the µm and nm scale) and the investigation of their transport and magnetotransport properties.
- the evaluation and optimization of the potential of FTJs as electrically tunable spin sources for spintronics and memristors for neuromorphic circuits.
Summary
The aim of the project FEMMES is to study the interplay between charge/spin tunneling and ferroelectricity in Ferroelectric Tunnel Junctions (FTJs) composed of two electrodes separated by a ferroelectric tunnel barrier. It will address fundamental issues such as the influence of interfaces and small thicknesses on the ferroelectricity, the dependence of the charge and spin tunneling on the ferroelectric orientation (electroresistance), the impact of the ferroelectricity of the barrier on the magnetism and spin polarisation of the electrodes.
I propose to exploit FTJs and the intrinsic low-power of “ferroelectric writing”, to obtain:
1) a low-power electrical control of spin polarized electron sources for spintronics in FTJs with magnetic electrodes.
2) memristive FTJs mimicking the plasticity of synapses for an exploitation in neuromorphic analog circuits.
This will be achieved by a synergetic approach combining:
- ab initio calculations to determine the most appropriate combination of ferroelectric materials and electrodes and to obtain a complete description of the impact of the ferroelectric character on the transport properties.
- the growth of selected heterostructures and extensive characterization of their structural, ferroelectric and magnetic properties.
- the patterning of junctions (at the µm and nm scale) and the investigation of their transport and magnetotransport properties.
- the evaluation and optimization of the potential of FTJs as electrically tunable spin sources for spintronics and memristors for neuromorphic circuits.
Max ERC Funding
2 148 796 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-04-01, End date: 2016-03-31
Project acronym FEMTOMAGNETISM
Project Femtosecond Laser Control of Spins in Magnetic Materials: from fundamentals to nanoscale dynamics
Researcher (PI) Alexey Voldemarovitsj Kimel
Host Institution (HI) STICHTING KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE3, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary The aim of the project is to develop femtosecond optical control of magnetism: a new area at the junction of coherent nonlinear optics, near-field optics and magnetism. In particular, I am aiming to investigate nonthermal effects of light on magnetic order and to apply this knowledge for highly efficient ultrafast (10-12 seconds and faster) optical control of magnetism at the nanoscale.
The ever increasing demand for faster information processing has triggered an intense search for ways to manipulate magnetically stored bits at the ultimately short time-scale. Although efficient, ultrafast and nonthermal laser control of magnetism may open new prospect of magnetic data storage and manipulation, many fundamental questions concerning the mechanisms that are responsible for the nonthermal effect of photons on spins and ultrafast laser induced changes of magnetic order are poorly understood. This is mainly because an ultrashort laser pulse brings a medium into a strongly non-equilibrium state where conventional description of magnetic phenomena in terms of thermodynamics is no longer valid. In this proposal I am planning to address these fundamental questions using novel experimental approaches for both the excitation and observation of magnetism on an ultrafast timescale. In particular, the proposal involves: a) development of polarization pulse shaping, where specially shaped laser pulses yield control over coherent optical excitations in a medium; b) exploring the ultrafast response of magnetic order with advanced optical and X-ray techniques.
The ultimate goal is to combine the fundamental knowledge of femtosecond opto-magnetism obtained in this project with the methods of near-field optics to achieve ultrafast control of spins in magnetic nanostructures.
Summary
The aim of the project is to develop femtosecond optical control of magnetism: a new area at the junction of coherent nonlinear optics, near-field optics and magnetism. In particular, I am aiming to investigate nonthermal effects of light on magnetic order and to apply this knowledge for highly efficient ultrafast (10-12 seconds and faster) optical control of magnetism at the nanoscale.
The ever increasing demand for faster information processing has triggered an intense search for ways to manipulate magnetically stored bits at the ultimately short time-scale. Although efficient, ultrafast and nonthermal laser control of magnetism may open new prospect of magnetic data storage and manipulation, many fundamental questions concerning the mechanisms that are responsible for the nonthermal effect of photons on spins and ultrafast laser induced changes of magnetic order are poorly understood. This is mainly because an ultrashort laser pulse brings a medium into a strongly non-equilibrium state where conventional description of magnetic phenomena in terms of thermodynamics is no longer valid. In this proposal I am planning to address these fundamental questions using novel experimental approaches for both the excitation and observation of magnetism on an ultrafast timescale. In particular, the proposal involves: a) development of polarization pulse shaping, where specially shaped laser pulses yield control over coherent optical excitations in a medium; b) exploring the ultrafast response of magnetic order with advanced optical and X-ray techniques.
The ultimate goal is to combine the fundamental knowledge of femtosecond opto-magnetism obtained in this project with the methods of near-field optics to achieve ultrafast control of spins in magnetic nanostructures.
Max ERC Funding
1 500 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-12-01, End date: 2015-11-30
