Project acronym 2D-PnictoChem
Project Chemistry and Interface Control of Novel 2D-Pnictogen Nanomaterials
Researcher (PI) Gonzalo ABELLAN SAEZ
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAT DE VALENCIA
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2018-STG
Summary 2D-PnictoChem aims at exploring the Chemistry of a novel class of graphene-like 2D layered
elemental materials of group 15, the pnictogens: P, As, Sb, and Bi. In the last few years, these materials
have taken the field of Materials Science by storm since they can outperform and/or complement graphene
properties. Their strongly layer-dependent unique properties range from semiconducting to metallic,
including high carrier mobilities, tunable bandgaps, strong spin-orbit coupling or transparency. However,
the Chemistry of pnictogens is still in its infancy, remaining largely unexplored. This is the niche that
2D-PnictoChem aims to fill. By mastering the interface chemistry, we will develop the assembly of 2Dpnictogens
in complex hybrid heterostructures for the first time. Success will rely on a cross-disciplinary
approach combining both Inorganic- and Organic Chemistry with Solid-state Physics, including: 1)
Synthetizing and exfoliating high quality ultra-thin layer pnictogens, providing reliable access down to
the monolayer limit. 2) Achieving their chemical functionalization via both non-covalent and covalent
approaches in order to tailor at will their properties, decipher reactivity patterns and enable controlled
doping avenues. 3) Developing hybrid architectures through a precise chemical control of the interface,
in order to promote unprecedented access to novel heterostructures. 4) Exploring novel applications
concepts achieving outstanding performances. These are all priorities in the European Union agenda
aimed at securing an affordable, clean energy future by developing more efficient hybrid systems for
batteries, electronic devices or applications in catalysis. The opportunity is unique to reduce Europe’s
dependence on external technology and the PI’s background is ideally suited to tackle these objectives,
counting as well on a multidisciplinary team of international collaborators.
Summary
2D-PnictoChem aims at exploring the Chemistry of a novel class of graphene-like 2D layered
elemental materials of group 15, the pnictogens: P, As, Sb, and Bi. In the last few years, these materials
have taken the field of Materials Science by storm since they can outperform and/or complement graphene
properties. Their strongly layer-dependent unique properties range from semiconducting to metallic,
including high carrier mobilities, tunable bandgaps, strong spin-orbit coupling or transparency. However,
the Chemistry of pnictogens is still in its infancy, remaining largely unexplored. This is the niche that
2D-PnictoChem aims to fill. By mastering the interface chemistry, we will develop the assembly of 2Dpnictogens
in complex hybrid heterostructures for the first time. Success will rely on a cross-disciplinary
approach combining both Inorganic- and Organic Chemistry with Solid-state Physics, including: 1)
Synthetizing and exfoliating high quality ultra-thin layer pnictogens, providing reliable access down to
the monolayer limit. 2) Achieving their chemical functionalization via both non-covalent and covalent
approaches in order to tailor at will their properties, decipher reactivity patterns and enable controlled
doping avenues. 3) Developing hybrid architectures through a precise chemical control of the interface,
in order to promote unprecedented access to novel heterostructures. 4) Exploring novel applications
concepts achieving outstanding performances. These are all priorities in the European Union agenda
aimed at securing an affordable, clean energy future by developing more efficient hybrid systems for
batteries, electronic devices or applications in catalysis. The opportunity is unique to reduce Europe’s
dependence on external technology and the PI’s background is ideally suited to tackle these objectives,
counting as well on a multidisciplinary team of international collaborators.
Max ERC Funding
1 499 419 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-11-01, End date: 2023-10-31
Project acronym B Massive
Project Binary massive black hole astrophysics
Researcher (PI) Alberto SESANA
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITA' DEGLI STUDI DI MILANO-BICOCCA
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE9, ERC-2018-COG
Summary Massive black hole binaries (MBHBs) are the most extreme, fascinating yet elusive astrophysical objects in the Universe. Establishing observationally their existence will be a milestone for contemporary astronomy, providing a fundamental missing piece in the puzzle of galaxy formation, piercing through the (hydro)dynamical physical processes shaping dense galactic nuclei from parsec scales down to the event horizon, and probing gravity in extreme conditions.
We can both see and listen to MBHBs. Remarkably, besides arguably being among the brightest variable objects shining in the Cosmos, MBHBs are also the loudest gravitational wave (GW) sources in the Universe. As such, we shall take advantage of both the type of messengers – photons and gravitons – they are sending to us, which can now be probed by all-sky time-domain surveys and radio pulsar timing arrays (PTAs) respectively.
B MASSIVE leverages on a unique comprehensive approach combining theoretical astrophysics, radio and gravitational-wave astronomy and time-domain surveys, with state of the art data analysis techniques to: i) observationally prove the existence of MBHBs, ii) understand and constrain their astrophysics and dynamics, iii) enable and bring closer in time the direct detection of GWs with PTA.
As European PTA (EPTA) executive committee member and former I
International PTA (IPTA) chair, I am a driving force in the development of pulsar timing science world-wide, and the project will build on the profound knowledge, broad vision and wide collaboration network that established me as a world leader in the field of MBHB and GW astrophysics. B MASSIVE is extremely timely; a pulsar timing data set of unprecedented quality is being assembled by EPTA/IPTA, and Time-Domain astronomy surveys are at their dawn. In the long term, B MASSIVE will be a fundamental milestone establishing European leadership in the cutting-edge field of MBHB astrophysics in the era of LSST, SKA and LISA.
Summary
Massive black hole binaries (MBHBs) are the most extreme, fascinating yet elusive astrophysical objects in the Universe. Establishing observationally their existence will be a milestone for contemporary astronomy, providing a fundamental missing piece in the puzzle of galaxy formation, piercing through the (hydro)dynamical physical processes shaping dense galactic nuclei from parsec scales down to the event horizon, and probing gravity in extreme conditions.
We can both see and listen to MBHBs. Remarkably, besides arguably being among the brightest variable objects shining in the Cosmos, MBHBs are also the loudest gravitational wave (GW) sources in the Universe. As such, we shall take advantage of both the type of messengers – photons and gravitons – they are sending to us, which can now be probed by all-sky time-domain surveys and radio pulsar timing arrays (PTAs) respectively.
B MASSIVE leverages on a unique comprehensive approach combining theoretical astrophysics, radio and gravitational-wave astronomy and time-domain surveys, with state of the art data analysis techniques to: i) observationally prove the existence of MBHBs, ii) understand and constrain their astrophysics and dynamics, iii) enable and bring closer in time the direct detection of GWs with PTA.
As European PTA (EPTA) executive committee member and former I
International PTA (IPTA) chair, I am a driving force in the development of pulsar timing science world-wide, and the project will build on the profound knowledge, broad vision and wide collaboration network that established me as a world leader in the field of MBHB and GW astrophysics. B MASSIVE is extremely timely; a pulsar timing data set of unprecedented quality is being assembled by EPTA/IPTA, and Time-Domain astronomy surveys are at their dawn. In the long term, B MASSIVE will be a fundamental milestone establishing European leadership in the cutting-edge field of MBHB astrophysics in the era of LSST, SKA and LISA.
Max ERC Funding
1 532 750 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-09-01, End date: 2024-08-31
Project acronym BioInspired_SolarH2
Project Engineering Bio-Inspired Systems for the Conversion of Solar Energy to Hydrogen
Researcher (PI) Elisabet ROMERO MESA
Host Institution (HI) FUNDACIO PRIVADA INSTITUT CATALA D'INVESTIGACIO QUIMICA
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE3, ERC-2018-STG
Summary With this proposal, I aim to achieve the efficient conversion of solar energy to hydrogen. The overall objective is to engineer bio-inspired systems able to convert solar energy into a separation of charges and to construct devices by coupling these systems to catalysts in order to drive sustainable and effective water oxidation and hydrogen production.
The global energy crisis requires an urgent solution, we must replace fossil fuels for a renewable energy source: Solar energy. However, the efficient and inexpensive conversion and storage of solar energy into fuel remains a fundamental challenge. Currently, solar-energy conversion devices suffer from energy losses mainly caused by disorder in the materials used. The solution to this problem is to learn from nature. In photosynthesis, the photosystem II reaction centre (PSII RC) is a pigment-protein complex able to overcome disorder and convert solar photons into a separation of charges with near 100% efficiency. Crucially, the generated charges have enough potential to drive water oxidation and hydrogen production.
Previously, I have investigated the charge separation process in the PSII RC by a collection of spectroscopic techniques, which allowed me to formulate the design principles of photosynthetic charge separation, where coherence plays a crucial role. Here I will put these knowledge into action to design efficient and robust chromophore-protein assemblies for the collection and conversion of solar energy, employ organic chemistry and synthetic biology tools to construct these well defined and fully controllable assemblies, and apply a complete set of spectroscopic methods to investigate these engineered systems.
Following the approach Understand, Engineer, Implement, I will create a new generation of bio-inspired devices based on abundant and biodegradable materials that will drive the transformation of solar energy and water into hydrogen, an energy-rich molecule that can be stored and transported.
Summary
With this proposal, I aim to achieve the efficient conversion of solar energy to hydrogen. The overall objective is to engineer bio-inspired systems able to convert solar energy into a separation of charges and to construct devices by coupling these systems to catalysts in order to drive sustainable and effective water oxidation and hydrogen production.
The global energy crisis requires an urgent solution, we must replace fossil fuels for a renewable energy source: Solar energy. However, the efficient and inexpensive conversion and storage of solar energy into fuel remains a fundamental challenge. Currently, solar-energy conversion devices suffer from energy losses mainly caused by disorder in the materials used. The solution to this problem is to learn from nature. In photosynthesis, the photosystem II reaction centre (PSII RC) is a pigment-protein complex able to overcome disorder and convert solar photons into a separation of charges with near 100% efficiency. Crucially, the generated charges have enough potential to drive water oxidation and hydrogen production.
Previously, I have investigated the charge separation process in the PSII RC by a collection of spectroscopic techniques, which allowed me to formulate the design principles of photosynthetic charge separation, where coherence plays a crucial role. Here I will put these knowledge into action to design efficient and robust chromophore-protein assemblies for the collection and conversion of solar energy, employ organic chemistry and synthetic biology tools to construct these well defined and fully controllable assemblies, and apply a complete set of spectroscopic methods to investigate these engineered systems.
Following the approach Understand, Engineer, Implement, I will create a new generation of bio-inspired devices based on abundant and biodegradable materials that will drive the transformation of solar energy and water into hydrogen, an energy-rich molecule that can be stored and transported.
Max ERC Funding
1 500 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-04-01, End date: 2024-03-31
Project acronym BrightEyes
Project Multi-Parameter Live-Cell Observation of Biomolecular Processes with Single-Photon Detector Array
Researcher (PI) Giuseppe Vicidomini
Host Institution (HI) FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE7, ERC-2018-COG
Summary Fluorescence single-molecule (SM) detection techniques have the potential to provide insights into the complex functions, structures and interactions of individual, specifically labelled biomolecules. However, current SM techniques work properly only when the biomolecule is observed in controlled environments, e.g., immobilized on a glass surface. Observation of biomolecular processes in living (multi)cellular environments – which is fundamental for sound biological conclusion – always comes with a price, such as invasiveness, limitations in the accessible information and constraints in the spatial and temporal scales.
The overall objective of the BrightEyes project is to break the above limitations by creating a novel SM approach compatible with the state-of-the-art biomolecule-labelling protocols, able to track a biomolecule deep inside (multi)cellular environments – with temporal resolution in the microsecond scale, and with hundreds of micrometres tracking range – and simultaneously observe its structural changes, its nano- and micro-environments.
Specifically, by exploring a novel single-photon detectors array, the BrightEyes project will implement an optical system, able to continuously (i) track in real-time the biomolecule of interest from which to decode its dynamics and interactions; (ii) measure the nano-environment fluorescence spectroscopy properties, such as lifetime, photon-pair correlation and intensity, from which to extract the biochemical properties of the nano-environment, the structural properties of the biomolecule – via SM-FRET and anti-bunching – and the interactions of the biomolecule with other biomolecular species – via STED-FCS; (iii) visualize the sub-cellular structures within the micro-environment with sub-diffraction spatial resolution – via STED and image scanning microscopy.
This unique paradigm will enable unprecedented studies of biomolecular behaviours, interactions and self-organization at near-physiological conditions.
Summary
Fluorescence single-molecule (SM) detection techniques have the potential to provide insights into the complex functions, structures and interactions of individual, specifically labelled biomolecules. However, current SM techniques work properly only when the biomolecule is observed in controlled environments, e.g., immobilized on a glass surface. Observation of biomolecular processes in living (multi)cellular environments – which is fundamental for sound biological conclusion – always comes with a price, such as invasiveness, limitations in the accessible information and constraints in the spatial and temporal scales.
The overall objective of the BrightEyes project is to break the above limitations by creating a novel SM approach compatible with the state-of-the-art biomolecule-labelling protocols, able to track a biomolecule deep inside (multi)cellular environments – with temporal resolution in the microsecond scale, and with hundreds of micrometres tracking range – and simultaneously observe its structural changes, its nano- and micro-environments.
Specifically, by exploring a novel single-photon detectors array, the BrightEyes project will implement an optical system, able to continuously (i) track in real-time the biomolecule of interest from which to decode its dynamics and interactions; (ii) measure the nano-environment fluorescence spectroscopy properties, such as lifetime, photon-pair correlation and intensity, from which to extract the biochemical properties of the nano-environment, the structural properties of the biomolecule – via SM-FRET and anti-bunching – and the interactions of the biomolecule with other biomolecular species – via STED-FCS; (iii) visualize the sub-cellular structures within the micro-environment with sub-diffraction spatial resolution – via STED and image scanning microscopy.
This unique paradigm will enable unprecedented studies of biomolecular behaviours, interactions and self-organization at near-physiological conditions.
Max ERC Funding
1 861 250 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-09-01, End date: 2024-08-31
Project acronym CoCoUnit
Project CoCoUnit: An Energy-Efficient Processing Unit for Cognitive Computing
Researcher (PI) Antonio Maria Gonzalez Colas
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE6, ERC-2018-ADG
Summary There is a fast-growing interest in extending the capabilities of computing systems to perform human-like tasks in an intelligent way. These technologies are usually referred to as cognitive computing. We envision a next revolution in computing in the forthcoming years that will be driven by deploying many “intelligent” devices around us in all kind of environments (work, entertainment, transportation, health care, etc.) backed up by “intelligent” servers in the cloud. These cognitive computing systems will provide new user experiences by delivering new services or improving the operational efficiency of existing ones, and altogether will enrich our lives and our economy.
A key characteristic of cognitive computing systems will be their capability to process in real time large amounts of data coming from audio and vision devices, and other type of sensors. This will demand a very high computing power but at the same time an extremely low energy consumption. This very challenging energy-efficiency requirement is a sine qua non to success not only for mobile and wearable systems, where power dissipation and cost budgets are very low, but also for large data centers where energy consumption is a main component of the total cost of ownership.
Current processor architectures (including general-purpose cores and GPUs) are not a good fit for this type of systems since they keep the same basic organization as early computers, which were mainly optimized for “number crunching”. CoCoUnit will take a disruptive direction by investigating unconventional architectures that can offer orders of magnitude better efficiency in terms of performance per energy and cost for cognitive computing tasks. The ultimate goal of this project is to devise a novel processing unit that will be integrated with the existing units of a processor (general-purpose cores and GPUs) and altogether will be able to deliver cognitive computing user experiences with extremely high energy-efficiency.
Summary
There is a fast-growing interest in extending the capabilities of computing systems to perform human-like tasks in an intelligent way. These technologies are usually referred to as cognitive computing. We envision a next revolution in computing in the forthcoming years that will be driven by deploying many “intelligent” devices around us in all kind of environments (work, entertainment, transportation, health care, etc.) backed up by “intelligent” servers in the cloud. These cognitive computing systems will provide new user experiences by delivering new services or improving the operational efficiency of existing ones, and altogether will enrich our lives and our economy.
A key characteristic of cognitive computing systems will be their capability to process in real time large amounts of data coming from audio and vision devices, and other type of sensors. This will demand a very high computing power but at the same time an extremely low energy consumption. This very challenging energy-efficiency requirement is a sine qua non to success not only for mobile and wearable systems, where power dissipation and cost budgets are very low, but also for large data centers where energy consumption is a main component of the total cost of ownership.
Current processor architectures (including general-purpose cores and GPUs) are not a good fit for this type of systems since they keep the same basic organization as early computers, which were mainly optimized for “number crunching”. CoCoUnit will take a disruptive direction by investigating unconventional architectures that can offer orders of magnitude better efficiency in terms of performance per energy and cost for cognitive computing tasks. The ultimate goal of this project is to devise a novel processing unit that will be integrated with the existing units of a processor (general-purpose cores and GPUs) and altogether will be able to deliver cognitive computing user experiences with extremely high energy-efficiency.
Max ERC Funding
2 498 661 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-09-01, End date: 2024-08-31
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 DIAPASoN
Project Differential Program Semantics
Researcher (PI) Ugo DAL LAGO
Host Institution (HI) ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE6, ERC-2018-COG
Summary Traditionally, program semantics is centered around the notion of program identity, that is to say of program equivalence: a program is identified with its meaning, and programs are considered as equal only if their meanings are the same. This view has been extremely fruitful in the past, allowing for a deep understanding of highly interactive forms of computation as embodied by higher-order or concurrent programs. The byproducts of all this lie everywhere in computer science, from programming language design to verification methodologies. The emphasis on equality — as opposed to differences — is not however in line with the way programs are written and structured in modern complex software systems. Subtasks are delegated to pieces of code which behave as expected only up to a certain probability of error, and only if the environment in which they operate makes this possible deviation irrelevant. These aspects have been almost neglected by the program semantics community until recently, and still have a marginal role. DIAPASON's goal is to study differences between programs as a constitutive and informative concept, rather than by way of relations between them. This will be accomplished by generalizing four major frameworks of program semantics, traditionally used for giving semantics to programs, comparing them, proving properties of them, and controlling their usage of resources: logical relations, bisimulation, game semantics, and linear logic.
Summary
Traditionally, program semantics is centered around the notion of program identity, that is to say of program equivalence: a program is identified with its meaning, and programs are considered as equal only if their meanings are the same. This view has been extremely fruitful in the past, allowing for a deep understanding of highly interactive forms of computation as embodied by higher-order or concurrent programs. The byproducts of all this lie everywhere in computer science, from programming language design to verification methodologies. The emphasis on equality — as opposed to differences — is not however in line with the way programs are written and structured in modern complex software systems. Subtasks are delegated to pieces of code which behave as expected only up to a certain probability of error, and only if the environment in which they operate makes this possible deviation irrelevant. These aspects have been almost neglected by the program semantics community until recently, and still have a marginal role. DIAPASON's goal is to study differences between programs as a constitutive and informative concept, rather than by way of relations between them. This will be accomplished by generalizing four major frameworks of program semantics, traditionally used for giving semantics to programs, comparing them, proving properties of them, and controlling their usage of resources: logical relations, bisimulation, game semantics, and linear logic.
Max ERC Funding
959 562 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-03-01, End date: 2024-02-29
Project acronym ECHO
Project Extending Coherence for Hardware-Driven Optimizations in Multicore Architectures
Researcher (PI) Alberto ROS BARDISA
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSIDAD DE MURCIA
Call Details Consolidator Grant (CoG), PE6, ERC-2018-COG
Summary Multicore processors are present nowadays in most digital devices, from smartphones to high-performance
servers. The increasing computational power of these processors is essential for enabling many important
emerging application domains such as big-data, media, medical, or scientific modeling. A fundamental
technique to improve performance is speculation, a technique that consists in executing work before it is
known if it is actually needed. In hardware, speculation significantly increases energy consumption by
performing unnecessary operations, while speculation in software (e.g., compilers) is not the default thus
preventing performance optimizations. Since performance in current multicores is limited by their power
budget, it is imperative to make multicores as energy-efficient as possible to increase performance even
further.
In a multicore architecture, the cache coherence protocol is an essential component since its unique but
challenging role is to offer a simple and unified view of the memory hierarchy. This project envisions that
extending the role of the coherence protocol to simplify other system components will be the key to
overcome the performance and energy limitations of current multicores. In particular, ECHO proposes to
add simple but effective extensions to the cache coherence protocol in order to (i) reduce and even
eliminate misspeculations at the processing cores and synchronization mechanisms and to (ii) enable
speculative optimizations at compile time. The goal of this innovative approach is to improve the
performance and energy efficiency of future multicore architectures. To accomplish the objectives
proposed in this project, I will build on my 14 years expertise in cache coherence, documented in over 40
publications of high impact.
Summary
Multicore processors are present nowadays in most digital devices, from smartphones to high-performance
servers. The increasing computational power of these processors is essential for enabling many important
emerging application domains such as big-data, media, medical, or scientific modeling. A fundamental
technique to improve performance is speculation, a technique that consists in executing work before it is
known if it is actually needed. In hardware, speculation significantly increases energy consumption by
performing unnecessary operations, while speculation in software (e.g., compilers) is not the default thus
preventing performance optimizations. Since performance in current multicores is limited by their power
budget, it is imperative to make multicores as energy-efficient as possible to increase performance even
further.
In a multicore architecture, the cache coherence protocol is an essential component since its unique but
challenging role is to offer a simple and unified view of the memory hierarchy. This project envisions that
extending the role of the coherence protocol to simplify other system components will be the key to
overcome the performance and energy limitations of current multicores. In particular, ECHO proposes to
add simple but effective extensions to the cache coherence protocol in order to (i) reduce and even
eliminate misspeculations at the processing cores and synchronization mechanisms and to (ii) enable
speculative optimizations at compile time. The goal of this innovative approach is to improve the
performance and energy efficiency of future multicore architectures. To accomplish the objectives
proposed in this project, I will build on my 14 years expertise in cache coherence, documented in over 40
publications of high impact.
Max ERC Funding
1 999 955 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-09-01, End date: 2024-08-31
Project acronym EMAGIN2D
Project Electrical control of magnetism in multiferroic 2D materials
Researcher (PI) Efrén NAVARRO-MORATALLA
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAT DE VALENCIA
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2018-STG
Summary The avenue of magnetism in the field of 2D materials has marked the ultimate milestone in the discovery of one-atom-thick classes of materials. Bulk ferromagnets and antiferomagnets now have their 2D counterparts and are at one’s provision for the realization of imagination-limited artificial layered structures. At the same time, this awaited breakthrough has brought in new conundrums that demand investigation. This project is driven by the exploration of the limits of van der Waals 2D magnets from both a fundamental physics and a materials science and devices point of view. Firstly, it addresses fundamental key questions regarding spin order at the true 2D limit, which remain a mystery to the date. Here, the great variety of magnetic anisotropies exhibited by the transition metal halides will shed new light to the subtle equilibrium of interactions in few-layer magnets. Secondly, the project will invoke the control of the magnetic ground states and spin textures in true 2D magnets via electrical manipulation. Electric fields will assist in tuning the magnetic coupling and critical behaviour and the spatial manipulation of spin topologies. Anticipated breakthroughs will be the enhancement of the critical temperature in semiconducting single layer magnets towards room temperature 2D magnetism and the realization of single-layer multiferroic 2D materials. Thirdly, the field effect electrical control of magnetism in designer van der Waals and lateral heterostructures will allow for an enhanced magneto-electric coupling, yielding functional devices for effective charge-to-spin transduction that hold promise in spintronics. The proposal will achieve success by an integral approach to research, through the combination of the study of solid-state growth techniques together with the implementation of state-of-the-art deterministic manipulation of 2D materials in inert conditions and the use high resolution magnetism probes to test hybrid magnetic-optoelectronic devices.
Summary
The avenue of magnetism in the field of 2D materials has marked the ultimate milestone in the discovery of one-atom-thick classes of materials. Bulk ferromagnets and antiferomagnets now have their 2D counterparts and are at one’s provision for the realization of imagination-limited artificial layered structures. At the same time, this awaited breakthrough has brought in new conundrums that demand investigation. This project is driven by the exploration of the limits of van der Waals 2D magnets from both a fundamental physics and a materials science and devices point of view. Firstly, it addresses fundamental key questions regarding spin order at the true 2D limit, which remain a mystery to the date. Here, the great variety of magnetic anisotropies exhibited by the transition metal halides will shed new light to the subtle equilibrium of interactions in few-layer magnets. Secondly, the project will invoke the control of the magnetic ground states and spin textures in true 2D magnets via electrical manipulation. Electric fields will assist in tuning the magnetic coupling and critical behaviour and the spatial manipulation of spin topologies. Anticipated breakthroughs will be the enhancement of the critical temperature in semiconducting single layer magnets towards room temperature 2D magnetism and the realization of single-layer multiferroic 2D materials. Thirdly, the field effect electrical control of magnetism in designer van der Waals and lateral heterostructures will allow for an enhanced magneto-electric coupling, yielding functional devices for effective charge-to-spin transduction that hold promise in spintronics. The proposal will achieve success by an integral approach to research, through the combination of the study of solid-state growth techniques together with the implementation of state-of-the-art deterministic manipulation of 2D materials in inert conditions and the use high resolution magnetism probes to test hybrid magnetic-optoelectronic devices.
Max ERC Funding
1 500 000 €
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
