Objective Is it possible to really ‘see’ how fast electrons flow in nanoscale optoelectronic circuits? Can we, in this way, get a complete understanding of the real-time dynamics of electrons in nanoscale circuits?The vision of this ERC proposal is to establish a research area at the interface of condensed matter physics, ultrafast optics, and electrical engineering which has so far been nearly completely unexplored: the investigation of real-time dynamics of photoexcited charge carriers in electrically contacted nanosystems with the highest precision possible. By doing so, unique information about the optoelectronic processes in nanoscale circuits shall be obtained. Four interconnected visions are pursued all with applications in information technology and electrical engineering. The approach is risky, however, it promises very interesting physics on the way. We will: (i) explore the fastest and smallest photoswitches fully integrated in electric circuits, (ii) probe single and collective charge excitations for the fastest nanoscale optoelectronic devices, (iii) determine the radiative and non-radiative lifetimes in photovoltaic circuits time-resolved, (iv) discover how fast nanoscale photo-thermoelectric devices operate. Towards these visions, I propose to use a real-time optoelectronic ‘on-chip’ detection scheme for nanoscale circuits, which was developed by us very recently. In this setup, I intend to carry out time-of-flight experiments of photoexcited electrons in nanoscale circuits, to investigate the ultimate switching speed of optoelectronic devices, and to explore the ultrafast dynamics of photothermo-electric currents in electrically contacted nanosystems.The project gives essential insights for designing and implementing nanoscale circuits into optoelectronic switches, photodetectors, solar cells, thermo-electric devices as well as high-speed off-chip/on-chip communication modules to make ultrafast nanoscale optoelectronics real. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencescondensed matter physicsnatural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicsoptoelectronicsengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensorsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineering Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE3 - ERC Starting Grant - Condensed matter physics Call for proposal ERC-2012-StG_20111012 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN EU contribution € 1 272 196,18 Address Arcisstrasse 21 80333 Muenchen Germany See on map Region Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Alexander Walter Holleitner (Prof.) Administrative Contact Ulrike Ronchetti (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN Germany EU contribution € 1 272 196,18 Address Arcisstrasse 21 80333 Muenchen See on map Region Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Alexander Walter Holleitner (Prof.) Administrative Contact Ulrike Ronchetti (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
