Objective
This theoretical project addresses novel quantum phases of matter whose low energy properties are dominated by topological excitations: Majorana fermions in topological insulators, skyrmions in chiral magnets and magnetic monopoles in pyrochlore magnets. It is motivated by the recent experimental discovery of topological insulators (HgTe/CdTe,Bi1-xSbx or Bi2Se3), the mounting evidence for skyrmions in the chiral magnet MnSi (anomalous Hall effect measurements in 2009) and the prediction of magnetic monopoles in spin ice (by Roderich Moessner and co-workers in 2008). During the outgoing phase in UC Berkeley, we shall consider the interplay of interaction and spin-orbit effects in topological insulators both in bulk materials and in their heterostructures. The fellow researcher has previously studied heterostructures combining superconductors and ferromagnets. Majorana fermions are expected to appear when such heterostructures are deposited on top of a three-dimensional topological insulator. Moreover A. Vishwanath (outgoing host researcher) initiated the research on spin crystals and skyrmions in chiral magnets. During the return phase in MPIPKS Dresden, we shall investigate the properties of the magnetic monopoles predicted by Roderich Moessner (scientific in charge of this project) in spin ice (Dy2Ti2O7,Ho2Ti2O7). The mechanisms of the anomalous Hall effect in itinerant pyrochlore ferromagnets (Nd2Mo2O7, Pr2Ir2O7) will also be considered. Finally the present project will foster the study of topological insulators in the EU community, while these compounds have been almost exclusively studied in the USA so far. The present project is also relevant for other branches of physics since, in spite of a longstanding and on-going hunt, Majorana fermions, skyrmions and monopoles are still to be found in high-energy and nuclear physics.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics fermions
- natural sciences physical sciences nuclear physics
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics superconductivity
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IOF
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.