Boosting metamaterials research in Crete
The Crete Center for Quantum Complexity and Nanotechnology (CCQCN) is part of the Department of Physics of the University of Crete and was set up with EU funding through the CCQCN project. Its main objective was to improve research infrastructure and networking capabilities to advance research in magnetism, quantum phase transitions, complex electronic materials, topological insulators, graphene, superconductivity and superconducting metamaterials. The Center upgraded its experimental low-temperature and micro-nanoelectronics facilities and also established a state-of-the-art facility for computational research. It hired several experienced researchers who conducted rigorous research mainly in magnetism and complex metamaterials. A significant part of research was devoted to studying quantum phenomena in superconducting quantum metamaterials. Researchers employed a class of minimal superconducting quantum metamaterials (SCQMMs) models to investigate quantum coherence effects induced by self-induced transparent and superradiant electromagnetic pulses. Another line of research focused on quantum chimera states in qubit-based superconducting transmission lines. Existence of these curious symmetry-broken quantum states has already been demonstrated in superconducting quantum interference devices. Researchers used semi-classical approaches to explore existence of chimera state signatures in the quantum regime. Researchers also explored quantum lattice models describing ultracold gases, quantum metamaterials and photonic crystals, using specific expansion models that allow determining equilibrium properties such as ground states and the quench dynamics of Ising systems. Use of Ising models helped describe the interaction of SCQMMs and external magnetic fields, providing further insight into quantum fluctuations in these materials. The large number of recruited researchers and exchange of know-how and experience with leading European organisations should help CCQCN spread knowledge and become competitive in European condensed matter physics.