Project description
Investigating how complex materials process information
Tiny forces acting on complex materials – crumpled sheets, granular media or glassy materials – cause a non-linear response, characterised by sequences of steps that form pathways. The EU-funded InfoMatter project is investigating how these pathways allow complex materials to process information. Using a combination of disordered crumpled sheets and carefully designed mechanical metamaterials, researchers will study their sequential response when subjected to spatially and temporally patterned driving forces and develop methods of creating algorithmic matter. Focusing on the non-linear response of complex materials could open the door to new forms of matter that perform information processing.
Objective
Imagine squeezing a crumpled plastic sheet – what is its response? For complex materials – crumpled sheets, granular media, glassy materials – tiny forces already cause a nonlinear response, associated with hopping in the energy landscape, for which we lack a coherent description. The central tenet of this proposal is that this hopping allows complex materials to process information. I propose to understand and unlock the full potential of such complex materials. Central questions are:
- How can we describe their nonlinear response?
- What are the computational capabilities of complex matter?
- Can we create materials for targeted computations?
To answer these questions, I will subject macro-scale complex matter to sequentially and spatially patterned driving forces (information input), and observe the sequential response (information output). The responses to multiple forcings form an intricate web of linked pathways, which can be represented in a graph that I interpret as encoding a sequential computation. This is the central link between driving, pathways and information, which allows me to probe the algorithmic capabilities of complex materials.
Recent breakthroughs in my group have brought experimental access, modelling and design of pathways within reach. In this proposal, I will investigate these pathways and will develop strategies to create algorithmic matter, using a combination of disordered – crumpling – sheets and carefully designed mechanical metamaterials; I will develop theoretical models for both.
Just like a focus on the architecture of complex matter has revolutionized our view of their linear response and gave birth to mechanical metamaterials, a focus on their pathways will revolutionize our understanding of their nonlinear response and opens the door to new forms of information processing matter.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
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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.
(opens in new window) ERC-2020-ADG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
2311 EZ Leiden
Netherlands
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.