Project description
An unprecedented experimental setup sheds new light on spin-electric effects
Control over magnetic properties is key to storage devices for writing, reading and accessing data. In contrast to bulk materials, molecules offer opportunities for unprecedented high density, speed and efficiency. The electron spin of atoms generate a small magnetic field that can be controlled through strong, locally applicable and rapidly switchable electric fields. Control enhancement will lead to smaller, more efficient and low-energy devices with numerous applications. The EU-funded ELECTRA project will develop a pioneering experimental technique to study spin-electric effects on both single crystals and thin films. Combining theoretical and experimental approaches, the project will avail new insights into spin-electric effects for a rational molecular design.
Objective
ELECTRA aims at understanding and controlling the interaction between magnetic molecules and electric fields, called Spin-Electric (SE) effect. Molecules have several characteristics that make them appealing for information technology (small size, monodispersity, chemical tunability, quantum behaviour). Nowadays, electric fields are the most environmentally friendly and precise way to target a single molecule. Therefore, understanding how to tailor and control the SE effects will trigger the design of less energy-demanding, more efficient, and smaller devices. However, the SE effects on molecules are still poorly explored and rationalized, largely due to the absence of a generally applicable experimental technique. Therefore, this project proposes the realisation of a novel experimental technique to detect SE effects on any magnetically anisotropic material, with no a priori restrictions. The versatility of the technique will allow the study of both single crystals and thin films, which is vital in the perspective of using these systems in nanostructures. A rational synthetic plan will exploit the versatility of chemistry to unravel the role and importance of three chemically tunable properties (spin-orbit coupling, nature of the donor atoms, and structural rigidity) on the onset of the SE effects in coordination complexes. Moreover, the effect of temperature and magnetic field on the SE effects will be assessed using super-sensitive molecular probes. The rationalization of the effect will be obtained by combining ab initio calculations and phenomenological models. The positive completion of ELECTRA will deliver an unprecedented understanding of the SE effects in molecules and chemical guidelines for synthesizing highly performant molecular architectures with SE effects on-demand to be used in the field of information technology.
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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HORIZON.1.1 - 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.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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-2021-STG
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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.
50121 Florence
Italy
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.