Objective
Polarons are quasiparticles that form in ionic lattices due to the coupling of excess electrons or holes with lattice vibrations. This leads to a spatial confinement of the charge carrier or even its complete localization, which presents a challenge for theoretical modelling. Polarons play a central role in many materials properties, such as electrical transport, optical properties, surface reactivity, or magnetoresistance, and are always investigated indirectly through such macroscopic characteristics. Here, I propose to develop a methodology for real-space experimental observation of single polarons, based on detecting their electrostatic force by noncontact Atomic Force Microscopy (nc-AFM). I will track localized polarons in the crystal lattice, observe their thermally activated hopping, interaction with light, electric and magnetic field, and coupling to lattice defects. This will provide the missing link between the atomic-scale polaron dynamics and macroscopic materials properties.
The nc-AFM represents an excellent tool for watching and explaining the fundamental mechanisms involved in polaron kinetics, yet the method has a limited time resolution. I propose overcoming this limitation by combining nc-AFM with excitation by light, aiming for time resolution of 10-6 to 10-9 s, while maintaining the atomic resolution in real space through plasmonic effects at the tip apex. This will allow investigation of highly mobile polarons that stand behind complex physical phenomena, resolve their mechanisms of charge transport, the nature of their excited and transition states, as well as polaron-polaron interactions. If successful, the result of this project will provide a big leap towards understanding the physics of charge carriers in ionic lattices, open a path towards explaining unresolved polaron-based phenomena, and possibly reveal novel materials properties.
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 condensed matter physics quasiparticles
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
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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-2024-COG
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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.
116 36 Praha 1
Czechia
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.