Project description
Uncovering the dynamics of ferroelectric domain walls
Ferroelectric domain walls are tiny, flexible structures in certain materials that can change their properties, making them useful for electronics. These walls were recently found to be more complex than previously thought, showing patterns similar to those of magnetic materials. Research has not sufficiently studied these walls when they are not still and the ERC-funded DISCO project will study these walls as they move. By using advanced microscopy techniques, DISCO will explore how strain, charge and spin change during motion. Project findings have promising implications for nanoelectronics and quantum devices.
Objective
The overall aim of DISCO is to transform our approach to operando atomic scale microscopy, to both probe and manipulate the
emergent phases formed inside ferroelectric domain walls during dynamics.
Ferroelectric domain wall topologies are one of the most fascinating objects in condensed matter physics, due to their localised multi-functionality and mobility. Recent advances in characterisation techniques have shown that ferroelectric wall configurations go well
beyond the previously accepted Ising-type structure. Néel-, Bloch-, and vortex-like polar patterns have been observed, displaying
strong similarities with the spin textures at magnetic walls. This seismic shift in the field of ferroelectrics has initiated a cross disciplinary dimension, connecting the ferroelectrics and magnetism communities. However, research into the exotic orders of the
ferroelectric domain walls is still in its infancy, and to date the focus has been on the static properties of the walls.
The dynamics of domain walls is the key advantage of this type of interface for future interactive nano-electronics, and thus it is vital
to not just probe the stationary phases. The DISCO team will target the emerging phases formed inside the walls when they are
moving. The major roadblock is the lack of experimental detection methods that provide the required resolution and sensitivity. We
cannot harness these dynamic functionalities if we do not understand the sub-atomic scale fundamental physics governing their
formation.
DISCO will exploit the in-situ electric field of Å-sized electron microscopy probes, thus allowing us to investigate dynamics at the subatomic scale. The crucial goal of this project is detecting and detangling changes in signals of strain, charge and spin produced as the
domain walls move. DISCO will introduce viable operando detection schemes for coupled signals within atomic scale interfaces,
creating new possibilities in dynamic nano-electronics and future quantum devices.
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 mathematics pure mathematics topology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nanoelectronics
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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)
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Topic(s)
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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
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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.
SW7 2AZ London
United Kingdom
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.