Project description
New quantum states in graphene
Quantum technology needs the right materials to truly take off. Rhombohedral graphite (RG) could be one of them. Made of graphene layers stacked in a rare ABC order, RG hosts strange and powerful quantum states such as unconventional superconductivity or fractional charge. However, scientists have only been able to study very thin samples, limiting their potential. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the QuantumTuningABC project is breaking that barrier. By perfecting a way to produce thicker, high-quality RG, up to 12 layers, researchers can now explore a whole new world of quantum behaviour. The team will map and tune these exotic states, bringing us closer to quantum devices built with RG at their core.
Objective
The second quantum revolution targets applications in quantum computation, cryptography, and sensing. Materials with strongly correlated quantum phenomena as unconventional superconductivity, fractional charge or topologically protected states are promising candidates. In searching for materials with robust and controllable correlated phases, rhombohedral graphite (RG) stands out due to its particularly simple crystal structure. It is readily available, exceptionally disorder-free, tunable and integrable into manufacturing processes. RG consists of individual graphene layers stacked in the metastable, but robust ABC order that naturally leads to a correlated surface state. Indeed, multiple peculiar quantum states have been found in RG, e.g. the fractional quantum anomalous Hall-effect or various unconventional superconducting phases. However, the state-of-the-art samples are limited to thicknesses of 5 graphene layers. This is detrimental, since the electronic density of the correlated flat band increases with layer thickness promising more robust and distinct phases in thicker samples.
The Researcher has recently developed methods to reliably fabricate and identify large, perfectly ABC-stacked graphite flakes up to 12 layers. In this project, we will uncover and tune correlated quantum phases in the largely unexplored thickness range of 6-12 layers. The project combines the singular expertise of the Researcher in sample preparation with the one-of-a-kind equipment of the Host. The scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) technique enables the direct mapping, thus visualizing the correlated electronic phases (magnetic or superconducting states, and perhaps fractional quantum anomalous Hall phases) at the atomic scale. This will facilitate the understanding of new quantum phases of matter. Moreover, the targeted electric switching between different correlated electronic states will potentially enable novel applications using RG, e.g. for topological quantum computing.
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.
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials two-dimensional nanostructures graphene
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security cryptography
- social sciences political sciences political transitions revolutions
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics superconductivity
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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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
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
52062 Aachen
Germany
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.