Project description
Searching for zero-field non-Abelian anyons in next-generation MoTe2 heterostructures
Non-Abelian anyons at zero magnetic field are exotic particles key for building robust, topologically protected quantum computers – but have not yet been observed. Recently discovered phases of matter, zero-field fractional Chern insulators, have been predicted to host these particles. This phase was found in a special structure made from twisted molybdenum ditelluride (tMoTe2). However, current fabrication approaches lack the control necessary to create ultra-high-quality tMoTe2 samples. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the TOPOMAX project will use advanced fabrication techniques to overcome this challenge. These next-generation devices will enable exploration of tMoTe2 at targeted twist angles, creating the right conditions for non-Abelian anyons. If successful, the proposed research would lay the groundwork for topologically-protected states.
Objective
Last year’s discovery of states hosting the fractional quantum Hall effect at zero magnetic field in a lattice system – zero-field fractional Chern insulators (FCIs) – has caused tremendous excitement within the condensed matter community. These zero-field FCIs were first observed – by a team including the applicant – using both optics and transport in a molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) moiré superlattice. These states, analogs of the Jain sequence FQH states, host Abelian anyon excitations. However, for certain twist angles, moiré MoTe2 is also predicted to host states with non-Abelian anyons - the main requirement for achieving scalable topologically protected quantum computation. These non-Abelian states have yet to be observed. Perhaps the largest difficulty in moiré systems is sample quality and twist angle control. Contact resistance, strain, twist angle inhomogeneity, bubbles, and polymer residue can preclude the formation and observation of delicate non-Abelian FCIs. The main goal of TOPOMAX is to investigate, using optical and transport measurements, the existence of non-Abelian states at zero magnetic field in ultra-high quality twisted MoTe2 heterostructures. To achieve this, we will implement cutting-edge fabrication techniques that enable unprecedented twist angle control and homogeneity while allowing for devices compatible with optical and transport measurements. In particular, the bent bilayer nanomanipulator technique will enable systematic investigation of zero-field FCIs as a continuous function of twist angle. Determining whether the moiré MoTe2 system hosts non-Abelian states would lay the groundwork for study of zero-field non-Abelian anyons – and perhaps, one day, topologically protected qubits.
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 chemical sciences inorganic chemistry transition metals
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
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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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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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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91190 Gif-Sur-Yvette
France
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