Objective
A phononic crystal (PnC) is an engineered metamaterial designed to control the propagation of mechanical waves (phonons). In PnCs, a periodic variation of material properties, e.g. stiffness, mass, or strain, gives rise to a phononic band structure, similar to the electronic band structure in solids. By adjusting the lattice parameters of the PnC, one can open a phononic band gap and engineer localised ‘defect modes’ with ultra-high mechanical quality factors (Qs), enabling state-of-the-art optomechanics and hybrid quantum systems (e.g. transduction or mechanical memory). While promising for quantum information technology (QIT), these systems are currently limited to fixed frequencies and lack dynamic control of Qs and coupling, constraining their utilisation and scalability.
In this work, we will develop a dynamically tunable phononic platform based on a suspended silicon nitride membrane. This platform will allow us to realise analogues of fundamental solid-state physics phenomena for mechanical excitation, which we will harness for QIT. Specifically, through dynamic strain engineering, we will control the position and size of the phononic band gap – down to completely closing it. This change in hierarchy/topology in the band structure can be seen as the mechanical analogue to a metal-insulator transition (mMIT). Based on this we will realise a reconfigurable mechanical quantum memory (at 5 GHz; compatible with 1550 nm fibre optics) with an erase function capability.
The successful completion of this project will significantly impact quantum optomechanics, introducing a new experimental ‘knob’ – comparable to gating in electronic systems. This will open the door for a large range of experiments and unlock the full potential of phonons for QIT. The researcher Jan N. Kirchhof is in a unique position to realise this project given his background in nanomechanics and phononics, which matches perfectly with the quantum optomechanics expertise of the host group at TUD.
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 optics cavity optomechanics
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics topology
- natural sciences physical sciences atomic physics
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry metalloids
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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
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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.
2628 CN DELFT
Netherlands
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.