Project description
Controlling spin polarisation using light and chiral phonons
Magnetic molecules could be revolutionary for future quantum technologies because their quantum spin states can be controlled and manipulated on the nanoscale. However, the inability to initialise molecular spins in a pure quantum state is impeding progress. Chiral phonons are special atomic vibrational modes with angular momentum that can be pumped into the spin degrees of freedom using circularly polarised light. This could be a solution, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the CHIC project aims to address this. Using advanced computer simulations, it will investigate the origin of chiral phonons in magnetic materials and the ability to control spin polarisation using light.
Objective
Magnetic molecules are at the forefront of the next technological revolution, offering the unique possibility to control and manipulate quantum spin states at the nanoscale. However, although long relaxation times have been achieved up to 80 K, there are currently no practical ways to initialize molecular spins in a pure quantum state, e.g. the fully polarized one. This is a critical roadblock to the development of any application based on magnetic molecules.
Chiral phonons hold the potential to provide new ways to manipulate spin states by exchanging angular momentum, which in turn can be pumped into the vibrations degrees of freedom through circularly polarized THz light. Although this proposal for controlling spin has been experimentally demonstrated for condensed-matter systems like 2D materials, evidence for molecules still needs to be provided. At the same time, the understanding of this process is still minimal, and there is no first principles evidence on how chiral phonons emerge in a material and how they influence spin dynamics.
CHIC will break new ground in this emerging field by delivering the first fully ab initio investigation of chiral phonons in molecular materials, going from showing its origin in spin-phonon coupling, to quantitatively predicting the efficiency of spin population pumping through THz light, and individuating novel chemical strategies towards the enhanced control of spin polarization.
The project builds on the synergy between my previous experience with chiral chemical systems, molecular magnetism, and electronic structure theory, and the expertise of Prof. Lunghi, the supervisor, on ab initio spin relaxation and open quantum systems dynamics. Thanks to this orthogonal knowledge transfer and a comprehensive set of training activities, I will be able to make a long-lasting contribution to the field of molecular quantum technologies with far-reaching consequences for the establishment of a quantum industry in the EU.
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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
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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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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.
D02 CX56 Dublin
Ireland
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.