Project description
Novel approach for dynamical optical control in quantum materials
Achieving precise and fast control over the unique properties of quantum materials is key in the quest to harness their full potential. Moire materials, which are formed by stacking and twisting ultra-thin crystal layers, offer a fascinating platform for exploring how electrons interact in complex ways. These materials can exhibit rare quantum states where particles behave collectively and defy conventional physics. The ERC-funded OptoQuantTOP project plans to leverage light to manipulate these states with unprecedented speed and precision. Researchers will create an optical interface that enables local, on-demand control over strongly correlated topological phases in moire materials. The proposed research could have implications for topotronics and quantum computing.
Objective
A central goal in modern condensed matter physics is to understand and manipulate collective phenomena at the intersection of topology and strong many-body interactions. Moire materials composed of layered van der Waals (vdW) crystals are a unique platform for exploring this frontier. These systems support flat topological electronic bands resembling Landau levels but without magnetic fields. This has recently enabled realization of long-sought fractional Chern insulators (FCIs): zero-field analogs of fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states. Unlike the latter, FCIs operate in an unexplored regime where electrons spontaneously break time-reversal symmetry and experience emergent magnetic fields far exceeding those in standard laboratories. This raises timely fundamental questions: What is the nature of collective fractionally charged excitations of FCIs? Can they couple to light? Can we engineer vdW devices that allow for in-situ programming of FCI properties with light, a feat impossible for FQH? Addressing these questions could have revolutionary implications, unlocking dynamical access to the phase diagrams of topologically-ordered phases, a key challenge in the field.
The overarching goal of this project is to develop an optical interface that enables local, on-demand, ultra-fast access and control over strongly correlated topological phases in moire materials. Using this platform, we will answer key questions of topological many-body physics, with potential groundbreaking technological applications in topotronics and 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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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.
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-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-2025-STG
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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.
4051 Basel
Switzerland
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.