Project description
Decoding superconductivity in moiré superlattices
When two atom-thin layers of graphene are stacked at just the right angle, they create interference patterns called moiré superlattices. These systems exhibit superconductivity and other exotic quantum phases, but their true origin remains a mystery. The ERC-funded STMoire project aims to shed light on how these phenomena emerge by probing magic-angle graphene with cutting-edge low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy. By mapping electronic behaviour at the atomic level, the project will clarify how superconductivity arises in these materials. The ultimate goal is to discover a new, never-before-seen form of superconductivity.
Objective
Moiré materials are a unique platform to study novel quantum phenomena. Their exotic properties, resulting from electron interactions, present an opportunity to develop novel fundamental knowledge and innovative technologies.
Moiré superlattices arise when atomically thin layers are slightly misaligned. Their hybridization creates flat bands – states where electrons have zero kinetic energy. As a consequence, interactions between them dominate the physics. This means that the material’s properties cannot be understood in terms of the individual electrons but as a collective phase that all belong to. Superconductivity, correlated insulators and topology have been reported, but their nature and interplay remain unknown.
A great limitation in the field is the lack of microscopic information and the disparity in experimental results that arise from sample inhomogeneity. In this context, local probes are key to unravel the true ground state.
STMoiré aims to understand the quantum phases that emerge in magic-angle twisted graphene. STMoiré will explore the unconventional superconducting mechanism and the interplay between correlated phases through an experimental strategy that independently and complementary addresses these open questions. I will do so by means of low-temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Spectroscopy. STMoiré will benefit from my unique expertise in moiré physics and device fabrication to develop an experimental approach beyond the state-of-the-art that combines high-quality sample engineering, ultra-high-energy resolution and atomically-resolved measurements.
The goal is to explore the nature of superconductivity and develop a holistic understanding of the phase diagram. This will significantly contribute to condensed matter physics by deepening our knowledge of superconductivity in a new correlated material, expanding the current understanding, and potentially revealing a novel form of superconductivity.
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 mathematics pure mathematics topology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy scanning tunneling microscopy
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics superconductivity
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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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-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.
08860 Castelldefels
Spain
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.