Project description
Searching for rare particles in twisted materials
Anyons are a rare type of quasiparticle that do not fit into the usual categories of bosons or fermions. They are essential for 2D quantum systems, but despite their potential for new technology, they have been almost impossible to isolate. The ERC-funded Twist2Braid project aims to change this by using twisted materials. These are atomic layers stacked at precise angles to create complex moirépatterns. The team is designing these structures to trap a specific version called non-Abelian anyons. By finding ways to capture and control them, the researchers hope to turn these elusive particles into a real-world tool for the next generation of quantum computing.
Objective
One of the most fascinating prospects of two-dimensional quantum systems is the realization of anyons, a unique category of quasiparticles that defy classification as either fermions or bosons, hence transcending the standard model of particle physics. Exploring and manipulating these anyons carries profound fundamental implications and the potential for paradigmatic-shifting technologies. Notably, a subset known as non-Abelian anyons should enable universal and topologically fault-tolerant quantum computations. Traditionally, the search for these anyons has focused on quantum Hall systems, where the strong magnetic fields required to stabilize them have significantly hindered advances in their characterization and manipulation. In the last year, groundbreaking experiments on twisted moiré bilayers successfully realized fractional Chern insulators, serving as zero-field analogs of quantum Hall states where anyons can naturally occur. I present the Twist2Braid project to capitalize on the advancements from these pioneering experiments and unlock the promises offered by non-Abelian anyons. My proposal is structured around three key pillars: (1) identifying ideal moiré heterostructures through a high-throughput search over two-dimensional materials and their stacking and twisting configurations; (2) modeling topological moiré materials and predicting experimental signatures indicative of anyonic physics; and (3) designing new systems acting as traps for non-Abelian anyons using both interfaces between topologically ordered phases and proximity with superconductors. To achieve the latter two objectives, I will develop innovative variational numerical methods that overcome the limitations of state-of-the-art computational techniques and allow simultaneous access to the bulk and edge properties of systems under consideration.
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 physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics fermions
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials two-dimensional nanostructures
- natural sciences mathematics applied mathematics numerical analysis
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics superconductivity
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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
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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-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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) ERC-2025-STG
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75005 Paris
France
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