Project description
Engineering nanographenes as quantum sensors for spin detection
Detecting and manipulating individual spins is a key enabler of quantum technologies. Nanographenes – engineered carbon nanostructures whose magnetic properties can be precisely tuned through bottom-up synthesis – are ideal candidates for exploration. Electron spin resonance (ESR) combined with scanning tunnelling microscopy has emerged as a powerful platform offering atomic-scale resolution and exquisite sensitivity. However, nanographene research and spin-resonance studies have largely evolved independently. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the DREAMS project plans to generate open datasets and develop predictive models that establish nanographenes as robust, tuneable ESR-active spin sensors. DREAMS will also explore nanographene assembly into artificial spin lattices with emergent collective quantum states.
Objective
One of the central challenges for the development of quantum technologies is the ability to detect and manipulate individual spins. A major step forward has been achieved with the advent of electron spin resonance (ESR) combined with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), a unique quantum sensing platform that brings together atomic-scale resolution and unrivaled sensitivity to magnetic transitions. Despite this remarkable breakthrough, only a handful of atomic and molecular systems have been explored so far as on-surface sensing spins.
Nanographenes (NGs) stand out as ideal candidates: their atomic structure can be engineered with nano-scale precision through bottom-up on-surface synthesis, while their magnetic properties can be tuned by structural design, offering a unique playground for quantum magnetism. To date, however, NGs and ESR-STM have evolved largely independently, and the field could be greatly benefited from predictive models that unveil the conditions to exploit their combined potential. DREAMS aims to bridge this gap, providing a realistic framework to establish NGs as ESR-active centers with robust and tunable spin states. Since STM experiments probe molecules directly on surfaces, a key requirement is to ensure that their spin properties survive upon adsorption. Furthermore, the ability to assemble NG blocks into larger architectures naturally motivates the design of artificial spin lattices, where collective quantum states can emerge. Finally, as ESR-STM provides direct access to spin excitations, it becomes essential to understand and predict the spin dissipation dynamics under driving conditions.
By generating open datasets and predictive models, DREAMS will provide essential guidelines for the next generation of nanographene-based quantum sensing technologies. In addition, scientific events will be organized to promote theory-experiment exchange, reinforce collaborations across Europe, and spread project innovations to boost the field’s growth.
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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)
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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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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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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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4715-330 Braga
Portugal
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