Objective
Topological superconductors represent a paradigm shift in overcoming quantum decoherence, the primary obstacle limiting today's quantum computers. They host exotic quantum particles that can store information within their topology and remain robust against local perturbations. There has been no material platform to exhibit topological superconductivity (TSC) at practical temperatures. This project will experimentally realize a new pathway to TSC through altermagnetism (AM).
Altermagnetism is a newly discovered third phase of magnetism. Leading theories predict that AMs can lead to TSC state with higher transition temperature because they break time reversal symmetry while preserving zero net momentum. Although many materials are predicted to host AM, the definitive signatures remain elusive and its interplay with superconductivity (SC) has not been achieved. The progress hinges on a fundamental connection between spatially-averaged measurements and atomic-scale mechanisms.
This project will use throughput spectroscopic experiments to screen AM candidates through complementary visualization of spin density in real space and spin-splitting in momentum space (DualSpin). This integration will distinguish AMs from conventional magnets and establish a definitive list of AMs. DualSpin will then search for the exotic odd-parity magnetism. The culmination is to combine AM thin films and SCs into heterostructures to realize TSC.
To achieve these goals, I will develop innovative scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) techniques. DualSpin will incorporate spin-sensitivity into my high-resolution, dual-space spectroscopy to quantitatively detect the definitive signatures of AM.
DualSpin will provide the first and most direct microscopic verification of AM by linking its spin structure to physical properties such as spin currents and magnetic domains. Most excitingly, the interplay of AM with SC will create a new type of TSC that will accelerate future quantum technologies.
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 mathematics pure mathematics topology
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics spintronics
- natural sciences physical sciences condensed matter physics magnetism
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy scanning tunneling microscopy
- 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)
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-2026-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.
BS8 1QU BRISTOL
United Kingdom
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.