Objectif Matter at the absolute zero in temperature may reach a highly exotic state: Where two distinctly different ground states are separated by a second order phase transition the system is far from being frozen; it is undecided in which state to be and therefore undergoes strong collective quantum fluctuations. Quantum criticality describes these fluctuations and their extension to finite temperature. Quantum critical behaviour has been reported in systems as distinct as high-temperature superconductors, metamagnets, multilayer $^3$He films, or heavy fermion compounds. The latter have emerged as prototypical systems in the past few years. A major puzzle represents the recent discovery of a new energy scale in one such system, that vanishes at the quantum critical point and is in addition to the second-order phase transition scale. Completely new theoretical approaches are called for to describe this situation. In this project we want to explore the nature of this new low-lying energy scale by approaches that go significantly beyond the state-of-the-art: apply multiple extreme conditions in temperature, magnetic field, and pressure, use ultra low temperatures in a nuclear demagnetization cryostat, and perform ultra-low energy spectroscopy, to study carefully selected known and newly discovered heavy fermion compounds. Samples of outstanding quality will be prepared and characterized within the project and, in some cases, be obtained from extrenal collaborators. New approaches in the theoretical description of quantum criticality will accompany the experimental investigations. The results are likely to drastically advance not only the fields of heavy fermion systems and quantum criticality but also the current understanding of phase transitions in general which is of great importance far beyond the borders of condensed matter physics. Champ scientifique natural sciencesphysical sciencescondensed matter physicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsfermionsnatural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicssuperconductivitynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy Mots‑clés experiments heavy fermion compounds quantum criticality strongly correlated electron systems Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) ERC-AG-PE3 - ERC Advanced Grant - Condensed matter physics Appel à propositions ERC-2008-AdG Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Institution d’accueil TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN Contribution de l’UE € 2 100 043,00 Adresse KARLSPLATZ 13 1040 Wien Autriche Voir sur la carte Région Ostösterreich Wien Wien Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Aurelia Witek (Ms.) Chercheur principal Silke Buehler-Paschen (Prof.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée Bénéficiaires (1) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN Autriche Contribution de l’UE € 2 100 043,00 Adresse KARLSPLATZ 13 1040 Wien Voir sur la carte Région Ostösterreich Wien Wien Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Aurelia Witek (Ms.) Chercheur principal Silke Buehler-Paschen (Prof.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée
