Objective Research on organic spintronics, which is especially promising due to the prospects of exceptionally long spin lifetimes in organic semiconductors, is currently in a critical phase. After a very successful starting period, progress is now being hampered, largely due to a limited understanding of the critical interfacial properties involved. The mechanisms behind the observed spin valve effects remain poorly understood, and unambiguous evidence of spin polarized transport (other than tunnelling) in organic semiconductors is still lacking. The properties of the hybrid inorganic/organic interfaces are of paramount importance for the device behaviour, and are key to solving the puzzle associated with the physics behind the observed magnetoresistance effects. So far a direct link between device characteristics and interfacial properties remains elusive. In this proposal, we pursue a reliable way to address these crucial issues and to guarantee the progress needed to take the field to the next level.As a first main objective, we will combine interface preparation and characterization with in-situ device fabrication and testing, using a single dedicated UHV setup equipped with all necessary tools, i.e. spin (and angle) resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, LEED and STM, and magnetotransport, to establish a direct link between interfacial properties and device characteristics. The second main objective is to develop new device architectures, optimized for electrical probing of spin polarization in organic semiconductors. These joined efforts form a highly challenging task, since they require a strongly interdisciplinary approach, combining different complementary expertises. The PI is in a truly unique position to carry out this timely project successfully, having a strong and well documented background in 1) electron spectroscopic characterization techniques of electronic and magnetic properties of hybrid interfaces and 2) spintronic devices and spin polarized transport. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicsspintronicsnatural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicssemiconductivitynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy 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) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE3 - ERC Starting Grant - Condensed matter physics Call for proposal ERC-2011-StG_20101014 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution UNIVERSITEIT TWENTE EU contribution € 1 494 640,00 Address DRIENERLOLAAN 5 7522 NB Enschede Netherlands See on map Region Oost-Nederland Overijssel Twente Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact B.J. Pals (Mr.) Principal investigator Machiel Pieter De Jong (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITEIT TWENTE Netherlands EU contribution € 1 494 640,00 Address DRIENERLOLAAN 5 7522 NB Enschede See on map Region Oost-Nederland Overijssel Twente Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact B.J. Pals (Mr.) Principal investigator Machiel Pieter De Jong (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
