Objective I propose to study ‘neutral excitations’ in 2d and 1d electronic systems. Such excitations, rarely studied, are unique since they are chargeless but may carry energy. Being byproducts of electron interaction, they come in a few flavors: (i) Downstream modes in composite edge channels of the integer quantum Hall effect (IQHE) regime; (ii) Upstream modes in the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) regime; and (iii) Zero energy Majorana states (localized or propagating quasi-particles), in non-abelian FQHE states and in 1d topological P-wave superconductors. My main interests in neutral modes in the QHE regime are: (a) Their direct association with the nature of the wavefunction of the quantum state; (b) Being excited when a charge mode is being partitioned (say, by a quantum point contact), they may play a prime role in dephasing interference of quasi-particles due to the energy they rob (in the partitioning process). As for detecting Majorana quasi-particles, and aside from the exciting physics, their non-abelian nature makes them attractive as building blocks in ‘decoherence resistant’ systems. Based on our acquired abilities, such as material growth, processing techniques, and sensitive measurement techniques, I plan to perform experiments, which include: thorough studies of downstream and upstream neutral modes via shot noise and thermoelectric current measurements; proving (or disproving) their involvement in dephasing fractionally charged quasi-particles; growing and processing structures that harbor Majorana states (in 1d nano-wires and in 2d FQHE regime; and, possibly, eventually, manipulate Majorana states (by coupling and braiding). Experiments will employ, e.g. ultra-low temperatures, sensitive shot noise measurements, cross-correlation of current fluctuations, and interference of quasi-particles (charge and neutral) in novel interferometers. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencescondensed matter physicsmesoscopic physicsnatural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicssuperconductivity 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-AG-PE3 - ERC Advanced Grant - Condensed matter physics Call for proposal ERC-2013-ADG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Host institution WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE EU contribution € 2 428 042,00 Address HERZL STREET 234 7610001 Rehovot Israel See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Mordehai (Moty) Heiblum (Prof.) Administrative Contact Gabi Bernstein (Ms.) 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 WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE Israel EU contribution € 2 428 042,00 Address HERZL STREET 234 7610001 Rehovot See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Mordehai (Moty) Heiblum (Prof.) Administrative Contact Gabi Bernstein (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data