Project description
NEMS research bridges boundaries of classical and quantum worlds
Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) are tiny transducers integrating mechanical and electrical functionality on the nanoscale. These devices, created using microelectronics techniques, have applications ranging from basic harmonic motion to complex non-linear dynamics. At low temperatures, NEMS behave according to quantum mechanics. Funded by the European Research Council, the ULT-NEMS project aims to further study NEMS in ultra-low temperatures, focusing on their sensor capabilities and model system aspects. Project activities include engineering quantum position states with hybrid circuits and probing topological states of superfluid helium-3. Project findings could impact our understanding of the boundary between quantum and classical worlds, and of the potential existence of Majorana particles.
Objective
Nano-electro-mechanical devices (NEMS) are extremely small objects that can be actuated and detected by electric means. They are in the first place transducers that can be used as probes for forces down to the molecular level. Top-down fabricated NEMS using conventional microelectronics techniques are simple devices that intimately link mechanical and electrical degrees of freedom. As such, they can be viewed as model systems from basic (linear) harmonic motion up to complex nonlinear dynamics.
The most intriguing experimental situation is attained when the devices are cold enough to behave according to the laws of quantum mechanics, instead of classical physics. This leads to a unique approach of the classical-to-quantum crossover with truly macroscopic position-states. Complementarily, at low temperatures the forces sensed by the NEMS arise from materials themselves cold enough to exhibit exotic quantum properties, originating either in the devices’ constitutive amorphous materials and their intrinsic elusive Tunneling Systems, or from their interaction with a sophisticated fluid like superfluid 3He.
I propose unique research linking ultra-low temperature physics and nano-mechanics, building on my knowledge of both fields and my experience in superconducting quantum circuits. The research has two identified axes, which aim at pushing both the “sensor” and “model system” aspects of NEMS down to their quantum retrenchments. Macroscopic quantum position-states can be engineered with a hybrid quantum circuit arrangement (a combination of NEMS, microwaves and quantum bit), while topological states of confined superfluid 3He with their elementary excitations can be mechanically probed by dedicated NEMS (measuring friction). The scientific impact of this research is extremely wide, tackling fundamental questions like: what/where is the boundary between quantum and classical worlds, and do Majorana particles (potentially obtained in topological 3He) exist at all?
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 physical sciences optics cavity optomechanics
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics fermions
- natural sciences physical sciences atomic physics
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics microelectronics
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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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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
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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
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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.
ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2014-CoG
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75794 PARIS
France
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