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Correlated Non-Equilibrium Quantum Matter: Fundamentals and Applications to Nanoscale Systems

Project description

Non-equilibrium quantum matter and nanoscale systems

Understanding of non-equilibrium quantum matter is still rudimentary despite the fact that these systems are represented from scales of atoms and electrons to stars and galaxies. Corr-NEQM promises progress in the understanding of several open questions on correlated non-equilibrium quantum states in condensed matter physics. The research is going to capitalise on the discoveries of many-body localisation (MBL) and time crystals, which opened a new paradigm for non-equilibrium matter. This mainly theoretical investigation is going to culminate with some experimental tests in semiconductor nanostructures. Results may provide a better understanding of fundamental physics and pave the way to spatiotemporal control of entanglement in many-body quantum states, a process critical for technological innovations.

Objective

Non-equilibrium states of matter occur in a wide range of systems. From microscopic scales of atoms and electrons to stars and galaxies in the universe. These phenomena have observable effects measurable by humans. In many of these systems the laws of thermodynamics do not apply. In spite of the ubiquity of non-equilibrium states, their universal understanding is still rudimentary. A general description of out of equilibrium states is of fundamental importance and can potentially spur technological innovation. Therefore, non-equilibrium systems host a family of questions which can be a source of knowledge and benefit to humankind.

In this proposal I will tackle several open problems on correlated non-equilibrium quantum states in condensed matter physics. The remarkable twin discoveries of many-body localization (MBL) and time crystals have opened a new paradigm for non-equilibrium matter where an interacting quantum system violates the laws of equilibrium thermodynamics. By amalgamating tools and ideas from quantum information science, I will theoretically investigate these phenomena in regimes which are thus far unexplored. It will shed new light on MBL in higher dimensions and effect of long range interactions, a common feature in many physical systems. I will explicate the formation of discrete time crystals, a new phase of matter with broken time-translational symmetry, in dissipative systems. Until recently, MBL was considered to be an essential ingredient for time-crystallinity. The project will unravel the underlying principles of dissipative time crystals and the crossover from their semi-classical realization to the purely quantum effect protected by MBL. I will also predict smoking-gun signatures of these phenomena which are testable in semiconductor nanostructures. An answer to these vital questions will provide a deeper understanding of fundamental physics and may open new avenues for spatio-temporal control of entanglement in many-body quantum states.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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ERC-STG - Starting Grant

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) ERC-2019-STG

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Host institution

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 1 495 478,00
Address
GOWER STREET
WC1E 6BT LONDON
United Kingdom

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Region
London Inner London — West Camden and City of London
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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.

€ 1 495 478,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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