Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SPRING (SPin Research IN Graphene)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2020-10-01 do 2022-03-31
Future Information Technology will take advantage of quantum materials for efficient information processing and communication. In SPRING, we propose to utilize custom-crafted graphene nanostructures as elementary active components of a new generation of nanoscale quantum spintronic devices. Graphene structures can spontaneously develop intrinsic π-paramagnetism from topological frustrations of their structure. This unconventional magnetism is mobile, long ranged and can be electrically addressable.
The overall goal is to combine four areas of research in physical-chemistry, condensed matter physics, quantum physics, and physical engineering to demonstrate that open-shell graphene nanostructures with a designed shape for emergent π-magnetization can become potential platforms for quantum spintronic devices. The interdisciplinary research steps are oriented along three main scientific objectives: to fabricate graphene nanostructures with atomic precision, to demonstrate and manipulate their electron and nuclear spin states, and to test their potential as basic elements in quantum spintronic devices.
The overall goal is to combine four areas of research in physical-chemistry, condensed matter physics, quantum physics, and physical engineering to demonstrate that open-shell graphene nanostructures with a designed shape for emergent π-magnetization can become potential platforms for quantum spintronic devices. The interdisciplinary research steps are oriented along three main scientific objectives: to fabricate graphene nanostructures with atomic precision, to demonstrate and manipulate their electron and nuclear spin states, and to test their potential as basic elements in quantum spintronic devices.
After two years and a half, the SPRING project advanced, in spite the COVID 19 pandemic, producing several milestones. In particular, we demonstrated solution synthesis routes to fabricate a family of diradical species that enabled the transfer and investigation by the various methods of the consortium. This allowed a multi approach strategy to detection radical states in carbon systems. We performed key experiments to unravel energy scales on spin interactions and their excitations, including excited spin states on insulators and collective spin modes. We also developed the basic methodology to quantify hyperfine coupling, as an initial step for detection of nuclear spins with ESR. We also produced an open source code for electronic structure simulation, which is accessible to scientists.
Current progresses of SPRING are experimental and theoretical methodologies defined to achieve SPRING goals. This includes solution synthesis strategies for the engineering of polyradicals, methods for detecting spins on surfaces and in transport. In the next years, we expect that SPRING can develop new methods to transfer and detect spin states in graphene platforms hosting spin systems and manipulated their quantum state. Several findings and methods with potential for exploitation will be incorporated into our technology portfolio, and their exploitation consider in various strategies. With the loosening of pandemic restrictions, we look forward strengthening our impact in society via a complex strategy of dissemination, communication, and exploitation of our results. Publications and open material such as scientific results and simulation codes will be instrumental for this, as much as a proactive communication strategy with society. The targeted long-term vision regarding the development of an all-graphene platform, where spins can be used for transporting, storing, and processing information, is certainly closer after achieving milestones regarding the fabrications of spin-hosting systems and detections of their intrinsic spin states. This new technology paradigm will combine fast electron mobility with electrically addressable quantum spins, in a customizable semiconducting platform, envisioning clear impact on scientific, technological, and societal stakeholders.