Project description
Electronic materials based on fractal patterns
A fractal, a geometric object that is similar to itself on all scales, is not just a cool mathematical shape. It might enable researchers to determine exotic states of matter or predict intriguing properties of exotic materials. Just like a 2D material's properties can greatly differ compared with its 3D counterpart, they could also differ in non-integer, or fractional, dimensions. The EU-funded FRACTAL project plans to study electron properties in geometric fractals whose dimension ranges between 1 and 2. Researchers plan to assemble geometric fractals atom-by-atom in a scanning tunnelling microscope. Project results will help determine engineering rules for creating truly novel electronic materials based on fractal geometries.
Objective
The development of two-dimensional materials has enabled the discovery of new physical phenomena and led to the development of devices that are of crucial importance to our society. For example, we now base the definition of electrical resistance on the quantum Hall effect, a phenomenon exclusive to two dimensions. Similarly, the transistor that underpins every electronic device in use today relies on the manipulation of a two-dimensional electron gas.
The realization that a material can have very different properties in two-dimensions compared to three-dimensions was a huge conceptual leap. Here, I propose a similar leap: from integer (0,1,2,3) to non-integer, or fractional, dimensions. Specifically, I will study the properties of electrons in geometric fractals with dimension between 2 and 1. Fractals are objects that are self-similar on different length scales with two unique properties (i) a non-integer dimension and (ii) expansion symmetry but no periodicity. Studying fractals will not only allow me to verify the existence of predicted exotic properties but also to address urgent questions related to the interplay of dimensionality and symmetry on the one hand and the existence of exotic states of matter (e.g. long-range entangled states, topological phases) on the other.
Building on a recently published proof-of-concept, I will assemble geometric fractals atom-by-atom in a scanning tunnelling microscope. A unique advantage of this approach is that it provides control over all relevant parameters: type of fractal, its size and symmetry, the coupling strength, whether or not spin-orbit coupling and electron correlation are included, defects. My extensive experience with creating and characterising such systems makes me uniquely suited to develop the nascent field of electronic fractals. My results will provide engineering rules for truly novel electronic materials that are based on fractal geometries (e.g. fabricated by lithographic patterning of semiconductors)
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 microscopy
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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
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.
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
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2019-COG
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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.
3584 CS Utrecht
Netherlands
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.