Project description
Microscopy technique with unprecedented spatial resolution reveals electron interactions
The physics of strongly interacting electron systems is remarkably rich and complex. The electron charge, spin, orbital and lattice degrees of freedom result in competing interactions, leading to phase transitions and the emergence of exotic phases. The EU-funded SEE_QPT project aims to provide clear-cut evidence for these elusive many-body states that are in the blind spot of global measurements. Researchers will use a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), a powerful scanning probe to identify and image trace amounts of conductivity, superconductivity and magnetism with a high spatial resolution. The tool will be integrated with a set of tuning knobs to enable simultaneous manipulation and imaging of quantum phase transitions. Project outputs will provide more clues about the mechanisms that drive fundamental electron transitions, paving the way for the development of innovative quantum materials.
Objective
Strongly interacting electron systems lead to a wealth of competing phases, phase transitions, and quantum critical points. When probed globally, the inherent inhomogeneities, disorder, localization, and mixture with other phases can be a stumbling block in detecting and controlling the various electronic states. Armed with a suitable local probe, however, spatial inhomogeneities turn from a concealing factor into the key to unveil new exotic electronic phases. Our unique tool, the scanning SQUID, is the most suitable probe, as it provides both extremely high magnetic sensitivity - capable of detecting trace amounts of conductivity, superconductivity and magnetism - with a high spatial resolution. We will integrate our state-of-the-art sensor with a set of tuning knobs, to enable simultaneous manipulation and imaging of quantum phase transitions.
Our key goal is to provide clear-cut evidence for elusive many-body states that are in the blind spot of global measurements. We will detect hidden phases, such as traces of superconducting islands in an insulator, puddles of strongly correlated electrons at the onset of metallicity, and protected states in topological phases. The spatial distribution of states and disorder-related inhomogeneities will serve as the main tool in our quest. We will elucidate the correlations between emergent states that show non-trivial coexistence, such as magnetism and superconductivity, conductivity in a ferroelectric medium and itinerant ferromagnetism. We will provide clues about the mechanisms that drive fundamental transitions, such as the metal-insulator and the superconductor-insulator transitions. We will track phases and fluctuations near quantum criticality, and use the local information to bridge the gap between the microscopic behavior and the thermodynamic limit, where critical phenomena emerge. We aim to explore fundamental questions like the universality of transitions and assist the development of quantum materials.
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.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics superconductivity
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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)
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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.
52900 Ramat Gan
Israel
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.