Periodic Reporting for period 1 - HYDROTRONICS (Hydrodynamic electronics)
Berichtszeitraum: 2019-12-01 bis 2023-05-31
Advances in the fabrication of ultra-pure low-dimensional materials have led in recent years to the emergence of a new area of research – hydrodynamic electronics. Modern technologies allow for routine manufacturing of ultra-clean samples where observable physical properties are dominated by electron-electron collisions. Electrons in such systems obey the laws of hydrodynamics, which manifests itself in non-local, superballistic, and turbulent transport of energy and electric charge. Following the immense success of graphene research, many novel two-dimensional materials are currently being investigated aiming at potential applications in nanoelectronics, as well as energy conversion and storage. The past years have seen an explosion of interest, both experimental and theoretical, in the hydrodynamic effects in interacting electron systems in ultra-pure materials.
The principle aims of HYDROTRONICS are
1. To build a framework to describe hydrodynamic charge and energy transport fine-tuned to the material properties and sample geometry, and
2. To investigate the physics of novel materials that can be uncovered by transport measurements.
Combining the microscopic and macroscopic methods to interacting electronic systems will allow for a unique perspective and yield a powerful approach to transport phenomena that can be easily adapted to new materials and experimental settings, as they become accessible in the course of rapid technological progress. Strong collaboration between the groups involved in the project and its overall synergy will allow novel ideas to flourish, promoting a fertile environment in which early-stage researchers can develop their own paths and resolve the biggest issues in the field. Another important goal is a closer integration between the experimental, theoretical, and computational (software development) parts of the network, which will be an important element exposing practitioners in each area to cutting edge progress in the others.
The specific research objects of HYDROTRONICS are:
1. Electronic hydrodynamics in novel materials, including van der Waals heterostructures, twisted bilayer graphene, and Weyl semimetals;
2. Nonlocal and nonlinear phenomena in electronic hydrodynamics, including 2D turbulence;
3. Light-matter interaction, near-field optics, and coupling to external magnetic systems (e.g. in a stacked layered device).
The principle aims of HYDROTRONICS are
1. To build a framework to describe hydrodynamic charge and energy transport fine-tuned to the material properties and sample geometry, and
2. To investigate the physics of novel materials that can be uncovered by transport measurements.
Combining the microscopic and macroscopic methods to interacting electronic systems will allow for a unique perspective and yield a powerful approach to transport phenomena that can be easily adapted to new materials and experimental settings, as they become accessible in the course of rapid technological progress. Strong collaboration between the groups involved in the project and its overall synergy will allow novel ideas to flourish, promoting a fertile environment in which early-stage researchers can develop their own paths and resolve the biggest issues in the field. Another important goal is a closer integration between the experimental, theoretical, and computational (software development) parts of the network, which will be an important element exposing practitioners in each area to cutting edge progress in the others.
The specific research objects of HYDROTRONICS are:
1. Electronic hydrodynamics in novel materials, including van der Waals heterostructures, twisted bilayer graphene, and Weyl semimetals;
2. Nonlocal and nonlinear phenomena in electronic hydrodynamics, including 2D turbulence;
3. Light-matter interaction, near-field optics, and coupling to external magnetic systems (e.g. in a stacked layered device).
During the first project period, we have built foundations of a general hydrodynamic framework that allowed us to describe electrical and energy transport fine-tuned to the material properties and sample geometries, and, based on this approach, to investigate the physics of novel materials. Combining the microscopic and macroscopic methods to studying correlated systems in real materials yielded a powerful approach that proved to be easily adapted to new experimental settings. The achievements range from fundamental science to applications that offer novel functionalities of electronic devices. Networking within the project has provided us with a strong link between theory, experiment, and software development, owing to the complementary expertise of the partners involved. Among the main project results achieved so far are the theoretical and experimental findings concerning the hydrodynamic behavior of electronic fluids in ultra-pure graphene samples and van der Waals heterostructures, as well as novel inputs to our understanding of turbulence in terms of information theory. The project also developed a basis for a microscopic description of novel (mainly two-dimensional) materials and structures in the presence of external driving (e.g. in the context of light-matter interaction), as well as of various magnetic and superconducting properties thereof.
The project results have been published in more than 50 open access scientific articles so far.
The project results have been published in more than 50 open access scientific articles so far.
HYDROTRONICS has already made significant progress beyond the state of the art in hydrodynamic electronics. The team has established a robust framework, achieved notable results, and extensively published. Anticipated impacts include advancements in nanoelectronics, energy technologies, and scientific knowledge, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting the development of early-stage researchers.
The project's potential impacts are far-reaching. The original concept of HYDROTRONICS focuses on understanding the mutual interaction between electronic, magnetic, and optical properties. This enables the design of novel devices where electric and/or magnetic properties can be controlled by light or electronic means. For instance, research on light-matter interaction in the hydrodynamic regime aims to control electric circuits through light illumination, while investigations on van der Waals heterostructures with magnetic layers allow electronic control of macroscopic magnetization. Moreover, the project explores multiple aspects of electronic hydrodynamics, opening avenues to study turbulence in a solid-state laboratory, a significant achievement in the field. The potential of 2D systems and van der Waals heterostructures enables the creation of artificial materials with unprecedented combinations of properties, reshaping research fields like plasmonics and optoelectronics. HYDROTRONICS also bridges complementary approaches for realistic nanodevice simulation and fosters interdisciplinary connections. It is particularly impactful for experimental and technological activities. In addition to increasing scientific publications, the project's versatile and efficient approaches contribute to optimizing device performance and guiding new functionalities. This potential enhancement of patents and industrial spin-offs further supports its socio-economic impact. Furthermore, the project's emphasis on collaboration and integration across disciplines sets a precedent for future endeavors, highlighting the value of multidisciplinary approaches and promoting a fertile environment for innovation.
From a socio-economic perspective, the advancements in hydrodynamic electronics hold promise for transforming nanoelectronics and energy conversion/storage technologies, leading to innovative applications with improved efficiency and performance. On a wider societal scale, the project contributes to the scientific knowledge base, promoting idea exchange, encouraging further research, and nurturing the growth of early-stage researchers. The publication of high-profile peer-reviewed articles inspires intense theoretical and experimental research efforts beyond the project, validating and extending its findings.
The project's potential impacts are far-reaching. The original concept of HYDROTRONICS focuses on understanding the mutual interaction between electronic, magnetic, and optical properties. This enables the design of novel devices where electric and/or magnetic properties can be controlled by light or electronic means. For instance, research on light-matter interaction in the hydrodynamic regime aims to control electric circuits through light illumination, while investigations on van der Waals heterostructures with magnetic layers allow electronic control of macroscopic magnetization. Moreover, the project explores multiple aspects of electronic hydrodynamics, opening avenues to study turbulence in a solid-state laboratory, a significant achievement in the field. The potential of 2D systems and van der Waals heterostructures enables the creation of artificial materials with unprecedented combinations of properties, reshaping research fields like plasmonics and optoelectronics. HYDROTRONICS also bridges complementary approaches for realistic nanodevice simulation and fosters interdisciplinary connections. It is particularly impactful for experimental and technological activities. In addition to increasing scientific publications, the project's versatile and efficient approaches contribute to optimizing device performance and guiding new functionalities. This potential enhancement of patents and industrial spin-offs further supports its socio-economic impact. Furthermore, the project's emphasis on collaboration and integration across disciplines sets a precedent for future endeavors, highlighting the value of multidisciplinary approaches and promoting a fertile environment for innovation.
From a socio-economic perspective, the advancements in hydrodynamic electronics hold promise for transforming nanoelectronics and energy conversion/storage technologies, leading to innovative applications with improved efficiency and performance. On a wider societal scale, the project contributes to the scientific knowledge base, promoting idea exchange, encouraging further research, and nurturing the growth of early-stage researchers. The publication of high-profile peer-reviewed articles inspires intense theoretical and experimental research efforts beyond the project, validating and extending its findings.