HYDROTRONICS has already made significant progress beyond the state of the art in hydrodynamic electronics. The HYDROTRONICS Consortium has established a robust framework, achieved notable results, and has extensively published. Notable results were achieved across all research objectives of HYDROTRONICS, as exemplified in the list of selected most recent project achievements below:
1. Electronic Hydrodynamics in Novel Materials:
A general kinetic theory for non-local electrodynamics in two and three dimensions, applicable to various Fermi surface shapes, was developed and compared with experimental data
2. Nonlocal and Nonlinear Phenomena:
We found extreme electron-hole drag and negative mobility in graphene's Dirac plasma near room temperature, highlighting strong interactions, although competing scattering mechanisms can limit true hydrodynamic flow.
3. Light-Matter Interaction, Near-Field Optics, and Magnetic Coupling:
We explored Floquet engineering to create spatially dependent light-matter interactions in graphene, leading to scalable zero-bias photocurrents by manipulating laser configurations.
The project's impacts are far-reaching and include advancements in nanoelectronics, as well as scientific knowledge that supports the development of early-stage researchers. The original concept of HYDROTRONICS focused 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 aimed to control electric circuits through light illumination, while investigations on van der Waals heterostructures with magnetic layers allowed electronic control of macroscopic magnetization. The potential of 2D systems and van der Waals heterostructures enables the creation of artificial materials with unprecedented combinations of properties, reshaping such research fields as plasmonics and optoelectronics. It is particularly impactful for experimental and technological activities.
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 contributed 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 inspired intense theoretical and experimental research efforts beyond the project, validating and extending its findings. 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 environments for industrial spin-offs, further supporting the project’s socio-economic impact.
