Description du projet
Un nouveau dispositif expérimental permet aux gaz quantiques de se déplacer de manière balistique
La conduction ou le transport balistique fait généralement référence au déplacement de porteurs de charge, tels que les électrons ou les trous, sur de grandes distances sans être gênés par les interactions de diffusion, un peu comme le déplacement d’une balle à grande vitesse. Bien que les scientifiques aient théorisé que ce phénomène ne s’appliquait pas uniquement aux charges électriques, des atomes neutres en régime ultrabalistique ont été observés pour la première fois dans un type spécial de gaz quantique il y a quelques années seulement, à des températures ultra-basses. Le projet QCNGas, financé par l’UE, développe une plateforme expérimentale innovante qui permettra d’étudier la conductance des gaz quantiques en tant que fonction d’une température jusqu’à quatre degrés Kelvin. Ces études faciliteront la recherche de nouveaux matériaux dont le transport balistique est proche de la température ambiante.
Objectif
We propose to design a new insert with a sample-holder and investigate quantum aspects of flow (gas) conductance as a function of temperature (T) down to 4K by exploiting de Broglie wavelength for neutral helium (He) atoms through an atomically-flat rectangular graphene nanochannel in a molecular flow regime. By confining the vertical length of the transport channel and tuning the associated de Broglie wavelength (with T), the realization of the quantum limited conductance for He gas flow, similar to the observed quantum signatures of conductance for electrons, seems to be truly within the experimental reach. The behaviour of the wall switches over to more rigid (lowering atomic vibrations) from flexible one at room T which not only enhances the specular reflection but also the phase coherence of the associated de Broglie wavelength. We will investigate the transport properties using layered materials from transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) family to induce ballistic transport from the diffusive transport regime at room T via Laser-irradiation and chemical roots which will heal the defects in TMDs at atomic scale. Our investigations will help in search of more materials to have the ballistic transport around room T. Our focus will not only be on the enhanced flow due to quantum effects but also the understanding from fundamental physics point of view as well as exploring in broader perspective. The strategy of the project is to design a setup for low-T, making state-of-the-art devices, investigate the quantum signatures of conductance of nanoscale channels and address various important issues. Completion of the multidisciplinary project will open up a new era where various novel intriguing physics need to be explored further, understanding of quantum gas transport will boost many biomedical and industrial applications, next generation devices using gas sensors and properties of thermal transport exploited to extract heat will be tuned with enhanced performance.
Champ scientifique
Programme(s)
Régime de financement
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinateur
M13 9PL Manchester
Royaume-Uni