Project description DEENESFRITPL Non-equilibrium phenomena in many-body quantum systems The study of the non-equilibrium dynamics of magnetic degrees of freedom has shown remarkable progress over the past two decades. An important challenge is to characterise the complexity of quantum dynamics in many-body systems out of equilibrium. The EU-funded DynaQuanta project plans to study the non-equilibrium dynamics in a number of well-selected quantum spin systems, utilising a novel and powerful experimental technique – time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy under extreme conditions. The focus will be on novel quantum phenomena difficult to detect in equilibrium states such as complex many-body bound states; properties of exotic quantum states such as quantum spin liquids and quantum critical phases; and the control of the non-equilibrium and nonlinear response of quantum spin states. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective The study of non-equilibrium dynamics of magnetic degrees of freedom has shown remarkable progress over the past two decades. This is in particular true concerning the understanding of ultrafast magnetization dynamics in classical magnets. In contrast, the field of non-equilibrium spin dynamics of many-body quantum magnetic systems is still in its infancy. Despite a number of ground-breaking recent theoretical proposals, experimental studies in this direction are truly scarce and this research field is a largely unexplored territory. Here I propose to study non-equilibrium dynamics in a number of well-selected quantum spin systems, utilizing a novel and powerful experimental technique – time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy under extreme conditions. By carrying out the here proposed program of non-equilibrium and nonlinear studies on low-dimensional and/or frustrated quantum magnets, I aim to explore and reveal novel physics and the governing fundamental principles for the non-equilibrium quantum spin dynamics. Firstly, I aim to realize novel quantum phenomena and quantum effects, which are difficult to be detected in the equilibrium state, such as complex many-body bound states. Secondly, I will explore novel characteristics for exotic quantum states like quantum spin liquids and quantum critical phases in the nonlinear response regime, by driving the quantum disordered states far from equilibrium. Thirdly, I aim to tune and control the non-equilibrium and nonlinear response of the quantum spin states either by the terahertz electromagnetic fields directly or via coupling to other degrees of freedom, such as phonons. Gaining momentum from the on-going intensive theoretical studies and based on my previous work in the field of quantum spin systems, I anticipate a productive, impactful, and successful research project exploring the new physics offered by non-equilibrium quantum spin systems. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicselectromagnetismnatural sciencesphysical sciencesatomic physicsnatural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicsspintronicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2020-STG - ERC STARTING GRANTS Call for proposal ERC-2020-STG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-STG - Starting Grant Coordinator TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT DORTMUND Net EU contribution € 1 840 898,00 Address August schmidt strasse 4 44227 Dortmund Germany See on map Region Nordrhein-Westfalen Arnsberg Dortmund, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,75 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT DORTMUND Germany Net EU contribution € 1 840 898,00 Address August schmidt strasse 4 44227 Dortmund See on map Region Nordrhein-Westfalen Arnsberg Dortmund, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,75