To reach the main objective of SINFONIA, it is first necessary to select, prepare and characterize the physical systems object of the research, namely the AF films. Starting from those, a first intermediate specific goal is to create and characterize Hybridized Interface States (HIS) at the interfaces between molecular layers and AF substrates.
Through the tasks proposed in the second Work Package (WP2), the consortium has been able to prepare and characterize a relevant number of AF materials (both inorganic, mainly transition metal oxides and two-dimensional exfoliabole materials, and organic, such as metal-organic frameworks), which have been thoroughly characterized. Starting from those, a number of ORG/AF spinterfaces have been realized and investigated. The activity has been continuously increasing and consolidating, focusing on the most promising physical systems, so to foster cooperative efforts, and increase the effectiveness of the research endeavour.
The following objective is to develop the ability to act on the HIS with (near) visible light and produce a local perturbation that will generate a SW in the AF, which was performed under WP3. During the last period, the activities within the latter WP lead to the demonstrations that magnon propagation is indeed influenced by molecules in ORG/AF spinterfaces.
The results obtained in WP2 and WP3 are supported by theoretical analysis and computational activies, that are performed under WP5. These have been of great importance also as guidance for the strategic decisions in terms of combination of materials, in order to maximise the effectiveness of the challenging research activities.
By the end of the last reporting period, several ORG/AF systems could be studied both from an experimental and a computational perspective, which helped much in elucidating the physics beyond the systems under investigation.
The other objective to be reached in the following of SINFONIA mainly regards the investigation of SW, aiming to realize proof of concept hybrid magnonic devices (e.g. logic gates), and inducing/detecing SW by light interaction with an ORG molecular nanostructures. This part of the activity is the focus of WP4. Patterning protocols have been working nicely since the beginning and the first proof of concept experiments, based on electrical generation/detection of magnons, have successfully demonstrated that magnon propagation can be influenced by the adsorption of molecules.
In terms of dissemination, communication and exploitation, the project focuses on such aspects in WP6, with the aim of maximising its impact. We have identified 3 project phases, corresponding to 3 dissemination strategies. In phase 1 (up to month 8), the brand identity and dissemination basic tools have been defined (logo, website, social media), in order to announce to the relevant communities the vision, the main objectives and planned work. In phase 2 (months 8-24), the goal has been to engage target groups, establish liaisons and identify synergies with the broader international research and innovation landscape. Finally, in phase 3 (3rd and 4th years), we have been focusing our efforts to engage and support all stakeholders in the adoption and deployment of the SINFONIA technology and to create conditions for the long-term sustainability through exploitation of IPR.
