Objective The overarching goal of the present proposal is to exploit materials design, coherent optical methods and multiple theoretical approaches to deterministically control ordered states of strongly correlated electron materials, also referred to as “quantum” or “complex” materials. The underlying ideas can be applied to vast number of problems in materials physics, but the stated goal is that of optimizing superconductivity at higher temperatures than achieved so far, possibly even at room temperature. The proposal starts from research strands that follow challenging but well-establish paths, such as the use of complex-oxide heterostructures and strain engineering at interfaces to modulate the electronic properties. In a second class of investigations, coherent optical control of lattice dynamics with strong field THz transients is proposed to “anneal” the competing order quenching superconductivity. This builds on our recent discovery of light-induced transient superconductivity in high temperature cuprates, a remarkable process not yet understood or optimized. We will use a combination of femtosecond optical and x-ray experiments with Free Electron Lasers, together with time dependent real-materials simulations. Perhaps the most ambitious goal will be to develop laser-cooling techniques to reduce quantum phase fluctuations between planes of cuprate superconductors. Finally, we propose to use static and dynamic techniques to engineer new phases of condensed matter, for example by engineering new materials with a single band crossing the Fermi level, to optimize superconductivity. A unique combination of complementary expertise, from materials design, to coherent and ultrafast optical and x-ray physics, with materials and quantum optics theory, will be key in making true progress in these areas. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesquantum physicsquantum opticsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physicsnatural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicssuperconductivity Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-2012-SyG - ERC Synergy Grant Call for proposal ERC-2012-SyG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SyG - Synergy grant Coordinator MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV EU contribution € 2 784 838,60 Address Hofgartenstrasse 8 80539 Munchen Germany See on map Region Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Research Organisations Principal investigator Jean-Marc Serge Thierry Triscone (Prof.) Administrative Contact Dagmar Schröder-Huse (Mrs.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (4) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV Germany EU contribution € 2 784 838,60 Address Hofgartenstrasse 8 80539 Munchen See on map Region Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Research Organisations Principal investigator Jean-Marc Serge Thierry Triscone (Prof.) Administrative Contact Dagmar Schröder-Huse (Mrs.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD United Kingdom EU contribution € 2 213 267,40 Address Wellington square university offices OX1 2JD Oxford See on map Region South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Stephen Conway (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data UNIVERSITE DE GENEVE Switzerland EU contribution € 2 842 367,00 Address Rue du general dufour 24 1211 Geneve See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Région lémanique Genève Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Alex Waehry (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE France EU contribution € 2 126 400,00 Address Route de saclay 91128 Palaiseau cedex See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Essonne Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Aurelie Eray (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data