Project description
Exploring quantum fluctuations in superconductivity
At extremely low temperatures, quantum materials reveal their true nature, where thermal fluctuations are minimised and systems reach their lowest energy states. However, this state is far from stable, as quantum fluctuations (driven by the uncertainty principle) result in unexpected phenomena. For instance, the pairing of electrons can lead to unconventional superconductivity. Heavy-fermion superconductors, which exhibit superconductivity near magnetic quantum critical points, serve as key systems for studying these behaviours. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ULT-SCES-NMR project will develop a broadband nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer. With enhanced sensitivity through a DC SQUID sensor, this project will explore the role of quantum fluctuations in unconventional superconductivity, offering advancements in quantum materials and devices.
Objective
Quantum materials reveal their nature at low temperatures, where thermal fluctuations vanish and the system falls into its lowest energy state. However, this state is far from “static”. Quantum fluctuations, arising from the uncertainty principle and the exclusion rules of quantum mechanics, give rise to unexpected phenomena, such as the mediated pairing of electrons, leading to unconventional superconductivity. Prototypical compounds to study these phenomena are heavy-fermion (HF) superconductors. In these materials superconductivity arises near magnetic quantum critical points -- the points at T = 0 where magnetically ordered phases are suppressed and quantum fluctuations are particularly strong. There exists growing evidence that pairing is mediated by magnetic critical fluctuations. One of the best example is the HF superconductor YbRh2Si2 (Tc < 10 mK) in which strong ferromagnetic (FM) as well as antiferromagnetic (AFM) fluctuations were observed. To understand the nature and role of FM and AFM fluctuations in this compound and generally in strongly correlated electron systems (SCES) and to explain their impact on quantum criticality and superconductivity - e.g. the parity of the Cooper pairs - we propose to build a broadband nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer. NMR is a non-invasive and low-dissipation technique, well suited for probing in the stringent ultra-low temperature conditions under which these phenomena occur. Utilizing a DC SQUID sensor, coupled to the pickup of the NMR spectrometer by a flux transformer, is a way of drastically improving signal-to-noise ratio and enable operation at very low static fields, in contrast to standard NMR techniques. This is essential for studying superconductivity. Understanding the relationship between quantum fluctuations and unconventional superconductivity is crucial for developing new materials with higher superconducting transition temperatures and for potential applications in quantum devices.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences condensed matter physics quasiparticles
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics superconductivity
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.