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Topological Magnetism by Photonic Design

Objective

It is my ambition to open up a new research field of on-demand control of topologically protected chiral spin textures to solve quests in topological behaviour, creating synergy by combining elements of laser-driven magnetization dynamics, chiral magnetism and topological quantum matter. Beyond scientific curiosity, this endeavour is inspired by its potential for ultrafast and energy-efficient solutions for future ‘green’ ICT. The topological protection of chiral textures such as skyrmions –nanosized whirls of spin– make them robust elements to store and carry information. Similarly, topological magnetic lattices host protected spin waves at their edge, which provide dissipation-free information transfer. Yet, electrical and optical methods to generate skyrmions bear a stochastic nature, while experimental demonstration of topological spin waves has proven notoriously hard.
Guided by recent insights, I will develop an optical approach to achieve ultimate control of topological magnetic textures and phenomena. Stochastic limitations of current methods will be overcome using exchange driven magnetization reversal by single femtosecond laser pulses to deterministically create and annihilate skyrmions in magnetic thin films in any pattern, just by design. Thereby, I envision on demand generation of topological quasi-particles with more complex whirling textures, and tuneable lattices thereof. This will enable my Team to explore topological interactions and dynamics not yet accessible due to lack of control, including transverse effects in current-driven transport, topological scattering of electrons in the reciprocal effect, and unidirectional propagation of topological spin waves. Combining dedicated microscopic and time-resolved experiments with multi-timescale numerical simulations, I will break new ground in this emerging field. Finally, I will provide the enabling science to transfer the refined optical control to a scalable on-chip photonics platform.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) ERC-2025-ADG

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Host institution

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT EINDHOVEN
Net EU contribution
€ 2 936 988,00
Address
GROENE LOPER 3
5612 AE Eindhoven
Netherlands
Region
Zuid-Nederland Noord-Brabant Zuidoost-Noord-Brabant
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost
No data

Beneficiaries (1)