Henrik Rønnow: Controlled quantum effects and spin technology

© 2010 EPFL

© 2010 EPFL

The excellence of the research performed at EPFL has once again been recognized at an international level. Henrik M. Rønnow has received a STARTING GRANT 2010 from the European Research Council (ERC).

Controlled quantum effects and spin technology - from non-equilibrium physics to functional magnetics

The technology of the 20th century was dominated by a single material class: The semiconductors, whose properties can be tuned between those of metals and insulators all of which describable by single-electron effects. In contrast, quantum magnets and strongly correlated electron systems offer a full palette of quantum mechanical many-electron states. CONQUEST aim to discover, understand and demonstrate control over such quantum states. A new experimental approach, building on established powerful laboratory and neutron scattering techniques combined with dynamical control-perturbations, will be developed to study correlated quantum effects in magnetic materials. The immediate goal is to open a new field of non-equilibrium and time dependent studies in solid state physics. The long-term vision is that the approach might nurture the materials of the 21st century.

Max ERC funding: 1.5 million Euros
Duration: 60 months
Host institution: EPFL
Project acronym: CONQUEST
Domain: Physical and Engineering Sciences