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Description
This research project aims at fundamental aspects of solid-state physics and magnetism, which may support interdisciplinary research in the field of spintronics. In principle, it focuses on efficient control of the spin state and its utilization on equal footing with quasiparticle charge. The main emphasis is put on novel materials, where quantum effects manifest on a wide range of energetic and length scales. The quantum materials, such as graphene, van-der Waals heterostructures, topological insulators, or Weyl semimetals, derive their peculiar properties from reduced dimensionality or collective excitations. In consequence, quantum materials serve as a platform for phenomena where the topological nature of quasiparticle states plays an essential role. One of the project goals is to combine altogether the spin and valley degrees of freedom with the symmetries and topological properties of the system to describe and propose phenomena that allow us to work out new strategies for the low-power-consumption electronics and logic devices. Importantly, in quantum materials, the interactions related to spin, charge, lattice, and orbital degree of freedom are energetically on par with electronic kinetic energy. Therefore, the properties of quantum materials are highly sensitive to external fields/ forces that may relatively easy lead to the quantum phase transitions. We intend to establish new methods that enable manipulation of the order parameters characterizing quantum materials and propose the most efficient ways of design the electronic, magnetic, and topological properties of lowdimensional structures on demand. This issue is of current interest and importance in the context of a new generation of dissipationless spintronics.
Summary of project results
This project focused on the fundamental aspects of solid-state physics and magnetism related to interdisciplinary research in spin electronics.Searching for novel materials and new phenomena emerging in these materials are essential challenges for spintronics and new-generation electronics. The global power consumption of IT appliances is reaching 4.6 trillion kWh, corresponding to 15% of the global power generation. Furthermore, approximately 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are created every day. These two staggering numbers show an urgent demand for novel solutions that could result in low-power, ultrafast, high-density storage and processing devices.
The new generation of electronics should be characterized by small, cheap, and very low energy-consuming elements. The project''s main emphasis was on novel materials, where quantum effects manifest in a wide range of energy and length scales. Quantum materials, such as graphene or Weyl semimetals, exhibit their peculiar properties, following reduced dimensionality or collective excitation properties. In consequence, quantum materials serve as a platform for phenomena where the topological nature of quasiparticle states plays an essential role.
We addressed a few important questions, such as:
(i) how to modify the topological properties of 2D systems by external fields and forces,
(ii) how to exploit emergent phenomena observed in 2D crystals and interfaces in the new generation of spintronic devices,
(iii) how to account for the recently observed non-linear effects in quantum materials (non-linear system response, non-linear interactions),
(iv) how to achieve the low-dissipation and long-range spin transport in novel low-dimensional magnetic systems,
(v) how important are many-body effects in the low-dimensional quantum materials.
The most important project outputs are:
- Formulation of the theory of topological transport in graphene-based van der Waals and semiconductor heterostructures,
- Description of electronic and magnetic properties of 2D Chromium threehalides and Vanadium-based transition metal dichalcogenides,
- Formulation of the theory of magnon-plasmon hybridization
- Uncovering the relation between various magnetic textures via non-linear magnetic responses and magnetotransport signals,
- Investigation of magnon BEC state creation and stability,
- Formulation of the theory of skyrmion echo in a system of interacting skyrmions.
Novel quantum materials and 2D vdW magnets are promising candidates for exploring new physics and new nanotechnology. The obtained results answered several open and timely questions in the field and contributed to the development of the physics of low-dimensional materials, as well as to nanoscience and nanotechnology, including spintronics, nanoelectronics, skyrmionics, and related areas.In addition, the realization of the project allowed the team members to visit leading institutions in Europe and participate in well-recognized international conferences, where they presented their results in oral or poster forms. Among the benefits of this are new international contacts, with possible cooperation and future projects and publications.The team members worked in an international and gender-balanced team. The workshops organised by the team allowed not only to spread information about the scientific outcomes, but also drew attention to the Norway Grants.
Summary of bilateral results
Bilateral collaboration was satisfactory, as evidenced by a number of co-authored publications and the Polish and Norwegian members'' participation in their workshops.