Innovating Works

ENFORCE

Financiado
ENgineering FrustratiOn in aRtificial Colloidal icEs degeneracy exotic lattice...
ENgineering FrustratiOn in aRtificial Colloidal icEs degeneracy exotic lattices and 3D states Geometric frustration, namely the impossibility of satisfying competing interactions on a lattice, has recently become a topic of considerable interest as it engenders emergent, fundamentally new phenomena and holds the exciting p... Geometric frustration, namely the impossibility of satisfying competing interactions on a lattice, has recently become a topic of considerable interest as it engenders emergent, fundamentally new phenomena and holds the exciting promise of delivering a new class of nanoscale devices based on the motion of magnetic charges. With ENFORCE, I propose to realize two and three dimensional artificial colloidal ices and investigate the fascinating manybody physics of geometric frustration in these mesoscopic structures. I will use these soft matter systems to engineer novel frustrated states through independent control of the single particle positions, lattice topology and collective magnetic coupling. The three project work packages (WPs) will present increasing levels of complexity, challenge and ambition: (i) In WP1, I will demonstrate a way to restore the residual entropy in the square ice, a fundamental longstanding problem in the field. Furthermore, I will miniaturize the square and the honeycomb geometries and investigate the dynamics of thermally excited topological defects and the formation of grain boundaries. (ii) In WP2, I will decimate both lattices and realize mixed coordination geometries, where the similarity between the colloidal and spin ice systems breaks down. I will then develop a novel annealing protocol based on the simultaneous system visualization and magnetic actuation control. (iii) In WP3, I will realize a three dimensional artificial colloidal ice, in which interacting ferromagnetic inclusions will be located in the voids of an inverse opal, and arranged to form the FCC or the pyrochlore lattices. External fields will be used to align, bias and stir these magnetic inclusions while monitoring in situ their orientation and dynamics via laser scanning confocal microscopy. ENFORCE will exploit the accessible time and length scales of the colloidal ice to shed new light on the exciting and interdisciplinary field of geometric frustration. ver más
30/06/2026
UB
2M€
Duración del proyecto: 88 meses Fecha Inicio: 2019-02-18
Fecha Fin: 2026-06-30

Línea de financiación: concedida

El organismo H2020 notifico la concesión del proyecto el día 2019-02-18
Línea de financiación objetivo El proyecto se financió a través de la siguiente ayuda:
Presupuesto El presupuesto total del proyecto asciende a 2M€
Líder del proyecto
UNIVERSIDAD DE BARCELONA No se ha especificado una descripción o un objeto social para esta compañía.
Total investigadores 328