BlochTG · Bloch Oscillations, Wannier-Stark Localisation and Coherent Terahertz Emission in Twisted Graphene Superlattices
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2020-07-01 → 2022-11-03
- EU contribution
- €160,932
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Bloch Oscillations, Wannier-Stark Localisation and Coherent Terahertz Emission in Twisted Graphene Superlattices
BlochTG aims to study the fundamental light-mater interactions underlying the physics of Bloch oscillations, one of the oldest known quantum transport phenomena that has remained elusive in condensed matter physics experiments. The project focused on studying the opto-electronic properties of high electric field induced out-of-equilibrium electrons in graphene-based moire superlattice heterostructures, a novel class of quantum materials that has recently emerged in solid-state physics. Aside from fundamental interest, the high field phenomena studied in the project could lead to a new generation of terahertz opto-electronic applications thanks to the highly tuneable and unique properties of more superlattices. BlochTG combines the latest techniques in experimental optics and quantum transport to study novel types of light matter interactions that can be induced by strong electric fields and leverage those phenomena for novel opto-electronic devices operating in the mid-infrared to terahertz wavelength range.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
For the next generation of photonic applications, there is a growing need for solid-state devices operating in the terahertz regime. Bloch oscillations – one of the oldest known quantum phenomena–describes the fundamental behaviour of electrons in crystals in which a strong DC electric-field should cause electron oscillations in real-space that emit radiation. The effect thus provides a unique route towards tunable terahertz technologies. However, experimental studies and the development of technologies based on Bloch oscillations have been hampered due to a lack of suitable materials. Twisted graphene superlattices have recently emerged as an exciting new class of 2D heterostructures whose electronic spectra can be dramatically modified by twisting the crystal layers relative to one another, creating exotic materials that do not exist in nature. In particular, the superlattice potential that is intrinsic to these systems disperses electronic states within a significantly small Brillouin zone, making them ideal candidates for Bloch oscillations. Using a combination of electrical measurements and world-unique cryogenic near-field/far-field terahertz optics, Project BlochTG combines the disciplines of quantum transport and quantum optics to probe the intrinsic light-matter interactions of Bloch oscillations in twisted graphene superlattices. The action will be carried out by the experienced researcher, who is an expert on quantum transport in twisted graphene superlattices, in the lab of Professor Frank Koppens, who has spent the last ten years pioneering the near-field optics techniques described in this proposal. Project BlochTG hence outlines a timely research effort that seeks to understand the foundations of solid-state physics whilst simultaneously investigating novel device concepts for future terahertz technologies, in-line with key objectives of the Horizon 2020 European Roadmap for Graphene Science and Technology.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- FUNDACIO INSTITUT DE CIENCIES FOTONIQUES · CastelldefelsCoordinatorSpain
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union