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HEDoctoral network2023–2027

TOPOCOM · Topological solitons in ferroics for unconventional computing

Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2023-09-01 → 2027-08-31
EU contribution
€2,683,973
Participants
20
Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Topological solitons in ferroics for unconventional computing

Time and energy limitations of modern computers have triggered the search for conceptually new approaches, also referred to as “unconventional computing”. The latest computational demands require the ability to deal with large and complex data, which presents a great obstacle for traditionally applied computing schemes, including limitations for process parallelization and a memory bottle neck. Additional challenges arise from the exponentially growing global datasphere and the associated power consumption. Recently, topological solitons in condensed matter moved into focus as promising nanoscale systems for unconventional computing. Topological solitons are particle-like textures that arise in ordered media. Such solitons are a rich source for emergent physical phenomena, enabling new pathways for low-energy information processing and data storage. Many of the developments in the field, however, occurred only in the past few years and it has become clear that we have only reached the tip of the iceberg concerning the topological solitons that form in electrically or magnetically ordered materials and their potential for applications. TOPOCOM is a network of European experts assembled to provide enhanced training to 11 doctoral candidates (DCs) on the integrative concepts related to the physics of functional topological solitons and their application for unconventional computing. The DCs are trained at the cutting edge of science and technology and will come to appreciate the breadth of the field in terms of its intellectual challenges, commercial opportunities, and relationship to societal needs for ever more powerful information technologies with reduced environmental impact. This includes aspects of Green-IT, i.e., low-power technologies, one of the biggest challenges of modern society, as well as modern concepts for unconventional computing. The training enables the DCs to contribute to strengthening the European Research Area and the European Information and Communication Technology Industry in their future careers. TOPOCOM’s ultimate goal is to move the field of unconventional computing the next level, driving essential advancements towards the realization of future soliton-based technologies.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

TOPOCOM is a network of leading European groups from different disciplines and sectors selected to provide comprehensive training on the integrative concepts underlying the science of topological solitons in ferroic materials and their application in unconventional computing. Topological solitons are a rich source of emergent physical phenomena and most promising nanoscale systems for future technology, enabling conceptually new pathways for low-energy information processing and sensing, as well as integrated data storage. Many of the developments in the field have occurred only in the past few years and it is clear that we have only scratched the tip of the iceberg concerning the topological solitons that form in electrically or magnetically ordered materials. To realize their potential, the consortium comprises the best groups in materials synthesis and modelling to stabilize such solitons, modelling and studying their dynamical responses to external stimuli, and designing and fabricating devices, where solitons carry out ultralow-power computing and sensing functions. While clearly a challenging topic, there are major benefits that result from a unified treatment of electric and magnetic solitons as realized in this TOPOCOM. The network spans the whole range from fundamental physics and applied materials science - linking both experimental and theoretical aspects - to industrial-scale production and evaluation. The scientific part (“Training through Research”) is complemented by advanced transferable business and cultural skills training (“Training for Life”), providing Europe with a unique training programme at the forefront in unconventional computing based on electric and magnetic solitons. TOPOCOM will establish innovative solutions for more sustainable information technology and educate the next generation of experts, highly qualified to tackle the technological key challenges of growing complexity in an important sector for EU economic development.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • NORGES TEKNISK-NATURVITENSKAPELIGE UNIVERSITET NTNU · TrondheimCoordinatorNorway
  • ATTOCUBE SYSTEMS GmbH · HaarGermany
  • American Physical Society · College ParkUnited States
  • Consorzio Italian SPINtronic Network · BariItaly
  • DEMCON TSST BV · EnschedeNetherlands
  • IBM RESEARCH GMBH · RUESCHLIKONSwitzerland
  • INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AG · VillachAustria
  • JOHANNES GUTENBERG-UNIVERSITAT MAINZ · MainzGermany
  • LUXEMBOURG INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY · Esch Sur AlzetteLuxembourg
  • Monitoraggio Ambientale e Ricerca Innovativa Strategica Scrl · RomaItaly
  • NANOLAYERS OU · TallinnEstonia
  • NANOSURF GMBH · LANGEN HESSENGermany
  • PANEPISTIMIO KRITIS · RETHIMNOGreece
  • RIJKSUNIVERSITEIT GRONINGEN · GroningenNetherlands
  • SPRINGER NATURE LIMITED · Basingstoke HantsUnited Kingdom
  • Singulus Technologies AG · Kahl Am MainGermany
  • UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI MESSINA · MessinaItaly
  • UNIVERSITE DU LUXEMBOURG · ESCH-SUR-ALZETTELuxembourg
  • VERBAND DEUTSCHER MASCHINEN- UND ANLAGENBAU (VDMA) · Frankfurt Am MainGermany
  • inuTech GmbH · NurembergGermany

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union