Oxford Quantum Materials Platform Grant

量子材料代表了量子物理学中一些最深层次概念的有形表现，并有可能产生可能改变我们世界的全新设备概念。我们将硅基计算机芯片和内存组件缩小到越来越小的规模的能力正在迅速接近其物理和概念上的极限，许多行业领袖认为量子材料是维持我们目前信息技术增长速度的唯一途径。例如，拓扑绝缘体等量子材料可能掌握着建造强大的量子计算机和牢不可破的通信协议的关键。1911年超导电性的发现导致了几十年后实用核磁共振成像的实现，给现代医学带来了革命性的变化。下一代超导材料很可能提供更快的通信和高效的能量传输和存储。尽管量子材料的基础研究不断涌现出新概念和新发现，但将这些突破转化为原理验证器件，如利用磁电效应的“智能”晶体管，是一个巨大的挑战，只有拥有基础和应用专业知识的强大、有凝聚力的团队才能应对这一挑战。这一平台赠款将支持一个由10名学者、2名EPSRC职业加速研究员和最多8名研究助理组成的世界级团队，他们的专业知识范围从使用光子、中子和µ子的量子材料光谱到材料建模，到使用纳米制造技术的新材料生长和原型量子设备的构图。具体地说，该平台将使我们能够专注于一系列开发项目，从蓝天到过渡到现实世界的应用，具有重大突破和技术成果的潜力。该平台的科学组合将利用实验技术方面的一系列最新发展，其中许多是由我们的研究伙伴发起的。例如：我们独特的脉冲磁场系统的升级，现在可以达到65特斯拉(这是英国的纪录)；利用纳米光刻和先进的显微工具测量微米级晶体的电子性质；第一性原理理论和实验相结合，如角度分辨光电发射光谱；以薄膜形式生长奇异量子材料并对它们进行图案绘制，以构建晶体管或存储器等原型设备的能力。Platform Grant投资组合将动态发展，以支持新的和尚未预见的项目，有可能进一步改变我们对量子材料的理解，并让英国行业第一次瞥见新的颠覆性技术。Platform Grant将使我们能够保留和发展关键的高水平技术和科学专业知识，这对这些项目的成功至关重要，也是量子材料集团的一项战略资产。特别是，我们的职业发展计划将侧重于培养与平台赠款相关的所有工作人员的广度和独立性。

Quantum materials represent tangible manifestations of some of the deepest concepts in quantum physics, and have the potential to produce radically new device concepts that could transform our world. Our ability to shrink silicon-based computer chip and memory components down to smaller and smaller scales is fast approaching its physical and conceptual limits, and many industry leaders believe quantum materials to be the only way to sustaining our current rate of growth in information technology. For example, quantum materials such as Topological Insulators may hold the key to build powerful quantum computers and unbreakable communication protocols. The discovery of superconductivity in 1911 led, many decades later, to the realisation of practical MRI imaging, revolutionising modern medicine. The next generation of superconducting materials may well deliver faster communication and efficient energy transport and storage. Although basic research in quantum materials is constantly abuzz with new concepts and new discoveries, translating these breakthroughs into proof-of-principle devices, such as "smart" transistors employing the magneto-electric effect, is an enormous challenge, which can only be met by strong, cohesive groups having a combination of fundamental and applied expertise. This Platform Grant will support a world-class team of 10 Academics, 2 EPSRC Career Acceleration Fellows and up to 8 Research Associates, with expertise ranging from the spectroscopy of quantum materials using photons, neutrons and muons to materials modelling to the growth of novel materials and patterning of prototype quantum devices using nanofabrication techniques. Specifically, the Platform will enable us to focus on a series of development projects, from blue sky to the transition to real-world applications, with the potential of significant breakthroughs and technological outcomes. The scientific portfolio of the Platform will exploit a series of recent developments in experimental techniques, many of them initiated by our Research Associates. Examples include: the upgrade of our unique pulsed magnetic field system, which can now reach 65 Tesla (a record for the UK); measurements of electronic properties on micron-size crystals using nano-lithography and advanced microtools; the combination of first-principle theory and experiments such as Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy; and the ability to grow exotic quantum materials in thin-film form and to pattern them to build prototype devices such as transistors or memories. The Platform Grant portfolio will evolve dynamically to support new and as yet unforeseen projects, with the potential of generating further step changes in our understanding of quantum materials and of providing UK industries with a first glimpse of new disruptive technologies. The Platform Grant will enable us to retain and develop key high-level technical and scientific expertise, which is essential for the success of these projects and represents a strategic asset of the Quantum Materials group. In particular, our career development plan will focus on building breadth and independence for all staff associated with the Platform Grant.