ERC Synergy Grant for Theo Rasing

From two-dimensional to three-dimensional magnetization textures

ERC-Synergy Grant 3D-MAGiC: 12M€ for research into "magic" 3D nanostructures for Theo Rasing, together with Rafal Dunin-Borkowski (projectcoördinator, FZ Jülich), Stefan Blügel (FZ Jülich) and Mathias Kläui (Johannes Gutenberg-University). The physicists will explore still largely-unknown nanoscale 3D magnetic structures, which show particle-like properties and whose existence has so far only been predicted theoretically. The grant is awarded for groundbreaking projects which, due to their complexity, cannot be carried out alone but only by a team. The researchers have been awarded 11.8 million euros over six years.

From two-dimensional to three-dimensional magnetization textures
Over de past 150 years, many of the greatest questions in physics have addressed how particles can emerge in continuous fields. In this highly exploratory project, the researchers will open a window into the behaviour and control of some of the least explored and most puzzling objects in nanomagnetism: three-dimensional magnetic solitons (MSs). These textures are expected to move and interact in 3D in magnetic structures in a similar manner to ordinary particles. Experimental study of 3D MSs is nearly unexplored as a result of their small size and current lack of suitable characterization techniques.

In 3D-MAGiC, four research groups are brought together with expertise in theoretical descriptions of magnetism, device physics, magnetic characterization with high spatial and temporal resolution and manipulation of magnetic textures with light. With new methodologies, the researchers will gain new insights in the working mechanisms of 3D MSs, where particular attention will be paid to the manner in which 3D MSs can be controlled and manipulated dynamically. 3D MSs are foreseen to play the role of information carriers that can move freely in any spatial direction and to offer a key advance over conventional 2D magnetization textures. This project will provide guidelines for their use in promising applications, such as magnetic information storage and brain-inspired information processing systems.