University of Amsterdam Physicists Play Key Roles in Two Approved ENW-M Projects
The NWO Domain Board Science has approved sixteen grant applications in the Open Competition Domain Science-M programme. Two of the awarded projects involve UvA physicists: ‘Disorder put to good use’ by Anna Isaeva and ‘What is the origin of the Universe?’ by Daan Meerburg (RUG) and Christoph Weniger
NWO M-grants are intended for realising curiosity-driven, fundamental research of high quality and/or scientific urgency. The M-grant offers researchers the possibility to elaborate creative and risky ideas and to realise scientific innovations that can form the basis for the research themes of the future.
Disorder put to good use
Quantum effects are fascinating, but can only be observed at extremely low temperatures. One approach to push the quantum world to higher temperatures is to use a newly discovered class of crystalline materials: magnetic topological insulators (MTIs). In Anna Isaeva’s project, the search is on for new MTIs with exactly the right properties to be used for next-generation spintronics applications, energy-saving and quantum technologies. Where traditionally disorder is the enemy of crystalline materials, the researchers will exploit intermixing disorder, swapping magnetically active atoms around in the crystalline lattice to create robust designer magnets that accomodate quantum effects.
What is the origin of the Universe?
In an attempt to address this question, the research project that Daan Meerburg and Christoph Weniger propose will use clever and very advanced computer algorithms. By simulating and analysing radiowaves from the early universe, the researchers will explore whether these algorithms can distinguish a signal from the early universe from the noise and provide clues about its origin. Results from the work will be of direct importance to existing and upcoming radio experiments with direct involvement of the Dutch astronomy community.