We propose to investigate the coherent trajectories of many-body systems undergoing symmetry-breaking transitions (SBTs) in real time, where trajectories are meant here in a mathematical sense used to describe the dynamics of nonlinear systems. The key idea which makes this project possible is the development of a specific femtosecond laser spectroscopy technique which allows us to distinguish the order parameter dynamics in complex matter systems from hot-electron energy relaxation, quasiparticle recombination processes, damping and dephasing of coherent phonon oscillations. This allows real-time high resolution investigations of the critical system trajectories through SBTs, beyond the capabilities of current state of the art time-resolved techniques. We will investigate coherent collective field oscillations and the fundamentals of topological defect creation by the Kibble-Zurek mechanism including a study of their annihilation in the aftermath of SBTs. We will aim to control the coherent trajectories at bifurcation points by laser pulses and external fields. We will address fundamental questions on the effect of symmetry and fundamental interactions of underlying microscopic vacua on global behaviour. Systems included in our study belong to a number of different universality classes and include the study of nontrivial transitions to newly discovered hidden states of matter. In the general framework of reductionism, we expect our findings to have fundamental bearing on our understanding of SBTs revealing predictive tell-tale signatures of critical events of relevance in areas beyond many-body condensed matter physics, in elementary particle physics, primordial cosmological events and tipping points in nonlinear systems. Transition trajectories to and from hidden states are of particular interest for practical applications in new femtosecond state change memory devices.
TRAJECTORY
Full project name:Coherent trajectories through symmetry breaking transitions
Project type: ERC Advanced Grant
Call ID: ERC-2012-AdG
Grant agreement ID: GA320602
Period: 01/05/2013 - 30/04/2018
Participating organization: Nanocenter
Project value: 1,503,600.00 EUR
Fields of science: Natural sciences / Physical Sciences / Condensed Matter Physics / Theoretical Physics / Particle Physics / Atomic Physics / Optics / Laser Physics / Spectroscopy
Keywords: /
Abstract
Prof. Dr. Dragan Mihailović
Prof. Dr. Dragan Mihailović is one of the world’s leading researchers in time-resolved spectroscopy of complex materials. His work on high-temperature superconductors, low-dimensional quantum materials, and molecular magnetism has set new benchmarks in understanding dynamic phenomena in quantum systems.
At the Jožef Stefan Institute, he established the Department of Complex Matter and the Centre of Excellence in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Prof. Dr. Mihailović has authored over 500 scientific papers, which have received more than 11,000 citations. His groundbreaking discoveries include ultrafast switching in hidden quantum states, the development of novel methods for studying real-time dynamic transitions, and contributions to high-impact journals like Science and Nature.
Among his numerous achievements, Prof. Dr. Mihailović has pioneered studies on phase transitions in superconductors, charge density waves, Jahn-Teller phase transitions, and fullerenes using laser spectroscopy . His team discovered a hidden topological quantum state in an electronic crystal and developed record-breaking ultrafast memory elements, which opened new avenues for quantum material research. Together with Viktor Kabanov, he developed a fundamental theory of high-temperature superconductivity, recognized as crucial by Nobel laureate K. A. Müller. His groundbreaking discoveries also include a femtosecond quantum simulator, the implementation of Grover's algorithm, and research on fullerene compounds, where he unveiled the mechanism of ferromagnetism. In the field of nanotechnology, he participated in the discovery of molybdenum nanowires and studied their properties. In Slovenia, he introduced new experimental approaches, such as fullerene physics, molecular electronics, and the physics of high-temperature superconductors.
As the first Slovenian recipient of an ERC Advanced Grant for established researchers in 2013, Prof. Dr. Mihailović delved into the study of ultrafast phase transitions and the creation of new exotic quantum states in matter. In 2017, through the ERC Proof of Concept grant, he developed an energy-efficient and ultrafast memory element based on TaS₂. His work in this field paves the way for new technological applications of quantum materials. In 2024, he once again secured ERC funding for the HIMMS project for established researchers.