Impact Objectives

• Gain a greater understanding of the behaviour of spin and unconventional within hybrid all-oxide magnetic/superconducting systems

• Use research concerning the interaction of superconductivity and magnetism to develop a replacement for large-scale semiconductor-based logic

• Ultimately improve the energy efficiency of super computers

Success in synergy

Dr Jason Robinson, Principal Investigator of the EPSRC-JSPS Core-to-Core International Network Grant highlights the ambitions and synergy opportunities of the Network

Could you introduce and internationally, many aspects of these To date, the novel superconductivity and your role in the results are expected to extend beyond magnetism/spintronics communities have EPSRC-JSPS Core-to- the immediate subject area to include been largely separate. Both programmes Core International fields such as quantum technology, are enabling the first direct integration, with Network Grant? oxide interface science, unconventional the capability to lift basic science ideas to superconductivity and more general exotic an activity level where real application is I am the Principal states in condensed matter systems. In the a feasible goal. The synergy opportunities Investigator of the EPSRC Network Grant and longer term, we expect the outputs of our are immense, with the ability to transfer Co-Investigator on the EPSRC Programme research will form the foundation for a new staff and students between the various Grant. I am an expert in the areas of technology – superconducting spintronics international partners greatly expanding magnetism and superconductivity, as well – for memory and logic devices that can the training and impact opportunities. as thin film growth of metals and oxides, operate in the superconducting state with and device fabrication and measurement. minimal Joule heating. What are your own ambitions for the project? I direct research in the fields of What do you see as the risks and benefits superconductivity and spintronics, with of currently working in parallel on different Our activities in this area have established a particular focus on investigating the strands of research? the UK’s Cambridge University as a flagship electronic coupling between materials that in the field of superconducting spintronics. display radically different properties such The risks inherent in each of the projects I would like to see this work translate into as magnetism and superconductivity. can be balanced by the flexibility to choose a centre for functional materials and ICT One of the aims of my research is to the most promising ideas to take forward. based in Cambridge, where world-leading understand the nature of the interfacial Although we are operating multiple projects research can take place on a massive states that arise and which can dominate in parallel, they are cross-linked and the scale and which can attract the necessary bulk equilibrium properties. diversity of the projects means we require expertise from across the sciences to a broad range of expertise – this is a huge develop radically new solutions for In addition to improving energy efficiency, advantage to the projects, as it increases information storage and processing for do you see your research leading to the imagination and creativity in the the future. improvements in other areas? teams, indeed some of our best results so far were not expected when we wrote Where do you see your area of expertise The Network Grant’s focus is on the grant proposals. progressing in the next five to 10 years? fundamental research, which combines unconventional superconductivity and How important is collaboration to the When it comes to my own research, my aim magnetism. The primary impact of success of your work? within the next 10 years is to demonstrate the research will be greatly improved a working device that we can showcase to understanding of the behaviour of spin For both the Network and Programme industry as a proof of principle. The device and charge within hybrid magnetic/ Grants, collaboration is essential, as we are will operate in the superconducting state superconducting systems. Although this combining a broad spectrum of expertise with energy efficiencies that greatly exceed is itself a very active field within the UK that is not available in any one group. CMOS and conventional spintronics.

www.impact.pub 37 A fundamental science perspective

Professor Lesley Cohen discusses her group’s involvement in the fundamental science of the EPSRC-JSPS Core-to-Core International Network Grant

How did you come to see if we can manipulate the long-range The EPSRC Network has adopted a to work in this field triplet state using high frequency fields. somewhat novel system where you are of research? currently working in parallel on different Coming from different backgrounds and strands of research before determining My group has different institutions, presumably there are which shows the most promise. What used Andreev also differences in terms of how each of are the advantages, and disadvantages spectroscopy you are approaching the work? Could you if any, of working to this system? for many years. The technique requires a explain more about your own theories and superconducting probe and can be used techniques? We have to sow the seeds in a number to study the degree of spin polarisation of directions and it is fortunate that of the transport current in ferromagnets The Materials Department at Cambridge the programme has gathered so many and also gap structure and symmetry in University, UK, has provided us with bright and enthusiastic PhD students to superconductors. Quite separately, we have a wonderful opportunity to study the enhance the overall efforts. This means studied materials suitable for spintronic fundamental properties of exquisitely there is always a great deal to keep up application, such as III-V semiconductors, engineered heterostructures that support with, and many different strands to with high-spin orbit coupling and long long-range triplet superconductivity. UCL is assess at any one time, but in the long scattering mean free path. an expert in microwave interrogation and the run this should guarantee that a winning Royal Holloway group provides theoretical combination of materials would be What most interests you about this area of insight. Our role is to make detailed identified for demonstration of useful materials physics? experimental measurements and provide novel device concepts. substantial datasets to underpin device work. This programme offers an opportunity to All groups involved contribute to device What are your own ambitions for the combine aspects from both fields, and in so design concepts and interpretation of results. project? Where do you see your area doing, new concepts emerge. It is exciting to of expertise progressing in the next five think that well-known materials can produce At what stage of your own project are you to 10 years? emergent properties due to interfacial currently at and what results have you effects, as seems to be the case here. garnered so far? I hope the underpinning concepts established in this programme and the Could you explain your particular role in The group at Imperial College is in the wider materials exploration arena would the EPSRC-JSPS Core-to-Core International process of developing better characterisation lay the foundation for the new field of Network Grant? tools, which will soon be completed. We superconducting spintronics. In this way, have made preliminary measurements on in the coming years I anticipate this will Our role at Imperial College is to examine heterostructures provided by Cambridge allow other materials to be integrated spectroscopic properties in order to materials, both Andreev and some that offer new functionalities within this understand better the energetics of the ferromagnetic resonance structures. It is framework. It is in this direction that I could new state. We hope to combine Andreev still early days and premature to draw many see the Imperial College team moving spectroscopy with microwave excitation conclusions, but the work is progressing well. towards over the next five to 10 years.

38 www.impact.pub A focus on theory

Professor Matthias Eschrig discusses his theoretical role in the EPSRC Network and his own techniques based on quantum kinetic transport equations

Can you explain several key theoretical ideas in this field These methods also allow us to fully resolve how you came to during the early 2000s and have been able the quasiparticle spectrum and to couple its work in the field of to predict a number of phenomena that dynamics with the population dynamics for superconducting were found subsequently in experiment. quasiparticle states. spintronics? Which of the project’s themes are you At what stage of your own project are I began working currently focused on and what questions you at? in this particular field following my move are you trying to address? from the US to Germany, to work at the We have found an interesting mechanism Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Karlsruhe I’m currently focused on trying to to create and transport spin over a distance was pioneering the fields of spintronics, as theoretically study the interplay between across a superconducting layer via spin- well as superconductivity, and was an ideal spin-orbit effects and pure spin- polarised superconducting pairs. This environment for starting the new field of supercurrents in a device in which spins mechanism is based on particular Fermi superconducting spintronics. are pumped via ferromagnetic resonance liquid effects that exist in metal, and are across a superconductor into a normal combined with spin-orbit interaction. The How did the EPSRC-JSPS Core-to-Core metal. These questions are situated in the first of the two effects has been largely International Network Grant and the EPSRC science themes spin generation and transfer neglected in the literature so far, and we Programme Grant first come about? and superconductor/ferromagnet coupling. are confident they can lead to qualitatively The question I’m trying to address is: what new behaviour. These results are very The Programme Grant was a logical is the key mechanism for a mysterious encouraging in terms of whether we are continuation of a decade of intensive work experimental finding by the Cambridge moving in the right direction. in the field of superconducting spintronics. group in a recent experiment? Both experimental and theoretical How do you see the Network progressing? participants are co-founders of this new field Can you provide an insight into your own and had established crucial experimental theories and techniques? I think the project is quite ambitious given and theoretical tools for fundamental we are aiming for a completely new device research in this field. After a number of My own theoretical techniques are based based on new physics and most probably proof-of-principle steps had been taken, on quantum kinetic transport equations requiring a new technology. Within the the groups involved in this Programme formulated within a Green function next 10 years, I expect a large synthesis Grant agreed that a crucial junction had technique. Our approach can cover the of knowledge from the recently emerging been reached, allowing for a push for first entire range from ballistic to diffusive new fields of solid state physics, including applications in terms of working devices. transport, and fully takes into account the topological and geometrical phenomena, spin degree of freedom of the Cooper pairs. macroscopic quantum phase coherent and What is your role within the Network? The techniques I’m using are particularly phase slip phenomena, competing order at well suited to problems that are intrinsically interfaces and surfaces, strong correlations, My particular role is to provide theory inhomogeneous and are flexible enough to as well as light-matter interaction and non- input to the collaborative work. I developed allow for non-equilibrium situations as well. equilibrium dynamics.

www.impact.pub 39 A powerful network

Professor Yoshi Maeno discusses his involvement in the EPSRC-JSPS Core-to-Core International Network Grant

Can you explain Will this work help address the power of different symmetries, ie. spin singlet and how you became consumption problem? spin triplet. All four countries contribute to involved in allow collaborative parallel approaches to materials physics? Indeed, replacing or complementing this goal. The fourth theme concerns new spintronics devices used for computers phenomena specific to nanostructures and I started and memory devices with superconductor films. Our Japanese group is exploring the studying oxide spintronics (superspintronics) devices generation and control of half-quantum flux superconductivity shortly after the discovery would substantially contribute to reducing states expected to carry Majorana particles. of high temperature superconductivity by the power consumption problem. Georg Bednorz and Alex Müller in 1986. What is your particular role in the Network? Through collaboration with Dr Bednorz, How does your research approach differ our group was lucky enough to discover from that of your peers? The expert knowledge I have accumulated by ruthenium-oxide superconductivity in studying a large number of oxide materials 1994, for which spin-triplet, as well as Active collaborations with international over the last 30 years will help with the topological superconductivity, is most experts – Japanese groups studying spin- design of new experiments. My group has likely realised. One important goal is to triplet superconductivity, Korean groups studied a wide range of phenomena of firmly establish the phenomena of spin- dealing with various oxide thin films, and spin-triplet superconductivity, and more triplet superconductivity. Oxide Superspin Italian groups growing oxide crystals – widens recently of topological superconductivity. It systems provide a truly powerful approach the world-leading expertise of the UK groups. can provide high-quality oxide single crystals to this goal. and perform various low-temperature What are the four science themes the measurements down to below 0.1 K. What are the fundamental benefits of Network is engaged in? gaining a greater understanding of the What are the advantages of the Network behaviour of spin within hybrid magnetic/ The first theme is concerned with the Grant’s approach to R&D? superconducting systems? penetration of superconductivity into ferromagnetic materials. The UK groups This Network is a powerful and productive Although electrons have charge and spin, focus on generating spin-triplet electron international partnership with common conventional superconducting devices pairs in ferromagnets, whereas our Japanese research objectives and complementary use only charge superfluidity nature. group focuses on using the spin-triplet expertise. The size of the groups we Thus, understanding and control of superconductor. The second theme is to grow selected seems ideal to perform the focused systems utilising spin-active spin-triplet reliable films of spin-triplet superconductivity. project. Strong support emphasising superconductivity is linked to new Japanese and Italian groups mainly provide the international exchange of young possibilities of utilising the information substrates, whilst the UK and Korean groups researchers, including graduate students, and functionality of the charge and spin grow films. The third theme concerns the new is also a strong asset of this programme superfluidilty nature of superconductivity. phenomena between superconductors compared with other similar projects.

40 www.impact.pub Empirical expertise

Principal Investigator of the EPSRC Programme Grant, Professor Mark Blamire, discusses his empirical research approach

How did you come My background is in thin film growth and the growth conditions is needed – as to work in this field device fabrication, but I take an overview of well as insistence on very careful growth of research and all of the on-going research. My approach monitoring, we have recently commissioned what interests you is generally rather empirical, but guided an automated growth system, which should most about this by the other expertise, which exists in the greatly improve reproducibility. area of materials partnership. For example, I have a good physics? understanding of the interactions of The EPSRC Network Grant has adopted different materials and how to grow a somewhat novel system where you are I did an undergraduate project on them precisely, and so I will often focus currently working in parallel on different superconductors and was sufficiently on experiments in which I believe we have strands of research before determining interested to study superconductivity for my an advantage in terms of techniques, over which shows the most promise. What are PhD. The general field of superconductivity our competitors. the advantages, and disadvantages if any, has always fascinated me, because there are of working to this system? a lot a fundamental questions remaining and How encouraging are the results so far, that the experiments to understand them can be you are on the right track? In a sense, this approach is essential performed by relatively small groups such because much of the basic science is not as ours. I started working on the specific The project has already answered some of understood. The advantage is that we can area of the interaction of superconductivity the key questions we posed ourselves in work with specialists in individual areas who with magnetism about 15 years ago – partly the original proposal – for example, could are able to make more rapid progress than because it seemed really interesting – but superconductivity control the magnetic state if staff were spread over different project also because it was clear we had unique of a device and could a superconductor areas. The only disadvantage is that it is experimental techniques, which would give carry a spin current? These are both crucial possible for individuals to lose sight of the us a great opportunity to solve key problems. ingredients for an eventual superspintronic bigger picture in terms of the overall aims device and so our success at this early stage of the Programme, and so it is important What is your particular role/field of expertise in the programme is very encouraging. to have regular team meetings to keep the in the EPSRC Programme Grant? overall focus. What challenges have come about while I am Principal Investigator of the EPSRC you have been undertaking this research What are your own ambitions for the Programme Grant (focused on metals and how have you dealt with these? project? rather than oxides) and co-investigator on the EPSRC-JSPS Core-to-Core International One of the biggest challenges has been My ambition is to lead the project to a Network Grant focused on oxides. how sensitive the results we get are to successful conclusion and to become the precise properties of the individual more focused on the properties of Could you discuss your own theories and metal layers and their interfaces. To obtain demonstrator devices rather than just techniques? reproducible results, careful control of on the basic science.

www.impact.pub 41 Harnessing the power of superconductivity

Collaborative research led by Dr Jason Robinson, Principal Investigator of the EPSRC-JSPS Core-to- Core International Network Grant, and Professor Mark Blamire, Principal Investigator of the EPSRC Programme Grant, is paving the way towards low energy computing technology and exciting new physics

There is increasing concern surrounding superconductivity and magnetism, and have is to improve the science of oxide interfaces the power consumption of data centres and conducted pioneering research in this area. and develop energy efficient solutions for high-performance computers, something that The team contains the key skillsets required, supercomputers. This will be achieved superconducting computing could help alleviate. including: theory and modelling; spintronics by enhancing understanding of materials Researchers are recognising the true potential and high frequency control; device design properties and processing, thereby realising of a technology that combines the best aspects and fabrication; and materials growth and full control over superconducting symmetry of superconductivity and spin electronics optimisation. Importantly, they will also at oxide interfaces, and at the same time, (spintronics) to enable ultra-low power digital be provided with access to state-of-the art establishing Cambridge and Kyoto as global electronics. However, they are working in silos. facilities, technical support and training hubs to explore the science of advanced A highly collaborative programme spanning through their academic partners. oxide interfaces and unconventional four countries is pooling expertise in the hope of superconductivity. The project is helping transforming predictions and discoveries about Maeno’s group in Japan will provide magnetic to realise EPSRC’s goal of furthering the the interaction between superconductivity and and superconducting single crystals and superconductivity field. ‘Through the magnetism into a demonstration technology, other partners will provide theory support, establishment of an International Network we which could eventually be developed as a assisting in the design of experiments and the can lead the investigation of unconventional replacement for large-scale semiconductor- interpretation of results, as well as predicting phenomenon and pairing mechanisms based logic. new phenomena. Professor Tae Won Noh at oxide superconductor surfaces and is leading the South Korean group, which at oxide superconductor/ferromagnet The EPSRC-JSPS Core-to-Core International has collaborated with Maeno’s group for 15 interfaces and in nanodevices. This will Network Grant is a large network comprising years, while Dr Antonio Vecchione is leading result in the discovery of new fundamental researchers from Japan, the UK, Italy and the Multifunctional Material Synthesis and principles relevant to research fields, South Korea. Some of the researchers Analysis Group in Italy, which specialises such as superconducting spintronics and involved include Dr Jason Robinson and in the growth of single crystals and the simultaneously inform application areas Professor Mark Blamire, both of Cambridge investigation of magnetic phenomena. Drs including quantum technologies, sensing and University in the UK, Professor Yoshi Maeno Mario Cuoco and Paola Gentile, who are also cryogenic computing,’ Robinson explains. of Kyoto University in Japan, Professor Lesley based in Italy, bring expertise in the theory of Cohen of in the spin-triplet superconductors, heavy Fermions ‘One of the key aims of the Network is UK and Professor Matthias Eschrig of Royal and exotic magnetism in transition-metal to investigate the coupling of different Holloway in the UK. Robinson is the Principal oxides. The Italian members of the Network superconducting symmetries taking Investigator of the Network Grant and is have been collaborating with Maeno’s group Strontium ruthenate (SRO) and ferromagnet/ based in the Department of Materials Science for over a decade. superconductor structures as a model at the University of Cambridge. system. There are theoretical predictions TOWARDS LOW ENERGY COMPUTING that the surface of SRO and ferromagnet/ The team is completely new, with only The goal of the research, which is funded superconductor hybrids can support an Robinson, Blamire and Cohen having by the Engineering and Physical Sciences induced odd-frequency triplet-state and so previously collaborated. They have Research Council (EPSRC) and the Japan there should be a proximity effect from the extensive experience in the coupling of Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), conventional superconductor which would

42 www.impact.pub create or enhance the superconductivity in direct integration with the capability to lift conventional spin electronic (spintronic) a SRO crystal or thin-film. Achieving this basic science ideas to an activity level where circuits, but instead aim to exploit will enable detailed studies of the electron real application is a feasible goal,’ Blamire unique attributes of the superconducting pairing state in SRO and the mixing of explains. And Robinson is equally confident state to control spin currents and spin different superconducting order parameters, of the merits of the work: ‘As well as pooling accumulation.’ The researchers envisage which have not previously been possible with the expertise of the individual investigators their superconducting technology will single crystal samples,’ Robinson explains. to make transformational basic science have important applications. For example, ‘To bridge these novel superconducting discoveries throughout the Programme, benefiting society from enhanced data states at oxide interfaces, further materials the eventual ambition is to create simple processing and reduced worldwide energy developments are critical. The global interest superconducting spintronic demonstrator consumption, which will in turn, help curb in unconventional superconductivity and devices, which combine addressable memory the effects of climate change. recent high-impact realisations could lead to and logic functions and hence ignite a transformative science and simultaneously technology field.’ A COLLABORATIVE ENDEAVOUR offer new paradigms of cryogenic computing Achieving such ambitious goals requires and encryption.’ The Programme Grant comprises four science strong synergy. Indeed, collaboration is themes: spin generation and transfer; spin a key element of the research and the The team believes that gaining a greater manipulation and control; superconductor/ Cambridge and Kyoto hubs will unite different understanding of the behaviour of spin within ferromagnet coupling; and functional and specialities including superconductivity, hybrid magnetic/superconducting systems demonstrator devices. The Programme’s thin-film and crystal growth of oxides, will yield important benefits, as Eschrig techniques and capabilities are divided into materials characterisation (XMCD, low energy explains: ‘In nature, the vast majority of three technical modules (TMs): Theory muon spectroscopy, pump-probe terahertz superconductors are spin-inactive, and the and Modelling (TM1), Materials and Device spectroscopy, angle-resolved photoemission, few spin-active superconductors that exist Fabrication (TM2) and Measurement and electron microscopy), nanofabrication and are complex, strongly-correlated systems that Analysis (TM3). The research objectives are to: theory. ‘Collaboration is absolutely crucial are difficult to technologically control and enable the electronic control of quasiparticle to the success of the work. Royal Holloway to theoretically model. Finding a way to turn and triplet-pair spin polarisation; control the contributes theory support to the project, a spin-inactive superconductor spin-active, flow of spin currents in superconductors; with the other collaborating institutions allows the study of a plethora of new physical probe the time dependence of the coupling providing mainly experimental input,’ Eschrig phenomena. The step can be considered of magnetic and superconducting orders; highlights. ‘Experiment-theory collaboration as the parallel to electronics to spintronics, control the evolution of magnetic states is at the very core of physics and one cannot which led to a revolution in the computer under superconducting stimulus; exploit exist without the other. In physics, a theory industry. However, in the present case, it interactions between magnetism and is verified or discarded solely on the basis of takes place for superconducting materials, superconductivity to enable electronic experiment. For that reason, it is impossible adding the advantage of lossless transport control of magnetic configurations and to achieve absolute truth in science, as this to spintronics,’ he states. ‘The fundamental superconductivity; and evaluate the outputs would require the knowledge of all possible benefits are a deeper understanding of how of the programme to create demonstrator experiments. Experiment on the other hand, superconducting spin-transport works, and devices for low-energy electronics. needs theory in order to express its findings how new phases can appear, for example, the in an unambiguous and sufficiently precise elusive odd-frequency pairing state, which The researchers are confident the Programme language. Progress is the replacement of to date is only known from superconductor- Grant will have some important outcomes, as established knowledge by renewed knowledge ferromagnet hybrid systems.’ Robinson explains: ‘Through this ambitious when the former is challenged by experiment. Programme we have the chance to transform Thus, it is as exciting when a theory can PARALLEL INVESTIGATIONS predictions and discoveries about the reproduce experiment accurately, as it is The International Network Grant runs parallel interaction between superconductivity and when an experiment disproves an established to the EPSRC Programme Grant for which magnetism into a demonstration technology, theory. In this sense, collaboration with Robinson is Co-Investigator under Principal which could eventually be developed as a experimentalists is of the utmost importance.’ Investigator Professor Mark Blamire. Whilst replacement for large-scale semiconductor- the Network Grant is focused on oxides, based logic,’ he says. ‘Our ideas for Robinson equally believes in the power of the Programme Grant is delving deeper the proposed field of superconducting collaboration, highlighting its importance into metals. ‘Both the Network Grant and spintronics go far beyond the simple ideas from a UK standpoint: ‘From a UK perspective, the Programme Grant are enabling the first of eliminating resistive losses inherent in the potential to interact directly with

www.impact.pub 43 Project Insights

FUNDING Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)

COLLABORATORS Professor Yoshi Maeno – Kyoto University, Japan • Professor Lesley Cohen – Imperial College London, UK • Professor Matthias Eschrig – Royal Holloway, UK • Professor Tae Won Noh – Seoul National University, Korea • Dr Antonio Vecchione – Multifunctional Material Synthesis and Analysis Group, Italy • Drs Mario Cuoco and Paola Gentile – Università di Salerno, Italy We are undertaking the first integrated theoretical and CONTACT experimental investigation into exploiting the coupling Jason Robinson & Mark Blamire Principal Investigators of superconductivity and magnetism to create novel T: +44 1223 761051 device functions E: [email protected] W: www.oxidesuperspin.org W: www.superspintronics.org these leading centres gives scope for greatly and experimental investigation of the spin enhanced outputs from existing programmes transport, which is enabled via the coupling PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR BIOS Jason Robinson read Materials Science at through the integration of new materials and of superconductivity and magnetism. The Imperial College London (2000-2004), then focus will ultimately be on creating novel novel ideas,’ he explains. ‘In particular, the went on to a PhD at Cambridge University, Japanese and Korean partners have world- device functions that could be the elements UK in 2004. In 2011, he was elected a leading expertise in the growth of oxide of future technologies. The research is University Research of the Royal materials and heterostructures, which can innovative in its approach as Robinson Society and in 2015 was made a lecturer at be used by the UK group to develop oxide explains: ‘We are undertaking the first Cambridge then a University Reader in 2016 heterostructure growth using the EPSRC integrated theoretical and experimental in the Materials Science Department. His research interests include superconductivity strategic investment in laser MBE (EP/ investigation into exploiting the coupling and spintronics, with major achievements of superconductivity and magnetism to L011700) in Cambridge. We also anticipate including the discovery of spin-polarised direct training opportunities on the theory create novel device functions. This will triplet Cooper pairs, which led to the research side by engaging the expertise of the Japanese progressively focus towards elements of area of superconducting spintronics. and Italian theory partners.’ future technologies,’ he says. Professor Mark Blamire was born in Leeds The Network Grant will work with PhD Eschrig predicts great progress for the and brought up in Belfast. He came to Cambridge as an undergraduate intending students and PDRAs (Post-Doctoral Research project: ‘I see the main progress in the to study chemistry, progressed to a degree in establishment of a first demonstrator Associates) and will actively engage with physics and then a PhD in Materials Science. the wider scientific community through device, which will then trigger the process He has worked in the Materials Department conferences, student workshops and research of transfer of fundamental knowledge in Cambridge since then and has led visits. Student engagement is an important to industrial applications. Currently, the research into superconductors and magnetic aspect of the work, with the Network foremost goal is to come up with at least materials, and over the past 15 years has providing unprecedented opportunities one demonstrator device,’ he explains. concentrated on studying the interaction of magnetism and superconductivity at to Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) in the ‘Once this is achieved, I foresee possibilities nanometre length scales. area of advanced materials. These include to integrate developments in other areas access to state-of- the-art facilities, expertise of science, like topological computation and supporting training programmes. ‘The or machine learning, with our work to members of the Network will work closely advance computation and data storage together with PhD students, PDRAs and in a transformative way.’ The team has investigators undertaking routine research preliminary results in many areas of the visits between the member groups. Equally project that give the researchers hope the as important, the Network will actively Network will be able to successfully tackle engage with the wider scientific community its goals. The team seems well on its way to through the organisation of conferences achieving its mission of being a world leader and student workshops, and research visits, in understanding the coupling of magnetism with the overarching aim of triggering a and superconductivity, paving the way long-term global effort to lift basic science towards low energy computing technology. to application,’ Robinson highlights. ‘Most of the topics are progressing as anticipated. There are some new ideas and A WORLD-FIRST promising topics emerging thanks to this The team is conducting the first theoretical international Network,’ Maeno confirms. l

44 www.impact.pub