TOCHA proposes a topological approach to the next generation of electronic, photonic and phononic devices. It develops the next generation of topological devices and architectures across which information can flow without losses. Such a technology might launch a new standard for handling information and metrology.
The main objective of the project is to empower electrons (subatomic particles with negative electric charge), photons (quantum particles of electromagnetic radiation, such as light) and phonons (quantum particles transferring sound or heat) to flow with the smallest possible waste of energy. The particles should be then cross-linked within a hybrid platform, which sets up novel topological waveguides and promotes further engineering possibilities for disruptive structures.
The team specifies the outcomes in the proposal:
This conceptually simple yet technologically and fundamentally challenging requirement is crucial for the development of technologies in fields ranging from information processing to quantum communication and metrology. In each of these areas, the dissipation of information is a key hurdle that leads, for example, to unacceptable thermal loads or error rates. TOCHA will harness topological protection in novel materials and nanoscopic structures to empower electrons, phonons and photons to flow with little or no dissipation and, ultimately, crosslink them within a hybrid platform.
TOCHA started in January 2019 and runs until December 2023. Among on-the-project participating organisations are research institutions from Spain, Germany, France, Bulgaria, Denmark and Finland. The coordinating institution is Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. The project is supported by the European Commission, under the FET Proactive funding scheme, with a budget of 4.9 Million Euros.
- Read also the FETFX article about TOCHA.
Background information
FET-Open and FET Proactive are now part of the Enhanced European Innovation Council (EIC) Pilot (specifically the Pathfinder), the new home for deep-tech research and innovation in Horizon 2020, the EU funding programme for research and innovation.