FANTOMAS · Femtosecond opto-magnetism and novel approaches to ultrafast magnetismat the nanoscale

The aim of this proposal is to create a training network in the newly-emerging multidisciplinary field of “nano-opto-magnetism”, a new scientific area with novel technological opportunities at the junction of coherent nonlinear optics, nanoscience and magnetism. The impact on society of this newly emerging field is potentially very high, therefore it is decisive that now young researchers are trained and equipped, so that they can become future leaders. We aim at achieving this by an integrated combination of a high-quality training program and their direct involvement in front-line research. In the research program we want to investigate nonthermal effects of light on nanomagnets in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of physical mechanisms leading to a highly efficient ultrafast (10-12 seconds and faster) optical control of magnetism at the nanoscale. Such scientific breakthroughs are expected to develop novel technology for unprecedented fast (THz) opto-magnetic recording. A high-level training program firmly embedded in a consortium of both academic and industrial partners is designed to create a unique training environment to educate a new generation of young researchers in this interdisciplinary, recently emerging area of nano-opto-magnetism. In order to advance the young researchers career development, the industrial relevance of this research as well as the involvement of industrial partners is fully exploited. In addition to the scientific and networking training, this offers unique opportunities for training of complementary skills of the fellows such as training in intellectual property rights, patent writing, commercial exploitation of the results and research-and-development policy.