CL Katalyse II: D2.1/E1.1/E3.1

Future progress of our information-based society will arise from the availability of electronic, optoelectronic, and photonic devices that exhibit functionality, size reduction, and low energy consumption that exceed current limits. A viable approach that meets the challenges of modern research for electronics, optoelectronics, and photonics is the rigorous exploration and implementation of hybrid systems. Hybrid systems will enable the application of fundamentally new quantum states and coupling regimes for information transport, processing, and storage, using electrical charges and photons on multiple length- and timescales. This approach requires profound understanding of the physics and chemistry of hybrid systems. The proposed Cluster of Excellence (CoE) will perform research on hybrids that involve conjugated carbon materials: (A) elucidating the basic mechanisms that govern the formation of hybrid states to achieve control over their properties and function; (B) unravelling the coupling between elementary hybrid ground and excited states, and coupling to the environment; and (C) developing schemes for controlled interfacing and coupling of different nanoscale hybrid structures to obtain systems with superior functionality. In the long term this will pave the way to enhanced information technology based on hybrid states and systems: hybronics. The Berlin-Brandenburg region is ideal for launching this CoE “HYBR0NICS”, as the full range of experimental and theoretical expertise for performing the demanding research tasks is available through the involved principal investigators. The additional experts attracted through the CoE will also enable Berlin to be established as the location worldwide for research on hybrid systems for electronics and photonics.