About TRILMAX

The TRILMAX Consortium is a collaborative research initiative aimed at elevating Eötvös Loránd University’s (ELTE) capacities by pushing the frontiers of magnetic van der Waals materials, with a particular focus on their application in developing energy-efficient, scalable electronic devices. Coordinated by ELTE, in partnership with Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, University of Oviedo, University of Valencia, and Budapest University of Technology and Economics, the consortium unites experts in both theoretical modeling and experimental science.

Key Objectives

TRILMAX’s action plan outlines the following objectives:

  1. Strengthen research excellence and improve innovation capacity through exploring the potential of novel magnetic van der Waals systems for MRAM applications. The objective is to perform experimental and theoretical investigations of these materials, targeting the development of a device concept at TRL2.
  2. Improve research excellence through capacity building at ELTE by supporting the training and mobility of established and early-stage researchers, and invigorating strategic networking between consortium partners. This will include exchange opportunities for senior research staff and training for early-stage researchers.
  3. Raise the reputation and research profile of ELTE by leading this consortium, sharing project results, and expanding the knowledge base of participants and the broader magnetism community through workshops, schools, and conferences. Participation in international scientific events will also enhance strategic networking and industry engagement.
  4. Enhance capacities and strengthen the research management skills of ELTE’s administrative staff to increase participation in European R&D programs. Targeted training and knowledge sharing will equip the administration to better support ELTE researchers in securing and implementing EU-funded projects.
  5. Expose the achievements of the collaborative effort to the public and disseminate results to the broader scientific community. This objective includes implementing an outreach program to engage diverse audiences through online platforms, public events, educational initiatives, and academic lectures, enhancing the visibility and influence of the consortium’s research.

Through these objectives, TRILMAX aims to make a transformative impact on both the scientific understanding of van der Waals materials and the broader research landscape in Europe. The project is poised to position its partners, particularly ELTE, as leaders in the next generation of technological innovations.

Aims of TRILMAX’s scientific activities

1. Theory:

TRILMAX aims to design and implement new, efficient algorithms for modeling magnetic van der Waals materials at scale. This involves using first-principles methods such as density functional theory (DFT) to simulate the magnetic properties of these materials. The project focuses on developing scalable algorithms that can handle the complexity of two-dimensional magnetic systems. These theoretical insights are critical for predicting material behavior, guiding the experimental efforts, and ensuring that the most promising materials are selected for device fabrication.

2. Experiment:

On the experimental front, TRILMAX is committed to the fabrication and characterization of magnetic van der Waals materials. A wide range of advanced techniques will be employed to explore their properties. These include Magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) and Kerr microscopy for studying magnetization, transport and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) measurements for assessing magnetic dynamics, and cryo-magnetic force microscopy (cryo-MFM) for imaging magnetic domains at low temperatures. Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (L-TEM), X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM), and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) will be employed to analyze both the magnetic and structural properties of these materials. Together, these techniques provide a comprehensive approach to understanding the materials’ behavior at the nanoscale, enabling the fabrication of MRAM-ready devices.

3. Synergy:

To ensure a seamless integration between theory and experiment, TRILMAX will iteratively refine the design of magnetic van der Waals materials for MRAM applications. Theoretical models, developed using advanced algorithms, will guide the experimental fabrication process. Meanwhile, experimental results from techniques like MOKE, FMR, and cryo-MFM will provide feedback to fine-tune the theoretical predictions. This iterative synergy ensures that both the theory and the devices are optimized, leading to application-ready MRAM architectures with power-efficient and scalable properties.