Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet REPOC (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Phonons are vibrations of atoms in solids that play a significant role in material science and solid-state physics. High-frequency phonons have gained attention in the fields of quantum technology and nanophononics. Their small wavelengths make them compatible with quantum nano-devices and their frequencies can surpass modern computation speeds. This potential makes phonons useful for qubits, quantum memories, hybrid systems, and elements in quantum computing networks. Exploring phonons and their interactions with other excitations is important for advancements in solid-state physics and quantum technology.  The project focuses on using a novel experimental method based on the optical open cavity to excite and detect coherent phonons in materials from the II-VI group of semiconductors. We plan to grow samples with an acoustic cavity enclosed in Distributed Bragg Reflectors, which support the cavity acoustic mode. By placing the sample inside the open optical cavity and adjusting its length, we can sweep the energy of the excitation photon, allowing comprehensive studies on the influence of photon energy on phonon generation efficiency. Additionally, we can achieve quasi-resonant excitation of phonons in the time domain by adjusting the length of the cavity in a way that the round-trip time of the laser pulse matches the frequency of the generated phonons, resonantly pumping the desired phonon frequency supported by the acoustic cavity. This experimental scheme will allow us to enhance the efficiency of phonon excitation by exploiting four resonances for coherent phonon generation: acoustic cavity resonance, optical cavity resonance, excitonic resonance, and in-phase (temporal) resonance excitation.  As a result of the project we expect to provide a comprehensive study on the efficiency of the high-frequency coherent phonon generation in the II-VI semiconductor nanostructures obtained by innovative experimental technique exploiting optical open cavity.

Mots clés : phonons, photons, excitons, open cavity, acoustics, optics, collective excitations

Participants :
- Université de Varsovie (Pologne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 155793.6 €
Projet QSPEED (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Quantum computers bring the promise of solving efficiently problems that would take a considerable amount of time on the best classical computers. This is called the quantum speedup. However, an experimental proof of a quantum speedup on a problem useful for society remains to be shown. One of the main issues preventing it to occur is the noise: the hardware is too noisy which makes the algorithms outputs unreliable. These algorithms are usually designed under the assumption that the qubits are perfect, and the errors are corrected or mitigated “afterwards”. However, mitigation techniques are typically not scalable (they stop working if the algorithm is too large). Quantum error correction is scalable but very challenging to implement as it requires very high quality qubits. This project aims to design quantum algorithms that, by construction, would efficiently work in highly noisy regimes, because of a noise-aware design without the need for error correction or error mitigation techniques. Our first objective will be to see if it is possible to carefully design quantum algorithms (by looking at how errors propagate in the circuits) for which the consequences of the noise will be that the experimentalist has only to re-run the algorithm a polynomial number of times, naturally preserving any exponential speedup. Our second objective will be to study the possibility to design algorithms operating on mixed-states that do not introduce any entanglement but nonetheless provide an exponential speedup. Because such algorithms would work with mixed-states without entanglement, they could also lead to interesting noise-resilience properties. For both of our objectives, we will aim to find useful applications for our algorithms, beyond the mere proof of concepts. Overall, our project could lead to a new class of quantum algorithms, noise-resilient from their very design, and would provide fundamental insights on the necessary ingredients allowing a speedup to occur.

Mots clés : algorithms, noise, nisq, scalability, entanglement, quantum error correction

Participants :
- Université de Varsovie (Pologne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 139953.6 €
Projet LIMINEX (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The exploration of light-matter interactions under extreme conditions represents an excellent opportunity for innovation in material science and technology. At IESL-FORTH, I propose establishing a new research branch dedicated to integrating high-pressure technology with existing optical experimental approaches. This initiative seeks to enhance the institute's research capabilities creating a foundation for future investigations, leveraging my extensive background in high-pressure physics, as well as my experience in managing large-scale research projects. To achieve this, a research initiative focused on a comprehensive study of the piezochromic and optical properties of pyrylium salts under extreme conditions is suggested. While pyrylium dyes have been known for over a century, the piezochromic behavior of 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium tetrachloroferrate was first discovered in 2024 by a research team led by Dr. Egor Evlyukhin. Given the universal role of the molecular-structure relationship in the photophysical properties of pyrylium salts, it is anticipated that piezochromic behavior and non-linear optical properties may also be found in other pyrylium compounds. At IESL-FORTH, and at European synchrotron facilities such as Elettra (e.g., Xpress beamlines), DESY (e.g., P02.2 beamline), and ESRF (e.g., ID15B, BM23, and ID24 beamlines) the mechanisms of their photophysical properties will be investigated and the series of “intelligent” materials will be offered to a scientific community. The expected outcomes include the establishment of a new scientific direction at IESL-FORTH, which will create new research opportunities for students and young scientists. The project will foster new collaborations between synchrotron and local scientists and contribute to advancements in high-pressure sensing and laser technologies. This work will advance my career by incorporating advanced experimental techniques and building a robust international network across the European Union.

Mots clés : high pressure, piezochromism, diamond anvil cell

Participants :
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (Grèce) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 98631.84 €
Projet SUNKID (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2024)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Growing technological and societal advances have accelerated the energy requirements. To meet energy demands, reliance on fossil fuels has led to catastrophic changes in the environment and global climate due to carbon emissions. Renewable energy sources offer excellent ways to meet energy demands in addition to reducing carbon emissions. Although solar energy is most abundant on Earth, its variability across locations and times makes it unreliable for consistent energy supply. Thus, efficient energy storage technologies are also essential for a sustainable future. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a highly efficient technology for converting solar energy into electricity owing to their remarkable properties, while hydrogen (H2) is gaining recognition as the ultimate source of green fuel. A photovoltaic-electrochemical (PV-EC) arrangement offers an excellent solution for sustainable solar energy conversion and storage. However, previously reported PV-EC systems employ two or more PV devices or solar cells connected in series to afford enough voltage (1.7 V) for H2 production. This proposal aims to ingeniously design a compact PV-EC device, using a single-junction PSC providing sufficient voltage and employing this to an EC cell for H2 production. The main objectives are: 1) To fabricate PSC using carefully selected perovskite materials with optimally wide bandgap and apply passivation strategies to achieve a high voltage of >1.5 V at maximum power point (MPP). 2) To further enhance the voltage up to a remarkable value of ~1.7 V at MPP, specifically designed photonic nanostructures will be incorporated into the PSCs for reducing the Boltzmann loss (mismatch in incident and emitted lights). 3) To assemble a PV-EC compact device utilizing the developed PSC for H2 production through water splitting. This research will motivate the incorporation of nanophotonic structures in other PV technologies and facilitate high voltages for energy storage applications.

Mots clés : solar energy conversion, perovskite solar cells, nanophotonics, water splitting, hydrogen production, storable chemical energy, photoelectrochemical cells

Participants :
- Institute of Photonic Sciences (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 209914.56 €
Projet NARNIA (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Cerebral autoregulation and neurovascular coupling have a critical role in sustaining brain activity and preventing irreversible damage. Yet, despite revolutionary advances in neuroimaging methods questions remain on the relation and reciprocal interactions between cerebral hemodynamics (blood flow, oxygenation, vascular regulation) and neuronal activity. NARNIA aims to unravel this intricate relationship and pushes the boundaries by developing a high-spatiotemporal resolution, multi-modal cortical neuronal activity and hemodynamics imaging system using 32-64 channel graphene-based solution gated field-effect transistors (gSGFET) and new high-density Speckle Contrast Tomography. This system will study both spontaneous and electrically evoked activity in the cerebral cortex, uniting neuroscientists, engineers, and physicists. As an experienced researcher with a background in developing high-speed A-line rate swept source mode-locked lasers and interferometers for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), I have a deep understanding of the intricacies of optical imaging systems. My work includes combining multimodal biomedical imaging systems (Gabor Domain Optical Coherence Microscopy and Multi-channel Scanning Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy), demonstrating my ability to bridge various technologies and methodologies. This endeavor will significantly expand my skills, research capabilities, and network, ultimately advancing my career as an independent researcher. By gaining a deeper understanding of these processes, in the long run, we envision contributing to the development of targeted interventions that can improve the quality of life for >12.5% EU population suffering from conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, etc. A fundamental understanding of this relationship will allow us to propose new hypotheses towards newer diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, potentially offering earlier diagnoses and more effective treatments for these neurological conditions.

Mots clés : neurovascular coupling, cerebral autoregulation, cerebral hemodynamics, cortical dynamics, infraslow oscillation, speckle imaging, tomographic imaging, multi electrode array, electrophysiology

Participants :
- Institute of Photonic Sciences (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 181152.96 €
Projet 2DMultiMems (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

A long-distance quantum network requires quantum repeaters dispersed between the end nodes. At intercity distances, the entangling rate of quantum repeaters may be limited by the photon travel time and the classical communication time. Quantum repeaters and memories based on rare-earth-doped crystals overcome this limitation, as the atomic frequency comb (AFC) protocol preparing these memories allows for temporal multiplexing. Besides temporal multiplexing, spatial and frequency multiplexing are also possibilities for rare-earth-doped crystals. Entanglement between these quantum memories is generated in a hybrid and heralded scheme by entangling each memory with a telecom photon and detecting a single photon after a beam splitter. Thus, the key element for quantum repeaters with rare-earth-doped crystals is the quantum correlations between the telecom photons and the memories. In this project, I will extend the storage capabilities and the entanglement generation rate of rare-earth-doped crystals such that realistic quantum repeater applications at intercity distances are within reach. The research project is divided into three research objectives: First, I will establish quantum correlations between a long-lived on-demand quantum memory and telecom photons. The correlations will be stored in spin waves for over milliseconds. Second, I will implement spatial multiplexing and store quantum correlations between telecom photons and 100 spatial modes of a single crystal. The spatial multiplexing is realized with acousto-optical devices in a crossed configuration. Third, I will entangle two on-demand quantum memories in 1700 modes with temporal and spatial multiplexing. I expect that spatial multiplexing will become a standard tool for solid-state crystal memories. Entanglement of two on-demand memories in 1700 modes will mark a shift in paradigm, as this is the first demonstration of entanglement of two solid-state memories with multiplexing in two degrees of freedom.

Mots clés : quantum networks, quantum repeaters, rare earth doped solid state quantum memories, quantum memories, spatial multiplexing

Participants :
- Institute of Photonic Sciences (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 181152.96 €
Projet ILLUME (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

A key ingredient governing the behaviour of electron dynamics in condensed matter systems is the valley degree of freedom. This fellowship aims at inducing topological (or valley-polarised) electronic phases in moiré systems and explore their tunability. Moiré quantum materials present a high degree of tunability as the ratio between interaction strength and electronic bandwidth can be optimised, resulting in flat bands and correlated electronic states. Control of such phases with circularly polarised light would allow to understand the valley-polarisation, topological protection, and the mechanisms underlying the emergence of flat-band superconductivity and correlated insulators. The project will use an interdisciplinary methodology combining electronic transport techniques with infrared far-field irradiation and near field imaging, to create, manipulate and explore novel phases with non-trivial topology (valley polarisation) in moiré materials. The researcher will conduct transport measurement with circularly polarised light to selectively induce inter-valley scattering in 1D channels and explore superconducting interferences in this regime. The project will also quantify the influence of circularly polarised light (CPL) on the superconducting phases and correlated insulators in flat band moiré systems, in order to comprehend the interplay of strongly correlated electronic states with CPL and understand their origin. The fellowship will control and explore novel phases with non-trivial topology in moiré materials, providing new understanding of valley-polarised phases. This objective is a steppingstone towards the creation of new optoelectronic devices such as photonic diodes, optical transistors and logic circuits, and could lead to new concepts as topological nanophotonics for optical information processing.

Mots clés : valley, topology, infrared, near field imaging, van der waals heterostructure, quantum transport, magic angle, twisted bilayer graphene

Participants :
- Institute of Photonic Sciences (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 181152.96 €
Projet QUINTO (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2023)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Atom-light interfaces are vital for a range of potential applications in the coming “second quantum revolution”, from secure communication to ultra-precise sensors to quantum computers. A new exciting possibility is to arrange atoms in dense, regular arrays, where wave interference leads to strong collective emission. This property has been shown to polynomially or even exponentially improve the efficiency of single-photon-level applications. A frontier still awaiting a breakthrough is in the many-body regime, in particular, to expand the realm of atom arrays interacting with light toward realizing and studying exotic strongly correlated behavior.  In QUINTO (Quantum INteracting Topological Optics), we will propose routes by which such systems can realize many-body states featuring topological order (TO). TOs have attracted significant interest due to wide-ranging implications ranging from possible fault-tolerant quantum computing to surprising fundamental properties such as the emergence of “anyonic quasi-particles” (being neither bosons nor fermions) and emergent lattice gauge theories. We will use the known physics of TOs within condensed matter physics as a “window” to developing the concept of many-body quantum optics, and show that, in turn, the arrays provide new ways of creating, understanding and measuring TOs.  We will employ innovative, condensed-matter-inspired theoretical and numerical techniques, breaking state-of-the-art limitations (e. g. on system size), to study two routes towards quantum-optical TOs: arrays in optical cavities and “topological bands” in free-space arrays. We aim to: (i) demonstrate that long-range interactions, induced by emission and re-absorption of photons, provides a new paradigm for inducing TOs, (ii) elucidate the influence of such interactions on fundamental TO physics, and (iii) show that the output light carries information sufficient to detect a TO (including signatures of anyons).

Mots clés : quantum optics with atom arrays, cavity qed, subradiance, spin liquid

Participants :
- Institute of Photonic Sciences (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 165312.96 €
Projet HUNTING-BrainFibrils (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2021)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

The formation of protein fibrils in the brain is the most representative feature of neurodegenerative diseases. A detailed description of their structure and composition is essential to design new therapeutic approaches that allow patients to increase their life expectancy and quality of life. In Huntington’s disease (HD), the severity of the symptoms and the age of onset is strongly dependent on the number of glutamines above the threshold carried by the huntingtin protein of patients affected with this disorder. The two main objectives of this project are 1) to obtain atomic models of soluble and insoluble fibrils extracted directly from the brain tissues of individuals carrying extreme and moderate CAG repeats in the HTT gene and 2) mapping their in-situ interactions. Our approach will include state-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopy, mass spectrometry-based proteomics and immunology. It will count on the participation of an interdisciplinary research group, comprising experts in HD pathology, structural biology and interactomics. The host institution counts with advanced facilities in image data analysis, cryo-EM and high-throughput proteomics that will be fully available. The host lab is an internationally recognised group that has more than 20 years of experience in carrying research focused on the molecular causes of HD in cell and animal models. It also has a strong background in mapping the interactions of the proteins that cause neurodegeneration in brain tissues. The host lab will take advantage of my expertise in assessing and validating protein-protein interactions through biochemical and biophysical methods. My visibility as a researcher will be greatly benefited by the extensive collaboration network of the host lab. The training and skills acquired during the execution of this project will expand and consolidate my research career and bring it to a very competitive point for taking a leading role as an independent researcher.

Mots clés : neurodegeneration, brain fibrils, huntington s disease, amyloid fibrils, proteomics

Participants :
- Max Delbrück Center (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 173847.36 €
Projet TABANK (Horizon Europe, appel à projets 2022)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Autoimmune diseases affect nearly 4% of the world’s population and can be life-threatening. Among them, primary Sjögren Syndrome (pSS) is the most common systemic autoimmune disease. Unfortunately, to date, treatments are focusing on relieving symptoms. It is of public relevance to find potential new biomarkers for treatments. B cells are one key player in pSS and promising drugs targeting B cell activation are currently under phase 3 clinical trials. Restraining B cell hyperactivity is central to treating pSS permanently. Hence, instead of targeting B cell activation, pSS treatments would also benefit from targeting signals or interactions leading to B cell activation. The TABANK project aims to address this hypothesis by using cutting-edge technologies (high-parameter flow cytometry, single-cell sequencing technologies and unsupervised analysis) to interrogate the immune network in the circulation of pSS donors as well as in the inflamed environment of impaired salivary glands. This overarching goal will be achieved by (i) Compiling a comprehensive database of immune cell profiles in pSS using both single-cell sequencing and high-parameter mass and flow cytometry; (ii) Determining potential interactions of immune cells leading to B cell activation using a novel computational approach; and (iii) Validating these interactions using ex vivo culture. TABANK will be conducted at the Lymphocytes B, Autoimmunity and Immunotherapies center, Université of Brest Occidentale a leading research institution in the study of immunotherapies for B cell diseases. This project will be supervised by two leading experts in autoimmune diseases and B cell biology. This unique synergy, in addition the researcher’s own expertise in examining immune responses in human tissues, particularly oral mucosal tissues, will precondition the project for success while facilitating a mutually beneficial, two-way transfer of knowledge.

Mots clés : b cell hyperactivity, immune network, inflammation, primary sj gren symptom, ex vivo culture models

Participants :
- Université de Bretagne Occidentale (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 211754.88 €