Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet NEQC (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Operating state-of-the-art quantum circuits is typically limited by noise, especially if they work in the microwave domain like superconducting quantum bits, qubits. Instead of trying to avoid the omnipresent fluctuations, I will implement a circuit architecture, which is suitable to profit from noise. To this end, I will realize two main objectives based on an intense, bidirectional knowledge transfer between my host organization, QCD Labs and me. The first objective is to implement a superconducting qubit with in-situ tunable decay and dephasing rates. The dephasing rate of a qubit is tunable through photon shot-noise induced by a dispersively coupled microwave resonator. I will add to this scenario the innovative concept to control the decay rate in-situ by coupling the qubit to a pair of superconductor-insulator-normal metal (SIN) junctions, such that photon-assisted single-electron tunneling can be used to control the qubit decay. With these fully controllable qubits, I will implement a fast reset of the qubit state, which is a prerequisite for quantum computing. In addition, I will generate new insights in non-Markovian qubit dynamics. The second objective is the coherent coupling of two qubits with tunable decoherence rates. The resulting fundamental building block of a transversely coupled Ising model will serve to study remote-cooling of one qubit via the other and to simulate multi-dimensional master equations. My results will have strong impact on quantum engineering, quantum computing, and the simulation of chemical compounds. To realize my two objectives, I will create a European network of distinguished researchers related to open dissipative quantum systems. The fellowship will advance my career plans because I will become an expert in single-electron tunneling and get leadership and management-oriented training. In return, I will transfer my knowledge on superconducting qubits obtained during my PhD to QCD Labs generating a win-win situation.

Mots clés : superconducting quantum bits, photon assisted single electron tunneling, engineering quantum environments, microwave circuits, nano fabrication

Participants :
- Aalto University (Finlande) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 179325.6 €
Projet OMICRON (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Optical fibre systems form the backbone of global telecommunication networks and carry the bulk of the world's data traffic, serving as a key component of information and communication technology. Although over the years, these systems have become increasingly complex, the quality of optical system performance is still affected by the same key physical features: chromatic dispersion, fiber Kerr nonlinearity, and optical noise. Most of the current optical networks exploit the techniques that were originally developed for linear channels. Thus, it is not surprising that nonlinearity has a detrimental impact on such systems. It has been predicted that, within the next decade the existing optical fibre technology will approach the "nonlinear transmission limit'', which caps the achievable rate of error-free data transmission. Thus, in order to reach a the higher capacity of optical fibres it is necessary to shift the relevant information and communications technology paradigm by introducing truly nonlinear modulation, transmission, and signal processing techniques. The aim of this project is to develop ground-breaking visionary concepts and approaches to unlock the capacity of fiber-optic communications beyond the limits of current technology by treating optical fiber as the inherently nonlinear medium it is. Our paradigm-shifting approach is based on the concept mathematical notion of integrability and the related nonlinear Fourier transform-type processing of optical signal, which allow us to use of the fibre nonlinearity in a constructive way. This multidisciplinary project, grouping together the mathematical theory of intergability, advanced signal processing, the physics of nonlinear waves evolution, solitons, and noise interaction with nonlinear excitations, combined with the optical transmission methods and purposes, is aimed at the development of fundamentally new communication technologies to satisfy current and future technology challenges.

Mots clés : optical communications, coherent communications, nonlinear signal processing, nonlinear schroedinger equation, inverse scattering, solitons, stochastic dynamics, numerical analysis

Participants :
- Aston University (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet IMAGIT (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Optical intensity measurements usually recover only partial information of the wave and of the media that has been gone through since phase information is lost. Interferometric imaging techniques allows us to recover the phase information but are often unstable and hard to implement due to mechanical vibrations and media fluctuations. On the other hand, in recent years an imaging technique called Ghost Imaging has attracted increasing interest through its ability to recover apparently hidden information on the spatial structure of a light beam. We propose different methods that take advantage of a spatially resolved detection in the context of Ghost Imaging, to achieve better performances than conventional imaging as well as usual Ghost Imaging. Our methods whose principles have been validated by simulations that are presented, will allow simultaneous phase and amplitude imaging and the possibility to do such acquisitions in real-time through robust intensity measurements. Using quantum correlations we will also demonstrate that the method permit to take phase-amplitude images with a small number of photons. This last technique, can have many applications in diverse fields, ranging from biological sciences to security. Based on the unique expertise, facilities and on the precedent results of the host concerning Ghost Imaging, the proposal will aim to push the 'state-of-the-art' on both Ghost Imaging and phase-amplitude imaging. The fellow, who’s past research profile matches perfectly the project will bring his expertise and the developed simulations to the host. The project will open a new promising research subject at the host institution and the fellow will receive a high level training on both scientific and transferable skills aspects from the highly experienced host researchers and from the course proposed by the host. The project and the fellow’s networking will benefit from ongoing collaborations with both academic and industrial partners.

Mots clés : phase amplitude imaging, ghost imaging, single pixel camera technique, coincidence imaging

Participants :
- University of Glasgow (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet EMPHASIS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Optical isolator, or optical diode, is a device, which allows the transmission of light in only one direction. They are used in fibre optic communication to prevent back reflections and improve signal-to-noise ratio. The development of on-chip optical communications requires downscaling of optical components, e.g replacing optical fibres with nanoscale waveguides. The miniaturization of optical isolators is therefore a key step towards integrated photonic circuits. We approach this challenge by taking advantage of surface plasmon resonances that can squeeze light down to nanoscale dimensions. We combine plasmonic waveguides with ferroelectric and -magnetic materials that, in turn, break the space-inversion and time reversal symmetries to create non-reciprocal conditions for light propagation. The ferroelectric and magnetic materials provide us with an additional interesting advantage: their optical properties can be adjusted by applying external electric and magnetic fields, enabling active control over light in nanoscale. The proposed research project brings together the candidate’s expertise in plasmonics and the hosting group’s established knowledge in oxide thin films. This creates excellent conditions for training through research and knowledge transfer. We envision two significant outcomes: (i) demonstration of a proof-of-concept plasmonic isolator based on symmetry considerations and (ii) assessing the viability of using active oxide materials as tools to control plasmon propagation with external fields. The H2020 Innovation Union initiative strives to drive economic growth in the EU by innovation. In line with this strategy, we recognize that EMPHASIS offers ample potential for technological applications and include strategies to ensure that the potential can be realized.

Mots clés : plasmonics, magnetism, ferroelectricity, multiferroics, transition metal oxides

Participants :
- Spanish National Research Council (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 158121.6 €
Projet HICONO (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Doctoral Networks
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Optical laser-based technologies are a key technology of the 21st century. Extension of the range of scientific and commercial laser applications requires a constant expansion of the accessible regimes of laser operation. Concepts from nonlinear optics, driven with ultra-fast lasers provide all means to achieve this goal. However, nonlinear optics typically suffer from low efficiencies, e.g. if high-order processes are involved or if the driving laser pulse intensities must be limited below damage thresholds (e.g. in nonlinear microscopy of living cells, or nonlinear spectroscopy of com-bustion processes). Hence, we require methods to enhance nonlinear optical processes. The field of “coherent control” provides techniques to manipulate laser-matter interactions. The idea is to use appropriately designed light-matter interactions to steer quantum systems towards a desired out-come, e.g. to support nonlinear optical processes. The goal of HICONO is to combine the concepts of coherent control with high-intensity nonlinear-optical interactions. The particular aim is to enhance the efficiency of nonlinear optical processes and extend the range of high-intensity laser applications. HICONO will develop new coherent con-trol strategies matched to high-intensity nonlinear optics. This will push high-order frequency con-version towards larger output yield, enable novel applications in high-resolution spectroscopy and microscopy, and drive novel technologies for ultra-short pulse generation and characterization. The close cooperation of HICONO with industry partners will lead to commercially relevant devices. In terms of training, HICONO aims at the development of young researchers with appropriate skills to exploit the concepts of high-intensity laser technologies, laser-based control, and applied nonlinear optics. HICONO provides a unique, very broad and technology-oriented early-stage training program with strong exposure of the fellows to industry environment.

Mots clés : nonlinear optics, extreme light matter interactions

Participants :
- Technical University of Darmstadt (Allemagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 498432.96 €
- Fastlite (France) — Partner, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 262875.6 €
- Institute of Photonic Sciences (Espagne) — Partner, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 247872.96 €
- Weizmann Institute of Science (Israël) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 260300.52 €
- Ametek (Germany) (Allemagne) — Partner, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 249216.48 €
- Queen's University Belfast (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 273287.88 €
- Imperial College London (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 273287.88 €
- University of Oxford (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 273287.88 €
Projet ReSOLeS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Optical lasers are extraordinary light sources that have revolutionized human lives. These are crucial for optical fibre sensor (OFS) interrogation systems. Thus, the characteristics of each source are strongly connected to its sensor system. In large monitoring systems, different OFS are multiplexed in the same optical network. Hence, it exists an increasing necessity of new and special light sources for the new networking requirements. The project aims to develop a revolutionary laser system for high performance remote multiplexing sensor networks for Sustainable Development and Smart Cities applications. The project “ReSOLeS” mainly focus on the research and development of a novel reconfigurable spectrum optical fiber laser source. It is based on the random distributed feedback (RDFB) effect. The modeless characteristic of RDFB lasers allows controlling the emitted frequencies by the internal modulation of the distributed laser cavity, which the applicant first demonstrated. To date, laser spectrum were modified only by filtering the cavity. In this project, we propose an innovative approach that uses a modulating signal to control the output spectrum. This enable higher spectral flexibility and reconfigurability speed than the traditional filtered laser cavities. To make it possible, first, we will develop a model of the system and that will be implemented by software. Next, the system will be experimentally demonstrated and two system enhancements will be tested. Finally, it will be validated in high performance optical fiber sensor networks for Smart Cities applications. This interdisciplinary project will combine the fellow’s expertise in RDFB lasers with the world-leading expertise of the host’s Smart Cities Institute in fiber lasers, OFSs and Smart Cities. In addition, “ReSOLeS” will benefit from the host’s well-established partnerships in academia and industry, and from the training and mentoring opportunities for the fellow's career development.

Mots clés : fiber laser, optical amplification, random distributed feedback, reconfigurable spectrum, optical fibre sensors, sensor networks, remote monitoring, smart cities

Participants :
- Universidad Publica de Navarra (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 172932.48 €
Projet FrEQuMP (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Optical quantum computing and quantum simulation rely on multi-photon interference effects, between many photons in a larger number of optical paths or modes. In particular in Gaussian Boson Sampling protocols, single-mode squeezed states are input to an optical circuit implementing a transformation on the modes, which creates a complex multi-mode squeezed state. Sampling from such a state with single photon detectors is thought to be an intractable problem to simulate with classical computers, and has useful applications, for instance in calculating molecular vibronic spectra and in identifying densely connected sub-graphs of a network. This motivates building quantum-optical devices to implement Gaussian Boson Sampling. However, it is resource intensive to create a usefully large state using many separate squeezed sources and a circuit, and very technically challenging to avoid photon loss and to maintain interferometric stability. Here, I propose to carry out Gaussian Boson Sampling and related experiments by directly generating multi-mode squeezed states encoded in frequency, from a single source with reconfigurable frequency correlations. Using frequency channels to represent the modes is very compact because they can all propagate along the same spatial path, and this also ensures interferometric stability. Directly generating the desired state will avoid having the photons propagate through a lossy circuit, allowing scaling to higher photon numbers, and frequency encoding will make large numbers of modes readily available, surpassing the state-of-the-art in spatially-encoded circuits.


Participants :
- Imperial College London (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 212933.76 €
Projet HI-PHRET (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Optical tomography is a modern field of indisputable interest that fosters advances in the study of biological processes. Even if this scientific pairing seems to proceed tightly bind, sometimes current methodologies vacillate to satisfy imaging requests coming from the medical world. In this scenario, the intention of High-resolution Imaging with Phase Retrieved Tomography (HI-PHRET) project, is to achieve the maximum tomographic resolution taking advantage of cutting-edge photonics and computational techniques. In fact, Phase Retrieval (PR) methods are unveiling their promising imaging capabilities since, with the current technology, we are able to measure a “mere” amplitude-only image. The recovery of phase information opens up numerous possibilities, drafting the goal of the project: put PR algorithms at the service of the biomedical imaging world. Mechanical misalignment, scattering and hidden imaging can be efficiently handled with PR implementations, further advancing towards the highest tomographic resolution. HI-PHRET will thrive at Politecnico di Milano, under the supervision of Prof. Pifferi, and will project me into the excellences of the European scientific panorama. Thanks to the possibilities offered by the prestigious MSCA-IF and by the inclusion in a well-structured multi-disciplinary network, I will be able to grow professionally maturing further independent-thinking and project-management skills. The interaction with universities, research institutes, industries and companies (also by means of two secondments), as well as direct contact with technology-transfer offices, will open up new possibilities for my career and maximise the impact of the research action. Dissemination, exploitation and communication strategies planned throughout the project will encourage me to think different, trying to catch the attentions of the broadest audience but focusing on concrete problematics, always keeping an eye on potential technology transfer.

Mots clés : phase retrieval, optical tomography, biomedical imaging, fluorescence imaging, image reconstruction

Participants :
- Politecnico di Milano (Italie) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 180277.2 €
Projet MOFCTP (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2018)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Optofluidic control is emerging as a promising tool in wide applications like pharmaceutics, chemistry, energy, and biology, due to the development of micro-fluidic chip. The control unit usually requires complex optical set-ups or special materials for working fluid or micro-channel. The aim of the present project is to develop a light controlled microvalve technique that can be utilized to manipulate fluid flow in micro-channels and potentially promote the development of new generation of light driven micropump or micromotor. Numerical model and experimental setup will be established to investigate nanoscale photothermal conversion and temperature manipulation involved in the plasmon-assisted optofluidics. Duo to wide applications of microfluidic devices, this unique project will not only be helpful for European biomedicine industry, including R&D of new drugs, but will also promote fundamental research level in related areas, such as microfluidic control and thermoplasmonics. The project is carefully designed to match the fellow's expertise in thermoplasmonics and the expertise of the host institute in micro-flow and heat & mass transfer. The overall aim of the project is to develop a light controlled microvalve technique that can be utilized to manipulate fluid flow in micro-channels. Meanwhile, the research fellow will contribute his expertise on thermoplasmonics and photothermal conversion, and will provide important training to EU researchers, industrial contacts and undergraduates by: hosting a series of seminars, giving a special lecture on thermoplasmonics for undergraduate students, and participating in outreach activities of the university. The researcher has 5 years’ experience on experimental and numerical studies for nanoscale thermoplasmonics. Combining the host’s supervision on micro-flow and heat and mass transfer, the fellowship will provide him with perfect opportunity to develop the proposed project on optofluidic control.

Mots clés : optofludics, thermoplasmonic, micro fluid flow, plasmonic nanoparticles microvalve, lab on a chip, temperature manipulation, photothermal conversion

Participants :
- University of Nottingham (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 224933.76 €
Projet CAR ART (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Organ transplantation is the best life-supporting treatment for terminal organ failure. Graft survival is however limited by rejection, a destructive process resulting from the response of recipient’s immune system against donor specific alloantigens. Prevention of rejection currently relies on immunosuppressive drugs that lack antigen specificity and therefore increase the risk for infections and cancers. Induction of donor-specific tolerance would provide indefinite graft survival without morbidity and therefore represents the Grail of transplant immunologists. Tolerance has been obtained in experimental models with adoptive transfer of ex vivo-expanded CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). Preclinical studies have indicated that the potency and specificity of Treg therapy could be markedly enhanced by the use of Treg specific for donor alloantigens. Translation of this approach in the clinic has been hindered by the lack of clinically applicable strategies to generate sufficient numbers of potent donor-specific Tregs. To overcome this limitation, Pr Levings’ group (Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada) has just recently successfully used chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology to redirect the specificity of human Treg toward a transplant-relevant antigen. The objective of the 2-year action is to assess the impact of alloantigen-specific CAR Treg on cellular and humoral alloimmune responses and their ability to promote allograft tolerance. The outgoing phase of the global fellowship will be performed in Pr Levings’ lab, and the return phase in Pr Glaichenhaus’ team (Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Valbonne, France) where the researcher will get in few years a tenured position. The main ambition of the program is to provide key data for the development of a clinical trial with CAR Tregs in kidney transplantation.

Mots clés : transplantation, allograft rejection, alloimmune tolerance

Participants :
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 171349.2 €
- University of British Columbia (Canada) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €