Project description
Light-induced spinning of enantiomers separates them in a microfluidic chamber
Chiral molecules have the same chemical formulas and atomic bonds but different 3D configurations. They are ubiquitous in nature and a thorn in synthetic chemists’ side. Often only one of the two is desirable, and the other must be separated out. With the support of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions programme, the OPS-CLC project will harness novel light-matter interactions for contactless separation of enantiomers. Light can exert linear and angular momentum, inducing optical torque that is different for the two enantiomers. OPS-CLC will use this effect to separate enantiomers in liquid crystal droplets immersed in a microfluidic chamber, providing a simple and effective solution to this significant challenge.
Objective
Interaction between light waves and chiral matter is a fundamental topic in optics and material sciences. When the matter is chiral, light can exert linear and angular momentum, optical torque, which has a differentiated sense depending on the handedness of the material and the helicity of the light. In this project, we propose to exploit the intrinsic chirality of cholesteric liquid crystals droplets on a microfluidic chamber to generate a differentiated rotation on different enantiomers of cholesteric liquid crystal. It has been shown numerically that rotating disks on a fluid produce a sorting effect, isolating the disks with different rotation senses. In this project, we propose to exploit the chirality in cholesteric liquid crystals to generate contactless enantioseparation of droplets with plane wavefront linearly polarised light, ensuring a robust and scalable enantioseparation technique. The project contemplates producing optical enantioseparation of polydisperse cholesteric liquid crystal droplets immersed in a microfluidic chamber. The project focuses on developing multidisciplinary aspects of light and matter interaction, specifically when there is a handedness, both in light and matter and is expected to generate impact and enhance new concepts in multiple fields ranging from applied mathematics to chemistry. The Researcher of the proposed project is Gregorio González, PhD candidate of the University of Chile, Chile, with experience in nonlinear dynamics induced by light interaction on liquid crystal layers. The Supervisor will be Professor Etienne Brasselet in the Singular Optics group, at the Host Institution, the University of Bordeaux, France.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
33000 BORDEAUX
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.