Molecules under Light-Matter Strong Coupling

Project Information

MOLUSC

Grant agreement ID: 788482

DOI

10.3030/788482

Project closed

EC signature date 28 June 2018

Start date 1 October 2018

End date 30 September 2023

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 2 468 750,00

EU contribution

€ 2 468 750,00

Coordinated by

CENTRE INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHE AUX FRONTIERES DE LA CHIMIE FONDATION
France

Periodic Reporting for period 4 - MOLUSC (Molecules under Light-Matter Strong Coupling)

Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2023-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

This project is exploring and developing a whole new approach to controlling (bio) chemical reactivity and material properties using fundamental principles of quantum electrodynamics. In essence, the Universe is full of electromagnetic fluctuations and these can be mixed with materials in optical resonators to create hybrid states that modifies their properties. The final aim is to develop enough understanding of this new approach, called strong coupling, to be able to use it systematically to reduce the energy footprint of processes and improve products and technology for society.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Thanks to this ERC grant, we have been able to demonstrate for the first time that by coupling molecular vibration to electromagnetic fluctuations of optical resontaors one can modify chemical reactivity to a prefered product (chemical selectivity), that enzymatic activity can be modified, that material properties such as non-linear response, photoconductivity, superconductivity and magnetism can be improved and enhanced. For instance, the weak ferromagnetism of an oxide mineral was shown to be enhanced by a factor of 700, suggesting that strong coupling could be a new tool for the design of magnetic sensors and spintronic devices. In the process we also found that certain conditions are critical to achieve such modifications in properties and these are now part of the tool box in this domain. We have been able to show that this approach to controlling matter and chemical reactivity is a powerfull new tool for both fundamental science and technology.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

This is a new frontier of science where “we make the path as we walk”, in other words the most interesting findings cannot be predicted, after all discovery cannot be planned. By the end of the project, we hope to have a deep understanding of the rules/principles that govern the observed effects of strong coupling on material properties and chemical processes so that it will provide the tools for new opportunities for both fundamental science and technological innovation.

Optical cavity for light-matter strong coupling