Periodic Reporting for period 4 - MOLUSC (Molecules under Light-Matter Strong Coupling)
Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2023-09-30
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.
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.
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.