Periodic Reporting for period 3 - MOLUSC (Molecules under Light-Matter Strong Coupling)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2021-10-01 do 2023-03-31
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.
During this period, it has been shown that material properties such as non-linear response, photoconductivity, superconductivity and magnetism can be improved and enhanced by the presence of the hybrid states under strong coupling. 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. It has also been found that chemical reactions selectivity can be modified to improve yields and that they can be catalyzed without catalyst, thereby reducing the energy footprint for making products and demonstrating the potential of the general approach.
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.