Periodic Reporting for period 5 - In Motion (Investigation and Monitoring of Time-varying Environments on Macro and Nano Scales)
Reporting period: 2024-10-01 to 2025-09-30
• What is the problem/issue being addressed?
The project IN MOTION (Investigation and Monitoring of Time-varying Environments on Macro and Nano Scales) aimed to explore a new physical paradigm: how electromagnetic fields behave when sources, scatterers, or the environment itself are in motion or subject to dynamic perturbations. Conventional electromagnetic theory and design approaches generally assume static configurations; however, in real-world systems, ranging from airborne drones to vibrating biological tissues and reconfigurable photonic elements, motion, deformation, and temporal modulation play a crucial role. This fundamental gap in our understanding limits the design of devices capable of responding adaptively to changing environments, such as compact antennas, reconfigurable optical elements, or mobile diagnostic probes.
At its core, the project investigated the dynamic interaction between light, matter, and motion across multiple scales, i.e. from nanoscale dielectric and plasmonic particles to centimeter-scale antennas and radar systems. The motivation was to bridge the theoretical and experimental understanding of electromagnetic fields under non-static conditions and to translate this knowledge into technologies that can sense, communicate, and interact with their surroundings in real time.
The challenge addressed was therefore twofold: (1) to formulate new physical models for electromagnetic interactions in motion-based or non-stationary conditions, and (2) to realize experimental platforms for both optical and radiofrequency that can test and apply these concepts through measurable and scalable devices.
• Why is it important for society?
The consortium trained a new generation of multidisciplinary researchers at the interface of physics, engineering, and biology, with several now leading their scientific teams or industrial projects.
In essence, the project established a new research field of dynamic electromagnetic systems, enabling materials and devices that react to motion, light, and environmental change. Its outputs form the basis for future biomedical microdevices, self-adaptive sensors, and reconfigurable communication networks, being technologies critical to an intelligent, connected, and sustainable society.
• What are the overall objectives?
1. Develop a fundamental theory of electromagnetic wave interaction with non-stationary and moving media, including temporal and spatial modulation effects.
2. Design and fabricate dynamic electromagnetic materials and metastructures.
3. Demonstrate optical manipulation, imaging, and propulsion of complex particles towards theradnosic platorms
The project IN MOTION (Investigation and Monitoring of Time-varying Environments on Macro and Nano Scales) aimed to explore a new physical paradigm: how electromagnetic fields behave when sources, scatterers, or the environment itself are in motion or subject to dynamic perturbations. Conventional electromagnetic theory and design approaches generally assume static configurations; however, in real-world systems, ranging from airborne drones to vibrating biological tissues and reconfigurable photonic elements, motion, deformation, and temporal modulation play a crucial role. This fundamental gap in our understanding limits the design of devices capable of responding adaptively to changing environments, such as compact antennas, reconfigurable optical elements, or mobile diagnostic probes.
At its core, the project investigated the dynamic interaction between light, matter, and motion across multiple scales, i.e. from nanoscale dielectric and plasmonic particles to centimeter-scale antennas and radar systems. The motivation was to bridge the theoretical and experimental understanding of electromagnetic fields under non-static conditions and to translate this knowledge into technologies that can sense, communicate, and interact with their surroundings in real time.
The challenge addressed was therefore twofold: (1) to formulate new physical models for electromagnetic interactions in motion-based or non-stationary conditions, and (2) to realize experimental platforms for both optical and radiofrequency that can test and apply these concepts through measurable and scalable devices.
• Why is it important for society?
The consortium trained a new generation of multidisciplinary researchers at the interface of physics, engineering, and biology, with several now leading their scientific teams or industrial projects.
In essence, the project established a new research field of dynamic electromagnetic systems, enabling materials and devices that react to motion, light, and environmental change. Its outputs form the basis for future biomedical microdevices, self-adaptive sensors, and reconfigurable communication networks, being technologies critical to an intelligent, connected, and sustainable society.
• What are the overall objectives?
1. Develop a fundamental theory of electromagnetic wave interaction with non-stationary and moving media, including temporal and spatial modulation effects.
2. Design and fabricate dynamic electromagnetic materials and metastructures.
3. Demonstrate optical manipulation, imaging, and propulsion of complex particles towards theradnosic platorms
WP1 radio and centimeter scale.
1. Dynamic scattering theory. We formulated scattering from accelerating and rotating bodies beyond adiabatic static approximations. In rotating reference frames, we introduced a notion of micro-Doppler combs and linked lines to geometry and motion path.
2. Software-only radar. We implemented a platform that generates and processes multiple waveforms concurrently on a single chain, demonstrating the simultaneous extraction of range and micro-Doppler information in clutter.
3. Tags and antennas. We have developed miniature long-range ceramic tags that operate on metal, supergain wire bundle antennas that exceed the directivity of single-element antennas with extended bandwidth.
WP2 classical optics and micron scale.
1. Vaterite-based drug delivery cargoes. We established the synthesis of porous vaterite spheres as modular carriers for dyes, carbon dots, noble metals, and magnetic inclusions. We quantified optical cross sections, internal field distributions, and transport in viscous media.
2. Optothermal and optomechanical control. We demonstrated laser-driven transport, clustering, and bubble-mediated interactions of gilded vaterite and mapped thermo-optic response in complex fluids. We visualized nanojets and developed endoscopic dark-field imaging for trapped capsules.
3. Bio-relevant imaging and delivery. We performed multi-photon imaging of cargo-loaded capsules in brain tissue and realized optothermal needle-free injection using controlled light deposition.
WP3 quantum optics and nanoscale.
1. Quantum emitter dynamics near moving matter. We extended mesoscopic quantum electrodynamics to include classical mechanical motion of the environment and slow emitters, linking time-dependent coupling to photon statistics and lifetime modulation.
2. Hybrid resonant platforms. We engineered systems that exhibit non-Mie resonances in anisotropic biominerals.
Representative outputs.
The work resulted in 47 peer-reviewed papers published in journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, and others.
Dissemination and community impact.
Results were disseminated through journal publications, invited talks, conference proceedings, and open seminar series.
1. Dynamic scattering theory. We formulated scattering from accelerating and rotating bodies beyond adiabatic static approximations. In rotating reference frames, we introduced a notion of micro-Doppler combs and linked lines to geometry and motion path.
2. Software-only radar. We implemented a platform that generates and processes multiple waveforms concurrently on a single chain, demonstrating the simultaneous extraction of range and micro-Doppler information in clutter.
3. Tags and antennas. We have developed miniature long-range ceramic tags that operate on metal, supergain wire bundle antennas that exceed the directivity of single-element antennas with extended bandwidth.
WP2 classical optics and micron scale.
1. Vaterite-based drug delivery cargoes. We established the synthesis of porous vaterite spheres as modular carriers for dyes, carbon dots, noble metals, and magnetic inclusions. We quantified optical cross sections, internal field distributions, and transport in viscous media.
2. Optothermal and optomechanical control. We demonstrated laser-driven transport, clustering, and bubble-mediated interactions of gilded vaterite and mapped thermo-optic response in complex fluids. We visualized nanojets and developed endoscopic dark-field imaging for trapped capsules.
3. Bio-relevant imaging and delivery. We performed multi-photon imaging of cargo-loaded capsules in brain tissue and realized optothermal needle-free injection using controlled light deposition.
WP3 quantum optics and nanoscale.
1. Quantum emitter dynamics near moving matter. We extended mesoscopic quantum electrodynamics to include classical mechanical motion of the environment and slow emitters, linking time-dependent coupling to photon statistics and lifetime modulation.
2. Hybrid resonant platforms. We engineered systems that exhibit non-Mie resonances in anisotropic biominerals.
Representative outputs.
The work resulted in 47 peer-reviewed papers published in journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, and others.
Dissemination and community impact.
Results were disseminated through journal publications, invited talks, conference proceedings, and open seminar series.
1. Ceramic resonator long-range RFID
We introduced a new class of RFID tags where the conventional planar antenna is replaced by a compact ceramic resonator. The result is a step change in performance for on-metal tagging and long-range interrogation. In controlled trials, the read distance reached about 30 meters, compared with typical values of only a few tens of centimeters for legacy tags on metal. The approach addresses long-standing barriers in logistics and asset tracking, allowing real-time inventory of entire lots without line-of-sight access and with standard readers. The engineering field has not previously adopted ceramic resonators as primary radiators in passive tags, so this represents an entirely new design space with immediate industrial relevance.
2. Drone-monitoring radar based on micro-Doppler signatures
We began investigating the basic physics of scattering from rotating objects well before small drone monitoring became a widespread concern. This work led to a radar concept that interprets blade-induced micro-Doppler modulations as an information-rich channel. The concept was validated in realistic outdoor trials and then transferred to industry. Elements of the method are now integrated with air surveillance radars to strengthen low-altitude monitoring. This progression led to an ERC Proof of Concept application and the establishment of a spin-off company.
3. Electromagnetically responsive microcapsules for drug delivery
We established a vaterite-based platform for cargo transport, imaging, and light-driven actuation. Gilded and magnetically doped capsules provide strong optical contrast, controllable heating, and guided motion. This enabled label-free imaging, optical and magnetic monitoring, multiphoton tracking in brain tissue, and laser-assisted, needle-free delivery at controlled depths. Driven by biophysics objectives, the results have matured to the stage of preclinical evaluation. Beyond the publications, the medical community has recognized the translational potential of this work, and we now maintain 5 active collaborations with leading surgeons. Our electromagnetically responsive vaterite-based capsules are being adapted to three priority areas. In pancreatic oncology, we are exploring the use of magnetic guidance for local tumor delivery. In orthopedics, we focus on preventing contamination of implants and related complications. For skin treatment, we use an antibacterial silver nanoparticle coating on the capsules to provide localized antimicrobial action.
We introduced a new class of RFID tags where the conventional planar antenna is replaced by a compact ceramic resonator. The result is a step change in performance for on-metal tagging and long-range interrogation. In controlled trials, the read distance reached about 30 meters, compared with typical values of only a few tens of centimeters for legacy tags on metal. The approach addresses long-standing barriers in logistics and asset tracking, allowing real-time inventory of entire lots without line-of-sight access and with standard readers. The engineering field has not previously adopted ceramic resonators as primary radiators in passive tags, so this represents an entirely new design space with immediate industrial relevance.
2. Drone-monitoring radar based on micro-Doppler signatures
We began investigating the basic physics of scattering from rotating objects well before small drone monitoring became a widespread concern. This work led to a radar concept that interprets blade-induced micro-Doppler modulations as an information-rich channel. The concept was validated in realistic outdoor trials and then transferred to industry. Elements of the method are now integrated with air surveillance radars to strengthen low-altitude monitoring. This progression led to an ERC Proof of Concept application and the establishment of a spin-off company.
3. Electromagnetically responsive microcapsules for drug delivery
We established a vaterite-based platform for cargo transport, imaging, and light-driven actuation. Gilded and magnetically doped capsules provide strong optical contrast, controllable heating, and guided motion. This enabled label-free imaging, optical and magnetic monitoring, multiphoton tracking in brain tissue, and laser-assisted, needle-free delivery at controlled depths. Driven by biophysics objectives, the results have matured to the stage of preclinical evaluation. Beyond the publications, the medical community has recognized the translational potential of this work, and we now maintain 5 active collaborations with leading surgeons. Our electromagnetically responsive vaterite-based capsules are being adapted to three priority areas. In pancreatic oncology, we are exploring the use of magnetic guidance for local tumor delivery. In orthopedics, we focus on preventing contamination of implants and related complications. For skin treatment, we use an antibacterial silver nanoparticle coating on the capsules to provide localized antimicrobial action.