LeviTeQ explores the potential to use levitated nanoparticles to explore fundamental science (in particular quantum science and nano-thermodynamics) and to build new classical and quantum technologies. As this project progressed, it became clear that the true impact of the Action was to understand the world at the nanoscale, and to come up with innovative technologies based on this. In this, LeviTeQwas greatly successful.
We aimed to produce quantum states in the motion of a nanoscale object, to understand the behaviour of quantum mechanics at this scale. This was a hugely ambitious goal, and was achieved in a similar, much simpler context by other research groups only in 2020. We discovered that the interaction between light and non-spherical objects was more complex than previously believed, for one since they can rotate. In exploring this we discovered an entirely new type of light momentum [Hu et al. Nature Communications 2023]. We are considered world experts in the optical control of nanoscale matter, with regular conference invitations to speak on the topic, and the techniques we developed are being used by many other research teams, for example our clean method of trapping nanoparticles [Nikkhou et al. Photonics 2021]. The control over the rotation of tiny objects which we have developed is now being used by industry (in partnership with our team) to build exciting new sensors.
We aimed to produce an electrical levitation platform to control nano- and micro-particles, for studies of fundamental physics and for developing technology. Together with collaborators, we developed the theoretical framework for an all-electrical levitation platform to participate in quantum technologies [Martinetz et al. njp Quantum Information 2020]. This platform was further developed in an ERC Proof of Concept grant, and we have developed a significant amount of supporting technology in this direction, including simple, cheap levitation devices. To make progress on applying electrically levitated particles to real-world problems we had to use bleeding-edge technology. We used a neuromorphic technology, inspired by the human eye, for tracking [Ren et al. Applied Physics Letters 2022] and controlling [Ren et al. Nature Communications 2025] particles. We are now at the forefront of controlling arrays of levitated particles, with novel applications in sensing and navigation.
Finally, we wanted to understand thermodynamics at the nanoscale, in a completely unexplored regime. As our studies have progressed, we better understand the context of this work, and believe it will have major impact in the understanding of biomechanical processes such as seen in the immune response. Instead of “studying nanothermodynamics” instead we build analogues of real physical systems, such as engines, whose behaviour is in the realm of nanothermodynamics, to garner new insights. For example, we have created an analogue of an engine which runs at over 10 Million Kelvin, which has led to surprising insights in molecular diffusion [Message et al. Physical Review Letters 2025]. This new technology and application of fundamental science may have impacts in fields as diverse as immunology or economics!
It is clear that we developed a host of technologies, and made a wide range of scientific discoveries, working at the nanoscale. Our group is extremely proud of its progress, we have a distinctive research portfolio, and have laid the groundwork for a significant number of major breakthroughs in the coming years.
