Project description
Novel terahertz vibrational modes open the door to exotic molecular-scale oscillators
The terahertz (THz) frequency range between the microwave and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum is of great interest to scientists and engineers. It corresponds to the collective mechanical oscillations associated with intermolecular and intramolecular interactions, the vibrational motion of atoms and molecules in a crystal lattice (phonons) and the bending vibrations of many individual molecules. The EU-funded QTONE project is looking for novel THz vibrational modes that will inspire the design and demonstration of exotic quantum phenomena in molecular-scale oscillators, spurring a new wave of fundamental and applied research and giving the EU a competitive edge.
Objective
QTONE aims at discovering new quantum phenomena involving THz vibrational modes, and at gaining control over them using novel concepts inspired from cavity quantum optomechanics and new techniques developed for nano-plasmonics and molecular break-junctions. The three main goals of the project are:
(i) Perform optomechanical quantum information processing with THz phonons in low-dimensional systems, using a combination of ultrafast spectroscopy and time-correlated photon counting to measure quantum correlations mediated by non-classical vibrational states.
(ii) Demonstrate the feasibility of dynamical backaction amplification of THz phonons by coupling molecules and nanomaterials to plasmonic cavities and by leveraging exciton-phonon coupling to realize exciton-assisted optomechanics.
(iii) Interrogate and drive a single-molecule inside a plasmonic nanocavity using simultaneous inelastic electron tunneling and Raman spectroscopies in a molecular break-junction with engineered plasmonic resonance.
I anticipate that this project will have widespread impacts on our understanding of quantum phenomena in molecular-scale oscillators, and will foster the excellence of Europe in fields ranging from fundamental science to quantum technologies and molecular electronics.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticscavity optomechanics
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesatomic physics
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringcomputer hardwarequantum computers
- natural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsphotons
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-COG - Consolidator GrantHost institution
1015 Lausanne
Switzerland