Project description
An innovative experiment shines new light on nanoscale energy transfer
Photons are the elementary units or quanta of light and each photon has a defined energy. Energy transfer via photons from a donor to an acceptor is at the heart of photosynthesis, photocatalysis and optoelectronics. While much is known about the spectroscopic and temporal characteristics of this process, spatial resolution is missing. In order to be able to control energy transfer processes and design devices of increasing complexity, efficiency and functionality, scientists must enhance understanding of nanoscale energy transfer between single donor-acceptor pairs. The EU-funded PRETZEL project is developing a novel experimental approach to do just that, paving the way for a fundamental understanding of atomic-scale energy transfer and technological innovation.
Objective
Energy transfer constitutes a basic step of photosynthesis, photocatalysis and operation of optoelectronic devices in which the energy of a photon absorbed by one entity (donor) is transferred to another entity (acceptor) where it is further processed. The fundamentals of this process are routinely studied using optical-based methods, which are sensitive to its spectroscopic and temporal characteristics. However, these techniques are diffraction-limited, leading to spatial averaging of the fine details occurring at the molecular scale, and do not allow to study how energy transfer and its dynamics are affected by minute change variations of the atomic-scale environment of the donor-acceptor pair.
Therefore, crucial questions remain to be addressed: Can we probe and control ET as a function of the precise nanometre distances and orientation of the single donor-acceptor pairs? What is the nanometre-scale interplay between different ET mechanisms? How are the dynamics, and thus the efficiency, of ET affected by these parameters? Can we probe more complex behaviours involving ET or mimic light-harvesting systems based on artificial supramolecular architectures?
To reach the required scale a novel approach will be developed that combines the atomic-scale precision of a low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy with time-resolved tip-enhanced photoluminescence. This original technical association will enable studies of energy transfer dynamics between individual molecules with simultaneous pm and ps at the unprecedented scale. The fundamental knowledge gained during the project, as well as technological development, will lead to a better understanding of the atomic-scale phenomena driving photosynthesis and optoelectronic devices operations. Furthermore, PRETZEL will offer extensive interdisciplinary training for a young researcher, creating the base for a highly successful scientific career.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis photocatalysis
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences botany
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
75794 Paris
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.