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Novel molecular spectroscopies by nanoconfined light shaping and ab initio quantum dynamics

Project description

Molecular spectroscopy takes a great leap forward

Squeezing light into ultra-confined spaces enables a radical increase in the spatial and temporal resolution of spectroscopy. The EU-funded NanoLight-QD project is an interdisciplinary collaboration aiming to advance state-of-the-art molecular spectroscopy techniques. The project will conduct ab initio computer simulations to observe and increase understanding of a molecule's normal modes of vibration and electron dynamics in 2D materials. To confine light at the nanoscale, researchers will optimise the shape and arrangement of plasmonic nanostructures using artificial intelligence. The latter will help increase the speed and accuracy of computing electron densities and estimating how light flows around nanoparticles, which are now computed by the density functional theory and Maxwell’s equations.

Objective

This is a project that explores the interface among nanooptics, nanomaterials and molecular spectroscopy. This project will be developed in collaboration with three top experimental groups at different research institutions, and will be carried out by Dr. Franco Bonafé under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Angel Rubio, Director of the Theory Department of MPSD.

The main goal of the project is to demonstrate that the spatial and temporal resolution of different spectroscopies can be improved by utilizing the ultra-strong confinement of structured light down to the nanoscale. To this purpose, we will optimize the shape and arrangement of plasmonic nanostructures using machine learning algorithms, combining real-time time-dependent density functional theory simulations coupled fully self-consistently to Maxwell's equations. The work is divided into three main parts with clear interdependent tasks and goals, namely: 1) geometry optimization of plasmonic nanostructures to enhance the confinement of light, and its application in photoelectron emission; 2) development of a frequency-domain linear-response technique to increase the resolution of tip-enhanced Raman spectra of molecular vibrations in nanocavities; and 3) study of near-field structured light for attosecond photoelectron spectra of 2D materials. Our predictions will be experimentally tested by our network of experimental groups.

Overall, the aim of the project is to push the limits of state-of-the-art molecular spectroscopy techniques by ab initio computer simulations, increasing our ability to understand the properties of matter both at the scales of molecular vibrations and of attosecond electron dynamics in 2D materials. The researcher will clearly benefit from gaining training in non-equilibrium ab initio methods and from the world-wide top level network of experimental collaborators, that will bring him to a new stage in his career towards becoming an independent group leader in theoretical spectroscopy.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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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.

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.

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.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019

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Coordinator

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 162 806,40
Address
HOFGARTENSTRASSE 8
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany

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Region
Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

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.

€ 162 806,40
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