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Time resolved X-ray probing of Matter under Extreme conditions

Objective

The unique properties of a new type of X-ray source produced by a compact laser-plasma accelerator will be used to probe the ultra-fast dynamics of the electronic structure of matter under extreme conditions.

The TeX-MEx project will study: 1) hot dense matter, such as that found at the centre of the Sun; 2) warm dense matter such as that found at the centre of Jupiter and 3) photo-ionized plasmas far from equilibrium such as is found in the exotic environment of an accretion disk surrounding a black hole. These extreme conditions will be created in the laboratory using 1) direct laser heating, 2) proton heating and laser driven shock heating and 3) intense X-ray pumping using the betatron source itself and the extraordinary X-ray fluxes available with a free electron laser.

Using the unique combination of a few-femtosecond duration and broad spectral coverage that the X-rays produced by a laser wakefield accelerator possess, the TeX-MEx project will explore new physics in each of these regimes. For example we will be able to directly measure the rates of ionization of hot dense matter for the first time; we will observe the onset of ion motion in warm dense matter and how this affects the electron energy levels; we will make the first observations of non-collisional photo-ionized plasmas. These will allow us to accurately test and develop models used to describe matter under extreme conditions in the laboratory and in astrophysics.

This integrated program of innovative experiments and new approaches to modeling will open up a new field of femtosecond time-resolved absorption spectroscopy of matter under extreme conditions and will drastically improve our understanding of how matter behaves throughout our Universe. It will, for the first time, bring to our laboratories on Earth the ability to probe some of Nature's most violent processes, to date only hinted at in data from a new generation of astronomical instruments.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

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.

ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

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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) ERC-2015-CoG

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Host institution

IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE
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.

€ 1 996 316,00
Address
SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD
SW7 2AZ LONDON
United Kingdom

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Region
London Inner London — West Westminster
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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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.

€ 1 996 316,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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