Project acronym ADONIS
Project Attosecond Dynamics On Interfaces and Solids
Researcher (PI) Reinhard Kienberger
Host Institution (HI) MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2007-StG
Summary New insight into ever smaller microscopic units of matter as well as in ever faster evolving chemical, physical or atomic processes pushes the frontiers in many fields in science. Pump/probe experiments turned out to be the most direct approach to time-domain investigations of fast-evolving microscopic processes. Accessing atomic and molecular inner-shell processes directly in the time-domain requires a combination of short wavelengths in the few hundred eV range and sub-femtosecond pulse duration. The concept of light-field-controlled XUV photoemission employs an XUV pulse achieved by High-order Harmonic Generation (HHG) as a pump and the light pulse as a probe or vice versa. The basic prerequisite, namely the generation and measurement of isolated sub-femtosecond XUV pulses synchronized to a strong few-cycle light pulse with attosecond precision, opens up a route to time-resolved inner-shell atomic and molecular spectroscopy with present day sources. Studies of attosecond electronic motion (1 as = 10-18 s) in solids and on surfaces and interfaces have until now remained out of reach. The unprecedented time resolution of the aforementioned technique will enable for the first time monitoring of sub-fs dynamics of such systems in the time domain. These dynamics – of electronic excitation, relaxation, and wave packet motion – are of broad scientific interest and pertinent to the development of many modern technologies including semiconductor and molecular electronics, optoelectronics, information processing, photovoltaics, and optical nano-structuring. The purpose of this project is to investigate phenomena like the temporal evolution of direct photoemission, interference effects in resonant photoemission, fast adsorbate-substrate charge transfer, and electronic dynamics in supramolecular assemblies, in a series of experiments in order to overcome the temporal limits of measurements in solid state physics and to better understand processes in microcosm.
Summary
New insight into ever smaller microscopic units of matter as well as in ever faster evolving chemical, physical or atomic processes pushes the frontiers in many fields in science. Pump/probe experiments turned out to be the most direct approach to time-domain investigations of fast-evolving microscopic processes. Accessing atomic and molecular inner-shell processes directly in the time-domain requires a combination of short wavelengths in the few hundred eV range and sub-femtosecond pulse duration. The concept of light-field-controlled XUV photoemission employs an XUV pulse achieved by High-order Harmonic Generation (HHG) as a pump and the light pulse as a probe or vice versa. The basic prerequisite, namely the generation and measurement of isolated sub-femtosecond XUV pulses synchronized to a strong few-cycle light pulse with attosecond precision, opens up a route to time-resolved inner-shell atomic and molecular spectroscopy with present day sources. Studies of attosecond electronic motion (1 as = 10-18 s) in solids and on surfaces and interfaces have until now remained out of reach. The unprecedented time resolution of the aforementioned technique will enable for the first time monitoring of sub-fs dynamics of such systems in the time domain. These dynamics – of electronic excitation, relaxation, and wave packet motion – are of broad scientific interest and pertinent to the development of many modern technologies including semiconductor and molecular electronics, optoelectronics, information processing, photovoltaics, and optical nano-structuring. The purpose of this project is to investigate phenomena like the temporal evolution of direct photoemission, interference effects in resonant photoemission, fast adsorbate-substrate charge transfer, and electronic dynamics in supramolecular assemblies, in a series of experiments in order to overcome the temporal limits of measurements in solid state physics and to better understand processes in microcosm.
Max ERC Funding
1 296 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2008-10-01, End date: 2013-09-30
Project acronym ATOMPHOTONLOQIP
Project Experimental Linear Optics Quantum Information Processing with Atoms and Photons
Researcher (PI) Jian-Wei Pan
Host Institution (HI) RUPRECHT-KARLS-UNIVERSITAET HEIDELBERG
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2007-StG
Summary Quantum information science and atom optics are among the most active fields in modern physics. In recent years, many theoretical efforts have been made to combine these two fields. Recent experimental progresses have shown the in-principle possibility to perform scalable quantum information processing (QIP) with linear optics and atomic ensembles. The main purpose of the present project is to use atomic qubits as quantum memory and exploit photonic qubits for information transfer and processing to achieve efficient linear optics QIP. On the one hand, utilizing the interaction between laser pulses and atomic ensembles we will experimentally investigate the potentials of atomic ensembles in the gas phase to build quantum repeaters for long-distance quantum communication, that is, to develop a new technological solution for quantum repeaters making use of the effective qubit-type entanglement of two cold atomic ensembles by a projective measurement of individual photons by spontaneous Raman processes. On this basis, we will further investigate the advantages of cold atoms in an optical trap to enhance the coherence time of atomic qubits beyond the threshold for scalable realization of quantum repeaters. Moreover, building on our long experience in research on multi-photon entanglement, we also plan to perform a number of significant experiments in the field of QIP with particular emphasis on fault-tolerant quantum computation, photon-loss-tolerant quantum computation and cluster-state based quantum simulation. Finally, by combining the techniques developed in the above quantum memory and multi-photon interference experiments, we will further experimentally investigate the possibility to achieve quantum teleportation between photonic and atomic qubits, quantum teleportation between remote atomic qubits and efficient entanglement generation via classical feed-forward. The techniques that will be developed in the present project will lay the basis for future large scale
Summary
Quantum information science and atom optics are among the most active fields in modern physics. In recent years, many theoretical efforts have been made to combine these two fields. Recent experimental progresses have shown the in-principle possibility to perform scalable quantum information processing (QIP) with linear optics and atomic ensembles. The main purpose of the present project is to use atomic qubits as quantum memory and exploit photonic qubits for information transfer and processing to achieve efficient linear optics QIP. On the one hand, utilizing the interaction between laser pulses and atomic ensembles we will experimentally investigate the potentials of atomic ensembles in the gas phase to build quantum repeaters for long-distance quantum communication, that is, to develop a new technological solution for quantum repeaters making use of the effective qubit-type entanglement of two cold atomic ensembles by a projective measurement of individual photons by spontaneous Raman processes. On this basis, we will further investigate the advantages of cold atoms in an optical trap to enhance the coherence time of atomic qubits beyond the threshold for scalable realization of quantum repeaters. Moreover, building on our long experience in research on multi-photon entanglement, we also plan to perform a number of significant experiments in the field of QIP with particular emphasis on fault-tolerant quantum computation, photon-loss-tolerant quantum computation and cluster-state based quantum simulation. Finally, by combining the techniques developed in the above quantum memory and multi-photon interference experiments, we will further experimentally investigate the possibility to achieve quantum teleportation between photonic and atomic qubits, quantum teleportation between remote atomic qubits and efficient entanglement generation via classical feed-forward. The techniques that will be developed in the present project will lay the basis for future large scale
Max ERC Funding
1 435 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2008-07-01, End date: 2013-12-31
Project acronym BCLYM
Project Molecular mechanisms of mature B cell lymphomagenesis
Researcher (PI) Almudena Ramiro
Host Institution (HI) CENTRO NACIONAL DE INVESTIGACIONESCARDIOVASCULARES CARLOS III (F.S.P.)
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS3, ERC-2007-StG
Summary Most of the lymphomas diagnosed in the western world are originated from mature B cells. The hallmark of these malignancies is the presence of recurrent chromosome translocations that usually involve the immunoglobulin loci and a proto-oncogene. As a result of the translocation event the proto-oncogene becomes deregulated under the influence of immunoglobulin cis sequences thus playing an important role in the etiology of the disease. Upon antigen encounter mature B cells engage in the germinal center reaction, a complex differentiation program of critical importance to the development of the secondary immune response. The germinal center reaction entails the somatic remodelling of immunoglobulin genes by the somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination reactions, both of which are triggered by Activation Induced Deaminase (AID). We have previously shown that AID also initiates lymphoma-associated c-myc/IgH chromosome translocations. In addition, the germinal center reaction involves a fine-tuned balance between intense B cell proliferation and program cell death. This environment seems to render B cells particularly vulnerable to malignant transformation. We aim at studying the molecular events responsible for B cell susceptibility to lymphomagenesis from two perspectives. First, we will address the role of AID in the generation of lymphomagenic lesions in the context of AID specificity and transcriptional activation. Second, we will approach the regulatory function of microRNAs of AID-dependent, germinal center events. The proposal aims at the molecular understanding of a process that lies in the interface of immune regulation and oncogenic transformation and therefore the results will have profound implications both to basic and clinical understanding of lymphomagenesis.
Summary
Most of the lymphomas diagnosed in the western world are originated from mature B cells. The hallmark of these malignancies is the presence of recurrent chromosome translocations that usually involve the immunoglobulin loci and a proto-oncogene. As a result of the translocation event the proto-oncogene becomes deregulated under the influence of immunoglobulin cis sequences thus playing an important role in the etiology of the disease. Upon antigen encounter mature B cells engage in the germinal center reaction, a complex differentiation program of critical importance to the development of the secondary immune response. The germinal center reaction entails the somatic remodelling of immunoglobulin genes by the somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination reactions, both of which are triggered by Activation Induced Deaminase (AID). We have previously shown that AID also initiates lymphoma-associated c-myc/IgH chromosome translocations. In addition, the germinal center reaction involves a fine-tuned balance between intense B cell proliferation and program cell death. This environment seems to render B cells particularly vulnerable to malignant transformation. We aim at studying the molecular events responsible for B cell susceptibility to lymphomagenesis from two perspectives. First, we will address the role of AID in the generation of lymphomagenic lesions in the context of AID specificity and transcriptional activation. Second, we will approach the regulatory function of microRNAs of AID-dependent, germinal center events. The proposal aims at the molecular understanding of a process that lies in the interface of immune regulation and oncogenic transformation and therefore the results will have profound implications both to basic and clinical understanding of lymphomagenesis.
Max ERC Funding
1 596 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2008-12-01, End date: 2014-11-30
Project acronym GADD45&P38SIGNALING
Project Role of the Gadd45 family and p38 MAPK in tumor suppression and autoimmunity
Researcher (PI) Jesús Salvador
Host Institution (HI) AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DEINVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS3, ERC-2007-StG
Summary Gadd45 family proteins play a critical role in genomic stability, cell cycle regulation proliferation and apoptosis. Gadd45a is activated by the tumor suppressor gene p53, which is mutated in >50% of human tumors. The lack of GADD45a in mice leads to spontaneous development of an autoimmune disease similar to systemic lupus erythematosus. The molecular mechanisms that cause autoimmunity are poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that p38 activation is involved in autoimmune development and tumor suppression. We found that Gadd45a negatively regulates p38 activity in T cells by preventing phosphorylation on Tyr323. Inhibition of Tyr323p38 phosphorylation is a potential therapeutic target in several types of leukemia and autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The main goals of this project are a) to study the in vivo function of the Gadd45 family and p38 in tumor suppression and autoimmunity, and b) to analyze their molecular mechanisms to identify targets for disease treatment. We will dissect the signaling pathways involved in development of autoimmunity and cancer using a multidisciplinary approach that combines mouse genetic, human epigenetic, biochemical, molecular biological and immunological techniques. Our project involves the characterization of murine models deficient in each member of the Gadd45 family (Gadd45a, Gadd45b, Gadd45g), as well as double- and triple-knockout mice, development of a knock-in model for p38a, in vivo and in vitro analysis of T cell activation, proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation, epigenetic studies of potential targets, and finally, validation of these results in autoimmune disease and cancer patients. The results of this project will help identify new therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases and/or cancer.
Summary
Gadd45 family proteins play a critical role in genomic stability, cell cycle regulation proliferation and apoptosis. Gadd45a is activated by the tumor suppressor gene p53, which is mutated in >50% of human tumors. The lack of GADD45a in mice leads to spontaneous development of an autoimmune disease similar to systemic lupus erythematosus. The molecular mechanisms that cause autoimmunity are poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that p38 activation is involved in autoimmune development and tumor suppression. We found that Gadd45a negatively regulates p38 activity in T cells by preventing phosphorylation on Tyr323. Inhibition of Tyr323p38 phosphorylation is a potential therapeutic target in several types of leukemia and autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The main goals of this project are a) to study the in vivo function of the Gadd45 family and p38 in tumor suppression and autoimmunity, and b) to analyze their molecular mechanisms to identify targets for disease treatment. We will dissect the signaling pathways involved in development of autoimmunity and cancer using a multidisciplinary approach that combines mouse genetic, human epigenetic, biochemical, molecular biological and immunological techniques. Our project involves the characterization of murine models deficient in each member of the Gadd45 family (Gadd45a, Gadd45b, Gadd45g), as well as double- and triple-knockout mice, development of a knock-in model for p38a, in vivo and in vitro analysis of T cell activation, proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation, epigenetic studies of potential targets, and finally, validation of these results in autoimmune disease and cancer patients. The results of this project will help identify new therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases and/or cancer.
Max ERC Funding
1 755 805 €
Duration
Start date: 2008-09-01, End date: 2014-08-31
Project acronym MANITOP
Project Massive Neutrinos: Investigating their Theoretical Origin and Phenomenology
Researcher (PI) Werner Rodejohann
Host Institution (HI) MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2007-StG
Summary The aim of the proposed project is to shed light on the theoretical origin of neutrino masses and to explore the phenomenological consequences of the model predictions and of possible mechanisms giving rise to neutrino mass. The results of many upcoming experiments in the neutrino sector and beyond will be a crucial discriminator for models and will have to be followed closely. Apart from the usual neutrino oscillation observables, there are more model-dependent implications of neutrino mass models, for instance lepton flavor violating decays and electric dipole moments in the charged lepton sector, or processes involving new particles at colliders such as the LHC. The connection to the baryon asymmetry of the Universe, to dark matter and to proton decay will also be studied. Phenomenology will also be focussed on: in particular, the implications of upcoming (precision) experiments on the neutrino mass and mixing parameters or the neutrino mass matrix will be investigated. The prospects of using high energy neutrino cosmic rays, neutrinoless double beta decay (including analogous processes) and new experimental ideas to probe the parameters of neutrino physics will also be explored.
Summary
The aim of the proposed project is to shed light on the theoretical origin of neutrino masses and to explore the phenomenological consequences of the model predictions and of possible mechanisms giving rise to neutrino mass. The results of many upcoming experiments in the neutrino sector and beyond will be a crucial discriminator for models and will have to be followed closely. Apart from the usual neutrino oscillation observables, there are more model-dependent implications of neutrino mass models, for instance lepton flavor violating decays and electric dipole moments in the charged lepton sector, or processes involving new particles at colliders such as the LHC. The connection to the baryon asymmetry of the Universe, to dark matter and to proton decay will also be studied. Phenomenology will also be focussed on: in particular, the implications of upcoming (precision) experiments on the neutrino mass and mixing parameters or the neutrino mass matrix will be investigated. The prospects of using high energy neutrino cosmic rays, neutrinoless double beta decay (including analogous processes) and new experimental ideas to probe the parameters of neutrino physics will also be explored.
Max ERC Funding
790 800 €
Duration
Start date: 2008-09-01, End date: 2012-08-31
Project acronym MICROFLEX
Project Microbiology of Dehalococcoides-like Chloroflexi
Researcher (PI) Lorenz Adrian
Host Institution (HI) HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUR UMWELTFORSCHUNG GMBH - UFZ
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS3, ERC-2007-StG
Summary I propose to initiate research on a specific group of bacteria, here denominated as the “Dehalococcoides-like Chloroflexi”. This group of bacteria is formed by several cultivated strains of the genus Dehalococcoides and many sequences of uncultivated organisms mostly from marine sediment or subsurface locations. All together form one subphylum of the Chloroflexi. Bacteria of the Dehalococcoides-like Chloroflexi are of particular importance for two independent reasons: first, the subphylum contains all bacteria known to transform under anaerobic conditions toxic and persistent halogenated compounds such as chlorinated dioxins, benzenes, biphenyls, vinyl chloride or brominated biphenylethers; secondly, massive amounts of Dehalococcoides-like Chloroflexi have recently been detected in marine organic-rich deep sediments dominating the populations with up to 80% of the total cell counts. However, many aspects of the physiology of Dehalococcoides species are unclear and almost nothing is known about Chloroflexi in deep sediments. I have worked for many years on the microbiology, biochemistry and genomics of Dehalococcoides species. With the proposed group I plan to focus on the physiological links between Chloroflexi in contaminated aquifers and those in marine sediments. Initially, cultures of marine sediment-Chloroflexi will be established in our lab and compared with pure Dehalococcoides strains. Objectives of our research towards marine Chloroflexi will be the description of the physiology, of the biochemistry of energy conservation and of key genes encoded in the genomes. It is anticipated that the research leads to a substantiated hypothesis on the mode of energy fixation in marine deep-sediments and an initial description of the role of Dehalococcoides-like Chloroflexi in biogeochemical cycles. We also expect to find insights into Chloroflexi evolution and their role in earth history by comparing genomes between Dehalococcoides species and marine Chloroflexi.
Summary
I propose to initiate research on a specific group of bacteria, here denominated as the “Dehalococcoides-like Chloroflexi”. This group of bacteria is formed by several cultivated strains of the genus Dehalococcoides and many sequences of uncultivated organisms mostly from marine sediment or subsurface locations. All together form one subphylum of the Chloroflexi. Bacteria of the Dehalococcoides-like Chloroflexi are of particular importance for two independent reasons: first, the subphylum contains all bacteria known to transform under anaerobic conditions toxic and persistent halogenated compounds such as chlorinated dioxins, benzenes, biphenyls, vinyl chloride or brominated biphenylethers; secondly, massive amounts of Dehalococcoides-like Chloroflexi have recently been detected in marine organic-rich deep sediments dominating the populations with up to 80% of the total cell counts. However, many aspects of the physiology of Dehalococcoides species are unclear and almost nothing is known about Chloroflexi in deep sediments. I have worked for many years on the microbiology, biochemistry and genomics of Dehalococcoides species. With the proposed group I plan to focus on the physiological links between Chloroflexi in contaminated aquifers and those in marine sediments. Initially, cultures of marine sediment-Chloroflexi will be established in our lab and compared with pure Dehalococcoides strains. Objectives of our research towards marine Chloroflexi will be the description of the physiology, of the biochemistry of energy conservation and of key genes encoded in the genomes. It is anticipated that the research leads to a substantiated hypothesis on the mode of energy fixation in marine deep-sediments and an initial description of the role of Dehalococcoides-like Chloroflexi in biogeochemical cycles. We also expect to find insights into Chloroflexi evolution and their role in earth history by comparing genomes between Dehalococcoides species and marine Chloroflexi.
Max ERC Funding
1 287 258 €
Duration
Start date: 2008-06-01, End date: 2013-12-31
Project acronym MOLFOUNTAIN
Project Precision measurements on cold molecules in a fountain
Researcher (PI) Hendrick Lucas Bethlem
Host Institution (HI) STICHTING VU
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2007-StG
Summary In a recent series of experiments, it has been shown that polar molecules can be decelerated, bunched, cooled, and trapped using time-varying electric fields. These experiments demonstrate an unprecedented level of control over molecules, which enables a variety of applications of great scientific interest. Here, I propose to use these techniques to create a molecular fountain. In this fountain, the first of its kind, polar molecules are decelerated, cooled, and subsequently launched upwards some 10-50 cm before falling back under gravity, thereby passing a microwave cavity or laser beam twice – as they fly up and as they fall back down. The effective interrogation time in such a Ramsey type measurement scheme includes the entire flight time between the two traversals through the driving field, which can be up to a second. This long interrogation time will allow for extreme precision measurements on molecular structure to a level at which fundamental physics theories can be tested. I will use the inversion frequency in ammonia around 23 GHz as a test case. This transition is very well studied and was used in the first ‘atomic’ clock and the first demonstration of a MASER. The fountain should make it possible to measure the inversion frequency with a relative accuracy of 10^{-12}–10^{-14}; that is more than a thousand fold improvement as compared to the best previous measurement. Besides serving as a proof-of-principle, this measurement may be used as a test of the time-variation of fundamental constants – an issue that has profound implications on how we understand the universe. The inversion frequency in ammonia is determined by the tunneling rate of the protons through the barrier between the two equivalent configurations of the molecule, and is exponentially dependent on the proton mass. By monitoring the inversion frequency over a period of a few years, a possible variation of the proton-electron mass ratio can be constrained or measured.
Summary
In a recent series of experiments, it has been shown that polar molecules can be decelerated, bunched, cooled, and trapped using time-varying electric fields. These experiments demonstrate an unprecedented level of control over molecules, which enables a variety of applications of great scientific interest. Here, I propose to use these techniques to create a molecular fountain. In this fountain, the first of its kind, polar molecules are decelerated, cooled, and subsequently launched upwards some 10-50 cm before falling back under gravity, thereby passing a microwave cavity or laser beam twice – as they fly up and as they fall back down. The effective interrogation time in such a Ramsey type measurement scheme includes the entire flight time between the two traversals through the driving field, which can be up to a second. This long interrogation time will allow for extreme precision measurements on molecular structure to a level at which fundamental physics theories can be tested. I will use the inversion frequency in ammonia around 23 GHz as a test case. This transition is very well studied and was used in the first ‘atomic’ clock and the first demonstration of a MASER. The fountain should make it possible to measure the inversion frequency with a relative accuracy of 10^{-12}–10^{-14}; that is more than a thousand fold improvement as compared to the best previous measurement. Besides serving as a proof-of-principle, this measurement may be used as a test of the time-variation of fundamental constants – an issue that has profound implications on how we understand the universe. The inversion frequency in ammonia is determined by the tunneling rate of the protons through the barrier between the two equivalent configurations of the molecule, and is exponentially dependent on the proton mass. By monitoring the inversion frequency over a period of a few years, a possible variation of the proton-electron mass ratio can be constrained or measured.
Max ERC Funding
1 100 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2008-08-01, End date: 2013-07-31
Project acronym PERCENT
Project Percolating Entanglement and Quantum Information Resources through Quantum Networks
Researcher (PI) Antonio Acín
Host Institution (HI) FUNDACIO INSTITUT DE CIENCIES FOTONIQUES
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2007-StG
Summary Quantum communication networks consist of several nodes that are connected by quantum channels. By exchanging quantum particles, the nodes share quantum correlations, also know as entanglement. Essential for the future development of quantum communication is to understand the design of efficient protocols for the distribution of entanglement between arbitrarily distant nodes. The main objective of the present proposal is to construct the theory of entanglement distribution through quantum networks. At present, very little is known about this fundamental problem, namely about which properties of a quantum network are required to be able to establish entanglement over large distances. Very recently, we have proved that the distribution of entanglement through quantum networks defines a new type of critical phenomenon, an entanglement phase transition called entanglement percolation. These surprising effects do not appear in the standard repeater configuration previously considered. Crucial for the construction of these examples is the use of concepts already known in statistical mechanics, such as percolation. Our scope is to go far beyond these proof-of principle examples and derive the general theoretical framework describing entanglement percolation, exploiting the connection between statistical concepts and entanglement theory. The obtained framework will also be applied to other information resources, such as secret bits. Then, the ultimate aim of the project is to provide a global picture of the distribution of quantum information resources over realistic quantum communication networks.
Summary
Quantum communication networks consist of several nodes that are connected by quantum channels. By exchanging quantum particles, the nodes share quantum correlations, also know as entanglement. Essential for the future development of quantum communication is to understand the design of efficient protocols for the distribution of entanglement between arbitrarily distant nodes. The main objective of the present proposal is to construct the theory of entanglement distribution through quantum networks. At present, very little is known about this fundamental problem, namely about which properties of a quantum network are required to be able to establish entanglement over large distances. Very recently, we have proved that the distribution of entanglement through quantum networks defines a new type of critical phenomenon, an entanglement phase transition called entanglement percolation. These surprising effects do not appear in the standard repeater configuration previously considered. Crucial for the construction of these examples is the use of concepts already known in statistical mechanics, such as percolation. Our scope is to go far beyond these proof-of principle examples and derive the general theoretical framework describing entanglement percolation, exploiting the connection between statistical concepts and entanglement theory. The obtained framework will also be applied to other information resources, such as secret bits. Then, the ultimate aim of the project is to provide a global picture of the distribution of quantum information resources over realistic quantum communication networks.
Max ERC Funding
699 600 €
Duration
Start date: 2008-11-01, End date: 2013-12-31
Project acronym QGP
Project Characterisation of a novel state of matter: The Quark-Gluon Plasma
Researcher (PI) Andre Mischke
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2007-StG
Summary I propose to explore the properties of a novel state of matter, the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP), created by colliding atomic nuclei at the highest energy ever reached using triggered particle correlations. The QGP is predicted by the fundamental theory of strong interactions and is characterized by an equilibrated system of free quarks and gluons that are the constituents of atomic nuclei. My investigation of the QGP properties will give unique insights into the development of the early universe and the properties of matter under extreme conditions. Among other results, particle correlation measurements have revealed first compelling evidence for the existence of the QGP state. Due to the limited sensitivity of the used probes, the conclusions are to some extent qualitative rather than quantitative. To get a deeper understanding of the mechanisms at work I propose to study heavy-quark correlations and their in-medium modification in collisions of heavy nuclei by combining the information from different detection systems. I have verified the feasibility of this measurement at lower energies. I am currently one of the world’s experts in measuring heavy-quark correlations and I propose to perform such a measurement at the forefront particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider, located at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics CERN. My investigation will be done utilizing the dedicated ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) detector, which is most suited for measurements in heavy-ion collisions. I would like to do my project with one Postdoc and one Ph.D. student during a period of five years. My research team will be embedded in one of the leading institutes in the field of heavy-ion physics which provided a crucial hardware component to the ALICE experiment. My expertise and the outstanding working environment will guarantee high quality in performing my key measurement. The ALICE experiment will be the place of new discoveries.
Summary
I propose to explore the properties of a novel state of matter, the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP), created by colliding atomic nuclei at the highest energy ever reached using triggered particle correlations. The QGP is predicted by the fundamental theory of strong interactions and is characterized by an equilibrated system of free quarks and gluons that are the constituents of atomic nuclei. My investigation of the QGP properties will give unique insights into the development of the early universe and the properties of matter under extreme conditions. Among other results, particle correlation measurements have revealed first compelling evidence for the existence of the QGP state. Due to the limited sensitivity of the used probes, the conclusions are to some extent qualitative rather than quantitative. To get a deeper understanding of the mechanisms at work I propose to study heavy-quark correlations and their in-medium modification in collisions of heavy nuclei by combining the information from different detection systems. I have verified the feasibility of this measurement at lower energies. I am currently one of the world’s experts in measuring heavy-quark correlations and I propose to perform such a measurement at the forefront particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider, located at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics CERN. My investigation will be done utilizing the dedicated ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) detector, which is most suited for measurements in heavy-ion collisions. I would like to do my project with one Postdoc and one Ph.D. student during a period of five years. My research team will be embedded in one of the leading institutes in the field of heavy-ion physics which provided a crucial hardware component to the ALICE experiment. My expertise and the outstanding working environment will guarantee high quality in performing my key measurement. The ALICE experiment will be the place of new discoveries.
Max ERC Funding
850 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2008-09-01, End date: 2013-08-31
