Project acronym 3-TOP
Project Exploring the physics of 3-dimensional topological insulators
Researcher (PI) Laurens Wigbolt Molenkamp
Host Institution (HI) JULIUS-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAT WURZBURG
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE3, ERC-2010-AdG_20100224
Summary Topological insulators constitute a novel class of materials where the topological details of the bulk band structure induce a robust surface state on the edges of the material. While transport data for 2-dimensional topological insulators have recently become available, experiments on their 3-dimensional counterparts are mainly limited to photoelectron spectroscopy. At the same time, a plethora of interesting novel physical phenomena have been predicted to occur in such systems.
In this proposal, we sketch an approach to tackle the transport and magnetic properties of the surface states in these materials. This starts with high quality layer growth, using molecular beam epitaxy, of bulk layers of HgTe, Bi2Se3 and Bi2Te3, which are the prime candidates to show the novel physics expected in this field. The existence of the relevant surface states will be assessed spectroscopically, but from there on research will focus on fabricating and characterizing nanostructures designed to elucidate the transport and magnetic properties of the topological surfaces using electrical, optical and scanning probe techniques. Apart from a general characterization of the Dirac band structure of the surface states, research will focus on the predicted magnetic monopole-like response of the system to an electrical test charge. In addition, much effort will be devoted to contacting the surface state with superconducting and magnetic top layers, with the final aim of demonstrating Majorana fermion behavior. As a final benefit, growth of thin high quality thin Bi2Se3 or Bi2Te3 layers could allow for a demonstration of the (2-dimensional) quantum spin Hall effect at room temperature - offering a road map to dissipation-less transport for the semiconductor industry.
Summary
Topological insulators constitute a novel class of materials where the topological details of the bulk band structure induce a robust surface state on the edges of the material. While transport data for 2-dimensional topological insulators have recently become available, experiments on their 3-dimensional counterparts are mainly limited to photoelectron spectroscopy. At the same time, a plethora of interesting novel physical phenomena have been predicted to occur in such systems.
In this proposal, we sketch an approach to tackle the transport and magnetic properties of the surface states in these materials. This starts with high quality layer growth, using molecular beam epitaxy, of bulk layers of HgTe, Bi2Se3 and Bi2Te3, which are the prime candidates to show the novel physics expected in this field. The existence of the relevant surface states will be assessed spectroscopically, but from there on research will focus on fabricating and characterizing nanostructures designed to elucidate the transport and magnetic properties of the topological surfaces using electrical, optical and scanning probe techniques. Apart from a general characterization of the Dirac band structure of the surface states, research will focus on the predicted magnetic monopole-like response of the system to an electrical test charge. In addition, much effort will be devoted to contacting the surface state with superconducting and magnetic top layers, with the final aim of demonstrating Majorana fermion behavior. As a final benefit, growth of thin high quality thin Bi2Se3 or Bi2Te3 layers could allow for a demonstration of the (2-dimensional) quantum spin Hall effect at room temperature - offering a road map to dissipation-less transport for the semiconductor industry.
Max ERC Funding
2 419 590 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-04-01, End date: 2016-03-31
Project acronym ALOGLADIS
Project From Anderson localization to Bose, Fermi and spin glasses in disordered ultracold gases
Researcher (PI) Laurent Sanchez-Palencia
Host Institution (HI) CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary The field of disordered quantum gases is developing rapidly. Dramatic progress has been achieved recently and first experimental observation of one-dimensional Anderson localization (AL) of matterwaves has been reported using Bose-Einstein condensates in controlled disorder (in our group at Institut d'Optique and at LENS; Nature, 2008). This dramatic success results from joint theoretical and experimental efforts, we have contributed to. Most importantly, it opens unprecedented routes to pursue several outstanding challenges in the multidisciplinary field of disordered systems, which, after fifty years of Anderson localization, is more active than ever.
This theoretical project aims at further developing the emerging field of disordered quantum gases towards novel challenges. Our aim is twofold. First, we will propose and analyze schemes where experiments on ultracold atoms can address unsolved issues: AL in dimensions higher than one, effects of inter-atomic interactions on AL, strongly-correlated disordered gases and quantum simulators for spin systems (spin glasses). Second, by taking into account specific features of ultracold atoms, beyond standard toy-models, we will raise and study new questions which have not been addressed before (eg long-range correlations of speckle potentials, finite-size effects, controlled interactions). Both aspects would open new frontiers to disordered quantum gases and offer new possibilities to shed new light on highly debated issues.
Our main concerns are thus to (i) study situations relevant to experiments, (ii) develop new approaches, applicable to ultracold atoms, (iii) identify key observables, and (iv) propose new challenging experiments. In this project, we will benefit from the original situation of our theory team: It is independent but forms part of a larger group (lead by A. Aspect), which is a world-leader in experiments on disordered quantum gases, we have already developed close collaborative relationship with.
Summary
The field of disordered quantum gases is developing rapidly. Dramatic progress has been achieved recently and first experimental observation of one-dimensional Anderson localization (AL) of matterwaves has been reported using Bose-Einstein condensates in controlled disorder (in our group at Institut d'Optique and at LENS; Nature, 2008). This dramatic success results from joint theoretical and experimental efforts, we have contributed to. Most importantly, it opens unprecedented routes to pursue several outstanding challenges in the multidisciplinary field of disordered systems, which, after fifty years of Anderson localization, is more active than ever.
This theoretical project aims at further developing the emerging field of disordered quantum gases towards novel challenges. Our aim is twofold. First, we will propose and analyze schemes where experiments on ultracold atoms can address unsolved issues: AL in dimensions higher than one, effects of inter-atomic interactions on AL, strongly-correlated disordered gases and quantum simulators for spin systems (spin glasses). Second, by taking into account specific features of ultracold atoms, beyond standard toy-models, we will raise and study new questions which have not been addressed before (eg long-range correlations of speckle potentials, finite-size effects, controlled interactions). Both aspects would open new frontiers to disordered quantum gases and offer new possibilities to shed new light on highly debated issues.
Our main concerns are thus to (i) study situations relevant to experiments, (ii) develop new approaches, applicable to ultracold atoms, (iii) identify key observables, and (iv) propose new challenging experiments. In this project, we will benefit from the original situation of our theory team: It is independent but forms part of a larger group (lead by A. Aspect), which is a world-leader in experiments on disordered quantum gases, we have already developed close collaborative relationship with.
Max ERC Funding
985 200 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-01-01, End date: 2015-12-31
Project acronym AMPCAT
Project Self-Amplifying Stereodynamic Catalysts in Enantioselective Catalysis
Researcher (PI) Oliver Trapp
Host Institution (HI) RUPRECHT-KARLS-UNIVERSITAET HEIDELBERG
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary Think about an enantioselective catalyst, which can switch its enantioselectivity and which can be imprinted and provides self-amplification by its own chiral reaction product. Think about a catalyst, which can be fine-tuned for efficient stereoselective synthesis of drugs and other materials, e.g. polymers.
Highly promising reactions such as enantioselective autocatalysis (Soai reaction) and chiral catalysts undergoing dynamic interconversions, e.g. BIPHEP ligands, are still not understood. Their application is very limited to a few compounds, which opens the field for novel investigations.
I propose the development of a smart or switchable chiral ligand undergoing dynamic interconversions. These catalysts will be tuned by their reaction product, and this leads to self-amplification of one of the stereoisomers. I propose a novel fundamental mechanism which has the potential to overcome the limitations of the Soai reaction, exploiting the full potential of enantioselective catalysis.
As representatives of enantioselective self-amplifying stereodynamic catalysts a novel class of diazirine based ligands will be developed, their interconversion barrier is tuneable between 80 and 130 kJ/mol. Specifically, following areas will be explored:
1. Investigation of the kinetics and thermodynamics of the Soai reaction as a model reaction by analysis of large sets of kinetic data.
2. Ligands with diaziridine moieties with flexible structure will be designed and investigated, to control the enantioselectivity.
3. Design of a ligand receptor group for product interaction to switch the chirality. Study of self-amplification in enantioselective processes.
4. Enantioselective hydrogenations, Diels-Alder reactions, epoxidations and reactions generating multiple stereocenters will be targeted.
Summary
Think about an enantioselective catalyst, which can switch its enantioselectivity and which can be imprinted and provides self-amplification by its own chiral reaction product. Think about a catalyst, which can be fine-tuned for efficient stereoselective synthesis of drugs and other materials, e.g. polymers.
Highly promising reactions such as enantioselective autocatalysis (Soai reaction) and chiral catalysts undergoing dynamic interconversions, e.g. BIPHEP ligands, are still not understood. Their application is very limited to a few compounds, which opens the field for novel investigations.
I propose the development of a smart or switchable chiral ligand undergoing dynamic interconversions. These catalysts will be tuned by their reaction product, and this leads to self-amplification of one of the stereoisomers. I propose a novel fundamental mechanism which has the potential to overcome the limitations of the Soai reaction, exploiting the full potential of enantioselective catalysis.
As representatives of enantioselective self-amplifying stereodynamic catalysts a novel class of diazirine based ligands will be developed, their interconversion barrier is tuneable between 80 and 130 kJ/mol. Specifically, following areas will be explored:
1. Investigation of the kinetics and thermodynamics of the Soai reaction as a model reaction by analysis of large sets of kinetic data.
2. Ligands with diaziridine moieties with flexible structure will be designed and investigated, to control the enantioselectivity.
3. Design of a ligand receptor group for product interaction to switch the chirality. Study of self-amplification in enantioselective processes.
4. Enantioselective hydrogenations, Diels-Alder reactions, epoxidations and reactions generating multiple stereocenters will be targeted.
Max ERC Funding
1 452 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-12-01, End date: 2016-05-31
Project acronym ANAMULTISCALE
Project Analysis of Multiscale Systems Driven by Functionals
Researcher (PI) Alexander Mielke
Host Institution (HI) FORSCHUNGSVERBUND BERLIN EV
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE1, ERC-2010-AdG_20100224
Summary Many complex phenomena in the sciences are described by nonlinear partial differential equations, the solutions of which exhibit oscillations and concentration effects on multiple temporal or spatial scales. Our aim is to use methods from applied analysis to contribute to the understanding of the interplay of effects on different scales. The central question is to determine those quantities on the microscale which are needed to for the correct description of the macroscopic evolution.
We aim to develop a mathematical framework for analyzing and modeling coupled systems with multiple scales. This will include Hamiltonian dynamics as well as different types of dissipation like gradient flows or rate-independent dynamics. The choice of models will be guided by specific applications in material modeling (e.g., thermoplasticity, pattern formation, porous media) and optoelectronics (pulse interaction, Maxwell-Bloch systems, semiconductors, quantum mechanics). The research will address mathematically fundamental issues like existence and stability of solutions but will mainly be devoted to the modeling of multiscale phenomena in evolution systems. We will focus on systems with geometric structures, where the dynamics is driven by functionals. Thus, we can go much beyond the classical theory of homogenization and singular perturbations. The novel features of our approach are
- the combination of different dynamical effects in one framework,
- the use of geometric and metric structures for coupled partial differential equations,
- the exploitation of Gamma-convergence for evolution systems driven by functionals.
Summary
Many complex phenomena in the sciences are described by nonlinear partial differential equations, the solutions of which exhibit oscillations and concentration effects on multiple temporal or spatial scales. Our aim is to use methods from applied analysis to contribute to the understanding of the interplay of effects on different scales. The central question is to determine those quantities on the microscale which are needed to for the correct description of the macroscopic evolution.
We aim to develop a mathematical framework for analyzing and modeling coupled systems with multiple scales. This will include Hamiltonian dynamics as well as different types of dissipation like gradient flows or rate-independent dynamics. The choice of models will be guided by specific applications in material modeling (e.g., thermoplasticity, pattern formation, porous media) and optoelectronics (pulse interaction, Maxwell-Bloch systems, semiconductors, quantum mechanics). The research will address mathematically fundamental issues like existence and stability of solutions but will mainly be devoted to the modeling of multiscale phenomena in evolution systems. We will focus on systems with geometric structures, where the dynamics is driven by functionals. Thus, we can go much beyond the classical theory of homogenization and singular perturbations. The novel features of our approach are
- the combination of different dynamical effects in one framework,
- the use of geometric and metric structures for coupled partial differential equations,
- the exploitation of Gamma-convergence for evolution systems driven by functionals.
Max ERC Funding
1 390 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-04-01, End date: 2017-03-31
Project acronym ANOPTSETCON
Project Analysis of optimal sets and optimal constants: old questions and new results
Researcher (PI) Aldo Pratelli
Host Institution (HI) FRIEDRICH-ALEXANDER-UNIVERSITAET ERLANGEN NUERNBERG
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE1, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary The analysis of geometric and functional inequalities naturally leads to consider the extremal cases, thus
looking for optimal sets, or optimal functions, or optimal constants. The most classical examples are the (different versions of the) isoperimetric inequality and the Sobolev-like inequalities. Much is known about equality cases and best constants, but there are still many questions which seem quite natural but yet have no answer. For instance, it is not known, even in the 2-dimensional space, the answer of a question by Brezis: which set,
among those with a given volume, has the biggest Sobolev-Poincaré constant for p=1? This is a very natural problem, and it appears reasonable that the optimal set should be the ball, but this has never been proved. The interest in problems like this relies not only in the extreme simplicity of the questions and in their classical flavour, but also in the new ideas and techniques which are needed to provide the answers.
The main techniques that we aim to use are fine arguments of symmetrization, geometric constructions and tools from mass transportation (which is well known to be deeply connected with functional inequalities). These are the basic tools that we already used to reach, in last years, many results in a specific direction, namely the search of sharp quantitative inequalities. Our first result, together with Fusco and Maggi, showed what follows. Everybody knows that the set which minimizes the perimeter with given volume is the ball.
But is it true that a set which almost minimizes the perimeter must be close to a ball? The question had been posed in the 1920's and many partial result appeared in the years. In our paper (Ann. of Math., 2007) we proved the sharp result. Many other results of this kind were obtained in last two years.
Summary
The analysis of geometric and functional inequalities naturally leads to consider the extremal cases, thus
looking for optimal sets, or optimal functions, or optimal constants. The most classical examples are the (different versions of the) isoperimetric inequality and the Sobolev-like inequalities. Much is known about equality cases and best constants, but there are still many questions which seem quite natural but yet have no answer. For instance, it is not known, even in the 2-dimensional space, the answer of a question by Brezis: which set,
among those with a given volume, has the biggest Sobolev-Poincaré constant for p=1? This is a very natural problem, and it appears reasonable that the optimal set should be the ball, but this has never been proved. The interest in problems like this relies not only in the extreme simplicity of the questions and in their classical flavour, but also in the new ideas and techniques which are needed to provide the answers.
The main techniques that we aim to use are fine arguments of symmetrization, geometric constructions and tools from mass transportation (which is well known to be deeply connected with functional inequalities). These are the basic tools that we already used to reach, in last years, many results in a specific direction, namely the search of sharp quantitative inequalities. Our first result, together with Fusco and Maggi, showed what follows. Everybody knows that the set which minimizes the perimeter with given volume is the ball.
But is it true that a set which almost minimizes the perimeter must be close to a ball? The question had been posed in the 1920's and many partial result appeared in the years. In our paper (Ann. of Math., 2007) we proved the sharp result. Many other results of this kind were obtained in last two years.
Max ERC Funding
540 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-08-01, End date: 2015-07-31
Project acronym ANTHOS
Project Analytic Number Theory: Higher Order Structures
Researcher (PI) Valentin Blomer
Host Institution (HI) GEORG-AUGUST-UNIVERSITAT GOTTINGENSTIFTUNG OFFENTLICHEN RECHTS
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE1, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary This is a proposal for research at the interface of analytic number theory, automorphic forms and algebraic geometry. Motivated by fundamental conjectures in number theory, classical problems will be investigated in higher order situations: general number fields, automorphic forms on higher rank groups, the arithmetic of algebraic varieties of higher degree. In particular, I want to focus on
- computation of moments of L-function of degree 3 and higher with applications to subconvexity and/or non-vanishing, as well as subconvexity for multiple L-functions;
- bounds for sup-norms of cusp forms on various spaces and equidistribution of Hecke correspondences;
- automorphic forms on higher rank groups and general number fields, in particular new bounds towards the Ramanujan conjecture;
- a proof of Manin's conjecture for a certain class of singular algebraic varieties.
The underlying methods are closely related; for example, rational points on algebraic varieties
will be counted by a multiple L-series technique.
Summary
This is a proposal for research at the interface of analytic number theory, automorphic forms and algebraic geometry. Motivated by fundamental conjectures in number theory, classical problems will be investigated in higher order situations: general number fields, automorphic forms on higher rank groups, the arithmetic of algebraic varieties of higher degree. In particular, I want to focus on
- computation of moments of L-function of degree 3 and higher with applications to subconvexity and/or non-vanishing, as well as subconvexity for multiple L-functions;
- bounds for sup-norms of cusp forms on various spaces and equidistribution of Hecke correspondences;
- automorphic forms on higher rank groups and general number fields, in particular new bounds towards the Ramanujan conjecture;
- a proof of Manin's conjecture for a certain class of singular algebraic varieties.
The underlying methods are closely related; for example, rational points on algebraic varieties
will be counted by a multiple L-series technique.
Max ERC Funding
1 004 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-10-01, End date: 2015-09-30
Project acronym ANTIBACTERIALS
Project Natural products and their cellular targets: A multidisciplinary strategy for antibacterial drug discovery
Researcher (PI) Stephan Axel Sieber
Host Institution (HI) TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary After decades of successful treatment of bacterial infections with antibiotics, formerly treatable bacteria have developed drug resistance and consequently pose a major threat to public health. To address the urgent need for effective antibacterial drugs we will develop a streamlined chemical-biology platform that facilitates the consolidated identification and structural elucidation of natural products together with their dedicated cellular targets. This innovative concept overcomes several limitations of classical drug discovery processes by a chemical strategy that focuses on a directed isolation, enrichment and identification procedure for certain privileged natural product subclasses. This proposal consists of four specific aims: 1) synthesizing enzyme active site mimetics that capture protein reactive natural products out of complex natural sources, 2) designing natural product based probes to identify their cellular targets by a method called activity based protein profiling , 3) developing a traceless photocrosslinking strategy for the target identification of selected non-reactive natural products, and 4) application of all probes to identify novel enzyme activities linked to viability, resistance and pathogenesis. Moreover, the compounds will be used to monitor the infection process during invasion into eukaryotic cells and will reveal host specific targets that promote and support bacterial pathogenesis. Inhibition of these targets is a novel and so far neglected approach in the treatment of infectious diseases. We anticipate that these studies will provide a powerful pharmacological platform for the development of potent natural product derived antibacterial agents directed toward novel therapeutic targets.
Summary
After decades of successful treatment of bacterial infections with antibiotics, formerly treatable bacteria have developed drug resistance and consequently pose a major threat to public health. To address the urgent need for effective antibacterial drugs we will develop a streamlined chemical-biology platform that facilitates the consolidated identification and structural elucidation of natural products together with their dedicated cellular targets. This innovative concept overcomes several limitations of classical drug discovery processes by a chemical strategy that focuses on a directed isolation, enrichment and identification procedure for certain privileged natural product subclasses. This proposal consists of four specific aims: 1) synthesizing enzyme active site mimetics that capture protein reactive natural products out of complex natural sources, 2) designing natural product based probes to identify their cellular targets by a method called activity based protein profiling , 3) developing a traceless photocrosslinking strategy for the target identification of selected non-reactive natural products, and 4) application of all probes to identify novel enzyme activities linked to viability, resistance and pathogenesis. Moreover, the compounds will be used to monitor the infection process during invasion into eukaryotic cells and will reveal host specific targets that promote and support bacterial pathogenesis. Inhibition of these targets is a novel and so far neglected approach in the treatment of infectious diseases. We anticipate that these studies will provide a powerful pharmacological platform for the development of potent natural product derived antibacterial agents directed toward novel therapeutic targets.
Max ERC Funding
1 500 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-11-01, End date: 2015-10-31
Project acronym ASYMMETRY
Project Measurement of CP violation in the B_s system at LHCb
Researcher (PI) Stephanie Hansmann-Menzemer
Host Institution (HI) RUPRECHT-KARLS-UNIVERSITAET HEIDELBERG
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary The Large Hadron collider (LHC) at CERN will be a milestone for the understanding of fundamental interactions and for the future of high energy
physics. Four large experiments at the LHC are complementarily addressing the question of the origin of our Universe by searching for so-called New Physics.
The world of particles and their interactions is nowadays described by the Standard Model. Up to now there is no single measurement from laboratory experiments which contradicts this theory. However, there are still many open questions, thus physicists are convinced that there is a more fundamental theory, which incorporates New Physics.
It is expected that at the LHC either New Physics beyond the Standard Model will be discovered or excluded up to very high energies, which would revolutionize the understanding of particle physics and require completely new experimental and theoretical concepts.
The LHCb (Large Hadron Collider beauty) experiment is dedicated to precision measurements of B hadrons (B hadrons are all particles containing a beauty quark).
The analysis proposed here is the measurement of asymmetries between B_s particles and anti-B_s particles at the LHCb experiment. Any New Physics model will change the rate of observable processes via additional quantum corrections. Particle antiparticle asymmetries are extremely sensitive to these corrections thus a very powerful tool for indirect searches for New Physics contributions. In the past, most of the ground-breaking findings in particle physics, such as the existence of the
charm quark and the existence of a third quark family, have first been observed in indirect searches.
First - still statistically limited - measurements of the asymmetry in the B_s system indicate a 2 sigma deviation from the Standard Model prediction. A precision measurement of this asymmetry is potentially the first observation for New Physics beyond the Standard Model at the LHC. If no hint for New Physics will be found, this measurement will severely restrict the range of potential New Physics models.
Summary
The Large Hadron collider (LHC) at CERN will be a milestone for the understanding of fundamental interactions and for the future of high energy
physics. Four large experiments at the LHC are complementarily addressing the question of the origin of our Universe by searching for so-called New Physics.
The world of particles and their interactions is nowadays described by the Standard Model. Up to now there is no single measurement from laboratory experiments which contradicts this theory. However, there are still many open questions, thus physicists are convinced that there is a more fundamental theory, which incorporates New Physics.
It is expected that at the LHC either New Physics beyond the Standard Model will be discovered or excluded up to very high energies, which would revolutionize the understanding of particle physics and require completely new experimental and theoretical concepts.
The LHCb (Large Hadron Collider beauty) experiment is dedicated to precision measurements of B hadrons (B hadrons are all particles containing a beauty quark).
The analysis proposed here is the measurement of asymmetries between B_s particles and anti-B_s particles at the LHCb experiment. Any New Physics model will change the rate of observable processes via additional quantum corrections. Particle antiparticle asymmetries are extremely sensitive to these corrections thus a very powerful tool for indirect searches for New Physics contributions. In the past, most of the ground-breaking findings in particle physics, such as the existence of the
charm quark and the existence of a third quark family, have first been observed in indirect searches.
First - still statistically limited - measurements of the asymmetry in the B_s system indicate a 2 sigma deviation from the Standard Model prediction. A precision measurement of this asymmetry is potentially the first observation for New Physics beyond the Standard Model at the LHC. If no hint for New Physics will be found, this measurement will severely restrict the range of potential New Physics models.
Max ERC Funding
1 059 240 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-01-01, End date: 2015-12-31
Project acronym ATHENE
Project Designing new technical wastewater treatment solutions targeted for organic micropollutant biodegradation, by understanding enzymatic pathways and assessing detoxification
Researcher (PI) Thomas Ternes
Host Institution (HI) Bundesanstalt fuer Gewaesserkunde
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE8, ERC-2010-AdG_20100224
Summary The identification of degradation pathways relevant for organic micropollutants in biological wastewater treatment processes is currently a major gap, preventing a profound evaluation of the capability of biological wastewater treatment. By elucidating the responsible enzymatic reactions of mixed microbial populations this project will cover this gap and thereby allow finding technical solutions that harness the true potential of biological processes for an enhanced biodegradation and detoxification. Due to the multi-disciplinary approach Athene will have impacts on the fields of biological wastewater treatment, analytical and environmental chemistry, environmental microbiology, water and (eco)toxicity. The multi-disciplinary approach of the project requires the involvement of a co-investigator experienced in process engineering and microbiology in wastewater treatment. Athene will go far beyond state-of-the-art in the following fields: a) efficiency in chemical analysis and structure identification of transformation products at environmental relevant concentrations; b) identification of enzymatic pathways relevant for micropollutant degradation in biological wastewater treatment; c) designing innovative technical solutions to maximize biodegradation; d) map and model relevant enzymatic pathways for environmental concentrations. Furthermore, designing biological wastewater treatment processes by understanding enzymatic pathways relevant for organic micropollutants removal represents a paradigm shift for municipal wastewater treatment. In the context of the actual scientific discussion about the relevance of trace organics in the aquatic environment and in drinking water, this topic is deemed as highly innovative: for its potential of proposing new technical options as well as for the gain in understanding compound persistency. Finally enzymatic reactions as well as the treatment schemes will be assessed for there capability to reduce toxiciological effects.
Summary
The identification of degradation pathways relevant for organic micropollutants in biological wastewater treatment processes is currently a major gap, preventing a profound evaluation of the capability of biological wastewater treatment. By elucidating the responsible enzymatic reactions of mixed microbial populations this project will cover this gap and thereby allow finding technical solutions that harness the true potential of biological processes for an enhanced biodegradation and detoxification. Due to the multi-disciplinary approach Athene will have impacts on the fields of biological wastewater treatment, analytical and environmental chemistry, environmental microbiology, water and (eco)toxicity. The multi-disciplinary approach of the project requires the involvement of a co-investigator experienced in process engineering and microbiology in wastewater treatment. Athene will go far beyond state-of-the-art in the following fields: a) efficiency in chemical analysis and structure identification of transformation products at environmental relevant concentrations; b) identification of enzymatic pathways relevant for micropollutant degradation in biological wastewater treatment; c) designing innovative technical solutions to maximize biodegradation; d) map and model relevant enzymatic pathways for environmental concentrations. Furthermore, designing biological wastewater treatment processes by understanding enzymatic pathways relevant for organic micropollutants removal represents a paradigm shift for municipal wastewater treatment. In the context of the actual scientific discussion about the relevance of trace organics in the aquatic environment and in drinking water, this topic is deemed as highly innovative: for its potential of proposing new technical options as well as for the gain in understanding compound persistency. Finally enzymatic reactions as well as the treatment schemes will be assessed for there capability to reduce toxiciological effects.
Max ERC Funding
3 473 400 €
Duration
Start date: 2011-04-01, End date: 2017-03-31
Project acronym ATTOELECTRONICS
Project Attoelectronics: Steering electrons in atoms and molecules with synthesized waveforms of light
Researcher (PI) Eleftherios Goulielmakis
Host Institution (HI) MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2010-StG_20091028
Summary In order for electronics to meet the ever raising demands for higher speeds of operation, the dimensions of its basic elements drop continuously. This miniaturization, that will soon meet the dimensions of a single molecule or an atom, calls for new approaches in electronics that take advantage, rather than confront the dominant at these scales quantum laws.
Electronics on the scale of atoms and molecules require fields that are able to trigger and to steer electrons at speeds comparable to their intrinsic dynamics, determined by the quantum mechanical laws. For the valence electrons of atoms and molecules, this motion is clocked in tens to thousands of attoseconds, (1 as =10-18 sec) implying the potential for executing basic electronic operations in the PHz regime and beyond. This is approximately ~1000000 times faster as compared to any contemporary technology.
To meet this challenging goal, this project will utilize conceptual and technological advances of attosecond science as its primary tools. First, pulses of light, the fields of which can be sculpted and characterized with attosecond accuracy, for triggering as well as for terminating the ultrafast electron motion in an atom or a molecule. Second, attosecond pulses in the extreme ultraviolet, which can probe and frame-freeze the created electron motion, with unprecedented resolution, and determine the direction and the magnitude of the created currents.
This project will interrogate the limits of the fastest electronic motion that light fields can trigger as well as terminate, a few hundreds of attoseconds later, in an atom or a molecule. In this way it aims to explore new routes of atomic and molecular scale electronic switching at PHz frequencies.
Summary
In order for electronics to meet the ever raising demands for higher speeds of operation, the dimensions of its basic elements drop continuously. This miniaturization, that will soon meet the dimensions of a single molecule or an atom, calls for new approaches in electronics that take advantage, rather than confront the dominant at these scales quantum laws.
Electronics on the scale of atoms and molecules require fields that are able to trigger and to steer electrons at speeds comparable to their intrinsic dynamics, determined by the quantum mechanical laws. For the valence electrons of atoms and molecules, this motion is clocked in tens to thousands of attoseconds, (1 as =10-18 sec) implying the potential for executing basic electronic operations in the PHz regime and beyond. This is approximately ~1000000 times faster as compared to any contemporary technology.
To meet this challenging goal, this project will utilize conceptual and technological advances of attosecond science as its primary tools. First, pulses of light, the fields of which can be sculpted and characterized with attosecond accuracy, for triggering as well as for terminating the ultrafast electron motion in an atom or a molecule. Second, attosecond pulses in the extreme ultraviolet, which can probe and frame-freeze the created electron motion, with unprecedented resolution, and determine the direction and the magnitude of the created currents.
This project will interrogate the limits of the fastest electronic motion that light fields can trigger as well as terminate, a few hundreds of attoseconds later, in an atom or a molecule. In this way it aims to explore new routes of atomic and molecular scale electronic switching at PHz frequencies.
Max ERC Funding
1 262 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-12-01, End date: 2016-11-30
