Project acronym 1st-principles-discs
Project A First Principles Approach to Accretion Discs
Researcher (PI) Martin Elias Pessah
Host Institution (HI) KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET
Country Denmark
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE9, ERC-2012-StG_20111012
Summary Most celestial bodies, from planets, to stars, to black holes; gain mass during their lives by means of an accretion disc. Understanding the physical processes that determine the rate at which matter accretes and energy is radiated in these discs is vital for unraveling the formation, evolution, and fate of almost every type of object in the Universe. Despite the fact that magnetic fields have been known to be crucial in accretion discs since the early 90’s, the majority of astrophysical questions that depend on the details of how disc accretion proceeds are still being addressed using the “standard” accretion disc model (developed in the early 70’s), where magnetic fields do not play an explicit role. This has prevented us from fully exploring the astrophysical consequences and observational signatures of realistic accretion disc models, leading to a profound disconnect between observations (usually interpreted with the standard paradigm) and modern accretion disc theory and numerical simulations (where magnetic turbulence is crucial). The goal of this proposal is to use several complementary approaches in order to finally move beyond the standard paradigm. This program has two main objectives: 1) Develop the theoretical framework to incorporate magnetic fields, and the ensuing turbulence, into self-consistent accretion disc models, and investigate their observational implications. 2) Investigate transport and radiative processes in collision-less disc regions, where non-thermal radiation originates, by employing a kinetic particle description of the plasma. In order to achieve these goals, we will use, and build upon, state-of-the-art magnetohydrodynamic and particle-in-cell codes in conjunction with theoretical modeling. This framework will make it possible to address fundamental questions on stellar and planet formation, binary systems with a compact object, and supermassive black hole feedback in a way that has no counterpart within the standard paradigm.
Summary
Most celestial bodies, from planets, to stars, to black holes; gain mass during their lives by means of an accretion disc. Understanding the physical processes that determine the rate at which matter accretes and energy is radiated in these discs is vital for unraveling the formation, evolution, and fate of almost every type of object in the Universe. Despite the fact that magnetic fields have been known to be crucial in accretion discs since the early 90’s, the majority of astrophysical questions that depend on the details of how disc accretion proceeds are still being addressed using the “standard” accretion disc model (developed in the early 70’s), where magnetic fields do not play an explicit role. This has prevented us from fully exploring the astrophysical consequences and observational signatures of realistic accretion disc models, leading to a profound disconnect between observations (usually interpreted with the standard paradigm) and modern accretion disc theory and numerical simulations (where magnetic turbulence is crucial). The goal of this proposal is to use several complementary approaches in order to finally move beyond the standard paradigm. This program has two main objectives: 1) Develop the theoretical framework to incorporate magnetic fields, and the ensuing turbulence, into self-consistent accretion disc models, and investigate their observational implications. 2) Investigate transport and radiative processes in collision-less disc regions, where non-thermal radiation originates, by employing a kinetic particle description of the plasma. In order to achieve these goals, we will use, and build upon, state-of-the-art magnetohydrodynamic and particle-in-cell codes in conjunction with theoretical modeling. This framework will make it possible to address fundamental questions on stellar and planet formation, binary systems with a compact object, and supermassive black hole feedback in a way that has no counterpart within the standard paradigm.
Max ERC Funding
1 793 697 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-02-01, End date: 2018-01-31
Project acronym LOBENA
Project Long Beamtime Experiments for Nuclear Astrophysics
Researcher (PI) Hans Otto Uldall Fynbo
Host Institution (HI) AARHUS UNIVERSITET
Country Denmark
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2012-StG_20111012
Summary The goal of LOBENA is to measure key properties needed for understanding nuclear processes in the Cosmos. Nuclear Astrophysics plays a key role in our quest to understand the origin and distribution of the chemical elements in our galaxy. Nuclear processes are crucial for understanding the energy production in the universe and are essential for describing the creation of chemical elements from the ashes of the Big Bang. Uncertainties in the nuclear physics can therefore influence our understanding of many astrophysical processes, both those involving stable stellar burning phases and explosive phenomena such as X-ray bursts, gamma-ray bursts and supernovae.
In LOBENA (LOng Beamtime Experiments for Nuclear Astrophysics) I will initiate a series of studies in Nuclear Astrophysics, which have in common the need for long beam times and the use of complete kinematics detection of several particles emitted in reactions. The core of the project will focus on the systems 8Be, 12C and 16O where today key open questions of great importance remain to answered. These questions can be addressed by reactions induced by low energy (<5MeV) beams of protons and 3He on light targets such as 6,7Li, 9Be, 10,11B and 19F using a newly developed complete kinematics detection procedure. The department of Physics and Astronomy in Aarhus provides a unique scene for doing these measurements since it provides accelerators where long beam time can be guarantied. LOBENA will also include complimentary experiments at international user facilities such as ISOLDE (CERN), KVI (Groningen), JYFL and (Jyväskylä).
With this ERC starting grant proposal I wish to start up my own group around Nuclear Astrophysics experiments in house and at international user facilities. With two Post Doc.s and a Ph.D. I will be much better able to fully exploit the scientific potential of the proposed research, which will also help to consolidate my own research career and give me more independence.
Summary
The goal of LOBENA is to measure key properties needed for understanding nuclear processes in the Cosmos. Nuclear Astrophysics plays a key role in our quest to understand the origin and distribution of the chemical elements in our galaxy. Nuclear processes are crucial for understanding the energy production in the universe and are essential for describing the creation of chemical elements from the ashes of the Big Bang. Uncertainties in the nuclear physics can therefore influence our understanding of many astrophysical processes, both those involving stable stellar burning phases and explosive phenomena such as X-ray bursts, gamma-ray bursts and supernovae.
In LOBENA (LOng Beamtime Experiments for Nuclear Astrophysics) I will initiate a series of studies in Nuclear Astrophysics, which have in common the need for long beam times and the use of complete kinematics detection of several particles emitted in reactions. The core of the project will focus on the systems 8Be, 12C and 16O where today key open questions of great importance remain to answered. These questions can be addressed by reactions induced by low energy (<5MeV) beams of protons and 3He on light targets such as 6,7Li, 9Be, 10,11B and 19F using a newly developed complete kinematics detection procedure. The department of Physics and Astronomy in Aarhus provides a unique scene for doing these measurements since it provides accelerators where long beam time can be guarantied. LOBENA will also include complimentary experiments at international user facilities such as ISOLDE (CERN), KVI (Groningen), JYFL and (Jyväskylä).
With this ERC starting grant proposal I wish to start up my own group around Nuclear Astrophysics experiments in house and at international user facilities. With two Post Doc.s and a Ph.D. I will be much better able to fully exploit the scientific potential of the proposed research, which will also help to consolidate my own research career and give me more independence.
Max ERC Funding
1 476 075 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-11-01, End date: 2018-10-31
Project acronym NanoTrigger
Project Triggerable nanomaterials to modulate cell activity
Researcher (PI) Lino Da Silva Ferreira
Host Institution (HI) CENTRO DE NEUROCIENCIAS E BIOLOGIACELULAR ASSOCIACAO
Country Portugal
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE8, ERC-2012-StG_20111012
Summary The advent of molecular reprogramming and the associated opportunities for personalised and therapeutic medicine requires the development of novel systems for on-demand delivery of reprogramming factors into cells in order to modulate their activity/identity. Such triggerable systems should allow precise control of the timing, duration, magnitude and spatial release of the reprogramming factors. Furthermore, the system should allow this control even in vivo, using non-invasive means. The present project aims at developing triggerable systems able to release efficiently reprogramming factors on demand. The potential of this technology will be tested in two settings: (i) in the reprogramming of somatic cells in vitro, and (ii) in the improvement of hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in vivo, at the bone marrow. The proposed research involves a team formed by engineers, chemists, biologists and is highly multidisciplinary in nature encompassing elements of engineering, chemistry, system biology, stem cell technology and nanomedicine.
Summary
The advent of molecular reprogramming and the associated opportunities for personalised and therapeutic medicine requires the development of novel systems for on-demand delivery of reprogramming factors into cells in order to modulate their activity/identity. Such triggerable systems should allow precise control of the timing, duration, magnitude and spatial release of the reprogramming factors. Furthermore, the system should allow this control even in vivo, using non-invasive means. The present project aims at developing triggerable systems able to release efficiently reprogramming factors on demand. The potential of this technology will be tested in two settings: (i) in the reprogramming of somatic cells in vitro, and (ii) in the improvement of hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in vivo, at the bone marrow. The proposed research involves a team formed by engineers, chemists, biologists and is highly multidisciplinary in nature encompassing elements of engineering, chemistry, system biology, stem cell technology and nanomedicine.
Max ERC Funding
1 699 320 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-11-01, End date: 2017-10-31
Project acronym QIOS
Project Quantum Interfaces and Open Systems
Researcher (PI) Anders Soerensen
Host Institution (HI) KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET
Country Denmark
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2012-StG_20111012
Summary "Researchers have strived to obtain control of a variety of different quantum systems, each characterized by their own distinct advantages: quantum optical systems offer excellent isolation from the environment while solid state systems allow for integrated micro-fabricated devices. At the same time nuclear spins in molecules can remain decoupled from the environment even under rather harsh conditions, and this is the basis of NMR experiments. Given these distinct advantages it is very fruitful to investigate hybrid devices merging the advantages of each of the systems. To do this it is essential to develop quantum interfaces to connect the different systems. By their very nature such quantum interfaces exchange information with their environment and are therefore open quantum systems.
In this project I wish to establish a strong theoretical quantum optics group which can guide and inspire the experiments towards breaking new grounds for open quantum systems and making quantum interfaces between distinct physical systems. The objective is to develop concrete proposals for how to experimentally control and exploit the interaction of quantum systems with their surroundings and for how this can be used for quantum interfaces.
The work in this project is particularly relevant for applications in quantum information processing, where the current challenge is to take the field from proof-of-principle demonstrations to truly scalable devices. Such challenge demands new interdisciplinary theoretical ideas for hybrid devices. This proposal addresses several key challenges for quantum information processing: scalable multimode quantum repeaters based on hybrid approaches, entanglement enabled quantum metrology, photonic engineering based on surface plasmons, dissipative preparation of entangled states, and phonon engineering for quantum dots. In addition applications towards nuclear spin cooling to improve NMR experiments as well as ultra cold atoms will be explored."
Summary
"Researchers have strived to obtain control of a variety of different quantum systems, each characterized by their own distinct advantages: quantum optical systems offer excellent isolation from the environment while solid state systems allow for integrated micro-fabricated devices. At the same time nuclear spins in molecules can remain decoupled from the environment even under rather harsh conditions, and this is the basis of NMR experiments. Given these distinct advantages it is very fruitful to investigate hybrid devices merging the advantages of each of the systems. To do this it is essential to develop quantum interfaces to connect the different systems. By their very nature such quantum interfaces exchange information with their environment and are therefore open quantum systems.
In this project I wish to establish a strong theoretical quantum optics group which can guide and inspire the experiments towards breaking new grounds for open quantum systems and making quantum interfaces between distinct physical systems. The objective is to develop concrete proposals for how to experimentally control and exploit the interaction of quantum systems with their surroundings and for how this can be used for quantum interfaces.
The work in this project is particularly relevant for applications in quantum information processing, where the current challenge is to take the field from proof-of-principle demonstrations to truly scalable devices. Such challenge demands new interdisciplinary theoretical ideas for hybrid devices. This proposal addresses several key challenges for quantum information processing: scalable multimode quantum repeaters based on hybrid approaches, entanglement enabled quantum metrology, photonic engineering based on surface plasmons, dissipative preparation of entangled states, and phonon engineering for quantum dots. In addition applications towards nuclear spin cooling to improve NMR experiments as well as ultra cold atoms will be explored."
Max ERC Funding
1 431 542 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-10-01, End date: 2017-09-30
Project acronym Universal Banking
Project Universal Banking, Corporate Control and Crises
Researcher (PI) Miguel Luis Sousa De Almeida Ferreira
Host Institution (HI) FACULDADE DE ECONOMIA DA UNIVERSIDADE NOVA DE LISBOA
Country Portugal
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), SH1, ERC-2012-StG_20111124
Summary Financial intermediaries play a vital role in providing capital to corporations. The 2007-2009 financial crisis had dramatic consequences on the organization of the financial system that led to the rise of universal banking and financial conglomerates. Financial conglomerates have been common in Europe, but the recent developments have eroded the separation of commercial and investment banking elsewhere. Financial conglomerates act as lenders but also underwrite and trade securities, have equity stakes and sit on the board of corporations, and manage mutual and pension funds that invest in corporations. These forms of corporate control by financial conglomerates are distinct in their incentives and costs and therefore can have distinct effects on non-financial corporations. We will study the effect of control by financial conglomerates on corporation’s performance, investment, financing, and corporate governance policies. A particular relevant channel through which financial conglomerates can affect firm’s policies is the credit channel. Firms establish relationships with financial conglomerates that give easier access to credit and potentially at a lower cost due to economies of scale in information collection and monitoring. There may be, however, costs to firms with a close relationship with a financial conglomerate as firms may be locked up due to an information monopoly. We will study the effects of bank-firm relationships on the loan market. In particular, we will examine the importance of these relationships for explaining differences in the cost of bank distress across firms. The hypothesis is that strong ties with banks reduce firms’ ability to substitute relationship bank loans with other sources of external finance, and therefore firms with stronger relationships could experience greater costs during financial crises. We will contribute to the understanding the consequences of shocks to the financial health of banks for nonfinancial firms.
Summary
Financial intermediaries play a vital role in providing capital to corporations. The 2007-2009 financial crisis had dramatic consequences on the organization of the financial system that led to the rise of universal banking and financial conglomerates. Financial conglomerates have been common in Europe, but the recent developments have eroded the separation of commercial and investment banking elsewhere. Financial conglomerates act as lenders but also underwrite and trade securities, have equity stakes and sit on the board of corporations, and manage mutual and pension funds that invest in corporations. These forms of corporate control by financial conglomerates are distinct in their incentives and costs and therefore can have distinct effects on non-financial corporations. We will study the effect of control by financial conglomerates on corporation’s performance, investment, financing, and corporate governance policies. A particular relevant channel through which financial conglomerates can affect firm’s policies is the credit channel. Firms establish relationships with financial conglomerates that give easier access to credit and potentially at a lower cost due to economies of scale in information collection and monitoring. There may be, however, costs to firms with a close relationship with a financial conglomerate as firms may be locked up due to an information monopoly. We will study the effects of bank-firm relationships on the loan market. In particular, we will examine the importance of these relationships for explaining differences in the cost of bank distress across firms. The hypothesis is that strong ties with banks reduce firms’ ability to substitute relationship bank loans with other sources of external finance, and therefore firms with stronger relationships could experience greater costs during financial crises. We will contribute to the understanding the consequences of shocks to the financial health of banks for nonfinancial firms.
Max ERC Funding
1 174 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2013-03-01, End date: 2018-02-28
