Polaritonic project

Controlling the synthesis of molecules and the properties of materials

Impact 

Electromagnetic, or quantum, fluctuations are omnipresent in our Universe. 
Many of the properties of matter are influenced by the interaction between these fluctuations and matter. Research that started around fifteen years ago in France has found that enhancing this interaction in optical cavities makes it possible to radically modify certain of these properties, particularly chemical reactivity. It is possible to accelerate or slow down chemical reactions by making the reagents interact with the fluctuations confined in these cavities. This method also makes it possible to favor a specific product when a chemical reaction gives rise to several products. Such findings have stimulated much interest in this rapidly expanding field of polaritonic chemistry.
In practice, placing molecules on periodic plasmonic arrays or between mirrors placed a few micrometers apart also makes it possible to modify properties like conductivity, magnetism or enzymatic activity. Surprisingly these effects can be induced in the dark  by the quantum fluctuations of the optical resonator when it is in resonance with the molecules or materials.

Limitations to overcome

Polaritonic chemistry is a highly complex field at the interface of quantum electrodynamics and materials science. It brings up new scientific questions that call for in-depth understanding of the underlying processes to better predict their effects. This level of understanding is essential for the development of new theoretical and experimental tools for basic research and also technological development.

Risks

One inherent risk of the project is the complexity of the processes associated with such new effects. Analysis of a wide range of reactions and processes will make it possible to identify and understand the key parameters involved in polaritonics.

Innovation potential

Polaritonic chemistry and materials offer innovative tools for the design and control of the properties of matter which are promising for the enhancement of industrial processes and products. This approach enables the selectivity of chemical reactions to be controlled and thus could help reduce the energy footprint during the synthesis of molecules. The overall objective is to encourage the chemical and pharmaceutical industries to integrate this technological know-how, particularly in Europe. Significant improvements to the conductivity and magnetism of materials are also paving the way for new applications, particularly in the field of spintronics. This innovation potential is driving international interest and revealing hitherto unsuspected technological possibilities.