DON Seminar presented by: Saad Yalouz

Saad Yalouz (Laboratoire de Chimie Quantique de Strasbourg)

Abstract : Quantum technologies are opening new perspectives for scientific computing and the simulation of complex quantum systems. However, these advances rely on a dual challenge involving both software and hardware aspects. From a software perspective, the objective is to develop quantum algorithms adapted to emerging quantum computers. From a hardware perspective, a major challenge is to identify physical platforms capable of carrying and controlling quantum information.

It is precisely around this dual software/hardware challenge that my research activities are structured, at the interface between physics, theoretical chemistry, and information science. In a first software-oriented direction, I develop quantum algorithms for the simulation of many-body quantum systems, with applications in quantum chemistry and molecular physics. In a second hardware-oriented direction, I study complex molecular systems as potential resources for quantum technologies, particularly for quantum information transport and encoding at the nanoscale. This presentation will provide an opportunity to discuss these two research directions and the perspectives they open for the development of quantum technologies.

DSI Seminar presented by : Dr. André Linhares Rossi

Dr. André Linhares Rossi (Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Físicas (CBPF), Rio de Janeiro, Brésil)

Abstract : In this seminar, I will present results from experimental studies on the crystallization process of calcium carbonates and phosphates, using high-spatial-resolution techniques such as transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron beamline techniques. Both materials are abundant on Earth in the form of minerals and biominerals (such as the skeletons of vertebrates and invertebrates). Furthermore, they have commercial and environmental significance. The crystallization process can follow non-classical pathways, in which amorphous or crystalline precursors may be present prior to the final phase. The effect of organic additives (polymers and phosphonates) on the crystallization process has also been studied.

Contact : Jacques Werckmann (jacques.werckmann@ipcms.unistra.fr)

Seminar Axis 3 présented by : Dr Sagarika MISHRA

Dr Sagarika MISHRA (School of Physics & Astronomy University of St Andrews)

Abstract:

Overuse of herbicides and pesticides has led to persistent agrochemical residues that threaten environmental health, creating a pressing need for efficient detection strategies in aqueous media. Here, we report luminescent carbazole-based molecules designed to sense a group of pesticides and herbicides, including trifluralin and DNOC. The sensor molecules readily form highly luminescent nanoaggregates in near aqueous environments. Aggregation behaviour was examined through emission measurements and fluorescence lifetime measurements across varying DMSO/water fractions from 0 % to 99 % water in DMSO. Particle sizes determined by SEM and DLS confirmed nanoscale aggregates of 20 nm to 950 nm diameter. These nanoaggregates display strong sensitivity as fluorescence-quenching sensors toward multiple common pesticides, achieving detection limits in the nanomolar to micromolar range, highlighting their potential as efficient luminescent probes for monitoring environmental pollutants.

Seminar “Axe 2 NanoBioSciences”

Jérémie Léonard : Ultrafast Spectroscopy reveals the working principles of (bio-)molecular, light-activated sensors

Stephane Bellemin : Theranostic agents based on metal transition complexes against cancer