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H2020Doctoral network2018–2022

ZULF · Zero and ultra-low field nuclear magnetic resonance

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2018-02-01 → 2022-07-31
EU contribution
€2,769,371
Participants
16
Scheme
MSCA-ITN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Zero and ultra-low field nuclear magnetic resonance

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a powerful technique employed in various areas of science and industry, from medicine to quantum computing. Conventional NMR requires very strong magnetic fields, which provide high spectral and spatial resolutions, but also require application of very expensive and bulky magnets and limit the use of the techniques to nonmagnetic materials or patients without endoprosthesis or cardiac pacemakers. Recent progress in physics and chemistry enabled detection of NMR signals at Zero and Ultra-Low magnetic Fields (ZULFs). The ZULF NMR Innovative Training Network (ITN) was dedicated to developing, exploring, and applying methods of NMR in this regime and providing training to 11 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs). The main scientific objective of the project was to go beyond the state-of-the-art in NMR under ZULF conditions by pushing the boundary in hyperpolarization and magnetometry. Combination of the techniques allowed to investigate chemical dynamics, search for physics beyond the Standard Model, or identify unknown substances.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a powerful technique employed in many areas of modern science and industry. While a seemingly indispensable element of NMR is a strong (>5 T) magnetic field, recent progress in physics and chemistry have enabled detection of NMR signals at ultra-low and truly zero magnetic fields. This completely reverses conditions under which spin-dynamics are investigated and gives access to information unavailable in conventional NMR. A secondary horizon is microscopic low-field magnetic sensors that probe NMR signals of a single molecule, and provide interesting information about molecular dynamics and structures not accessible with conventional NMR. The address of specific molecular sites is a step towards realizing single-molecule quantum information storage.In project ZULF, for the first time, we plan to connect experts of non-conventional NMR to create a network of zero- and ultra-low-field (ZULF) NMR science. We will gather and synergize scientists working on NMR J-spectroscopy, NMR hyperpolarization, ultra-precise and small-scale magnetometry to enhance the field and train a new generation of NMR researchers. Close collaboration with industry will address important challenges of modern NMR. Through frequent meetings, secondments, workshops, and a summer school the early-stage researchers (ESRs) will receive a unique training program on the most modern and advanced aspects of ZULF NMR that is unavailable in any current university course. The network covers a diverse range of projects aimed at bringing the technique to the next level, including spectrometer development, single-molecule detection, analytical chemistry, medical contrast agent imaging and exotic-physics searches.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • UNIWERSYTET JAGIELLONSKI · KrakowCoordinatorPoland
  • FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA · GenovaItaly
  • FUNDACIO INSTITUT DE CIENCIES FOTONIQUES · CastelldefelsSpain
  • Future Processing sp. z o.o. · GliwicePoland
  • JOHANNES GUTENBERG-UNIVERSITAT MAINZ · MainzGermany
  • KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN · LeuvenBelgium
  • ODMR Technologies, Inc · El CerritoUnited States
  • Reinschrift, Science Communication Andreas TrabesingerSwitzerland
  • STELAR SRL · MedeItaly
  • THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE · CAMBRIDGEUnited Kingdom
  • THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA · OaklandUnited States
  • UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TORINO · TorinoItaly
  • UNIVERSITAET ULM · UlmGermany
  • UNIVERSITE LYON 1 CLAUDE BERNARD · Villeurbanne CedexFrance
  • UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON · SOUTHAMPTONUnited Kingdom
  • UNIVERSITY OF YORK · YORK NORTH YORKSHIREUnited Kingdom

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union