EDMs, i.e. electric dipole moments of electrons, neutrons or nuclei are sensitive probes for new physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. In the present project, we propose to measure the EDM of those systems embedded in a cryogenic solid matrix of inert gas or hydrogen. Matrices offer unprecedented sample sizes while maintaining characteristics of an atomic physics experiment, such as the possibility of manipulation by lasers. An EDM experiment on molecules in inert gas matrices has the potential to reach a statistical sensitivity of the order of 1e–36 e cm; a value beyond that of any other proposed technique. With this project, in a strong collaboration between experimental (LAC, ISMO,LPL) and theoretical (CIMAP) groups, we first aim at performing a detailed investigation of all limiting effects (mainly the ones limiting the optical pumping performance and coherence time) using Cs atoms. This should provide a first proof of principle EDM measurement and set the ground for precise study of systematic effects which will allow EDMMA to reach unprecedented precision

Weak gravitational lensing is a powerful probe to study the Universe and will be used in the coming years by both Euclid and SKA surveys. Forecasts have shown that Euclid-SKA synergy will allow us to control systematics with an accuracy impossible to achieve using only one single survey. The objective of TOSCA is threefold: i) develop new weak lensing radio tools for deep learning image reconstruction and galaxy shape measurements; ii) develop efficient deep learning mass mapping methods for both Euclid and SKA including an estimation of the uncertainties, and iii) develop statistical tools to jointly estimate cosmological parameters from both surveys. TOSCA will show the reliability of the proposed methodologies to tackle Euclid/SKA Big Data challenges to obtain a dark matter mass map of the Universe and accurately derive the cosmological parameters.

We propose the development of a new generation of an integrated ion source system for the production of very pure radioactive ion beams at low energy, including isomeric beams. This ion source is also, in its own right, an experimental tool for laser spectroscopy. The Rare Elements in-Gas Laser Ion Source and Spectroscopy device will be installed at the S3 spectrometer, currently under construction as part of the SPIRAL-2 facility at the GANIL laboratory in Caen. Thus, REGLIS3 will be a source for the production of new and pure radioactive ion beams at low energy as well as a spectroscopic tool to measure nuclear hyperfine interactions, giving access to charge radii, electromagnetic moments and nuclear spins of exotic nuclei so far not studied. It consists of a gas cell in which the heavy-ion beam coming from S3 will stopped and neutralized, coupled to a laser system that assures a selective re-ionisation of the atoms of interest. Ionization can be performed in the gas cell or in the gas jet streaming out of the cell. A radiofrequency quadrupole is added to capture the photo-ions and to guide them to the low-pressure zone thereby achieving good emittance of the produced low-energy beam that will be sent to a standard measurement station. Owing to the unique combination of such a device with the radioactive heavy ion beams from S3, a new realm of unknown isotopes at unusual isospin (N/Z ratio, refered to as exotic isotopes) will become accessible. The scientific goals focus on the study of ground-state properties of the N=Z nuclei up to the doubly-magic 100Sn and those of the very heavy and superheavy elements even beyond fermium. Once routine operation is achieved the beams will be used by a new users community as e.g. decay studies and mass measurements. The goal of the proposal is to develop this new, efficient, and universal source for pure, even isomeric, beams and for pioneering high-resolution laser spectroscopy that will overcome the present experimental constraints to study very exotic nuclei.

The present project deals with synthesis of microporous zeolite type materials with the ultimate goal to reach a deeper understanding of their mechanism of formation. Zeolites and zeolite-like materials are studied today and applied in many different ways and fields including but not limited to ion exchange, catalytic processes, adsorption applications, electronic and sensing applications as well as in medicine and nanotechnology. Zeolites are ecologically friendly and expanding the scope and range of their applications would improve and transform many technological and industrial processes towards more environmentally beneficial operations. Understanding the process of zeolite nucleation and crystal growth and the factors controlling it is of importance because it provides a basis for rational design and prediction of zeolite structures with desired properties, which include not only their crystal structure but also their physical and chemical properties such as size, shape stability, reactivity, and composition. Together with zeolites, metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs) and lately the porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) attracted the attention of academic and applied scientist with their extremely high sorption capacity in respect to greenhouse gases. A specific feature of proposed research is that the synthesis of zeolites (French team) and PAF-type materials (Chinese team) will be performed at ambient temperature. This approach will be used in order to slow down the crystallization kinetics and to study the intermediates under quasi in situ conditions. Thus detail information on the intermediates, type of structures, phases and inhomogeneities present at different stages of microporous materials formation and gel transformation will be obtained. This approach will also provide a fine control of crystal growth kinetics and thus synthesis of microporous phases that cannot be obtained under conventional conditions. Low temperature conditions will be further employed for synthesis of zeolites on supports that cannot withstand conventional hydrothermal treatment. Synthesized series of zeolites, PAFs and composites materials will be further used for greenhouse gases and water pollutants elimination. The project includes: (i) development and optimization of synthesis techniques and their application to the synthesis of zeolites and PAFs crystals including conducting time-series synthesis experiments under variable conditions and starting materials in order to reveal the dynamics and kinetics as well as the spatial aspects of the process of transformation of the amorphous gels (suspensions) into crystalline solids; (ii) structural and compositional characterization of the synthesis products and their intermediates; (iii) iterative analysis of the results and modification of the experimental condition in order to achieve the set goals; (iv) synthesis of zeolite-type materials under “green conditions” that includes minimum use of energy and full recycling of the reactants; (v) employment of these materials for gases (PAFs) and liquid (zéolithes) separations addressing important environmental problems of modern society. The project involves two groups that possess all critical and complementary expertise to address the tasks of the project in a rational and comprehensive way. The French team will concentrate its efforts on the preparation of classical zeolites, while the Chinese partner will work on recently discovered polymer aromatic framework molecular sieves. The parallel study of these two important groups of crystalline microporous materials will allow making parallels and distinguishing differences in the nucleation and crystal growth mechanism.