Six NWO Vidi grants for physics research
The Vidi grant is aimed at the researcher who has gained several years of postdoctoral research experience after his or her PhD and has successfully demonstrated the ability to independently generate and develop innovative ideas during this period. The researchers belong to the best 10% to 20% in their discipline.
A list with a brief summary of the six physics-related research proposals awarded is given below in alphabetical order.
Quantum material: new forms of magnetism and quantum information
Dr. C. (Claudio) Castelnovo (m) 12-08-1976, University of Amsterdam – ITFA
The proposed research will focus on materials in which opposing forces give rise to usual forms of magnetism and new quantum-mechanical phenomena. It will also explore the possibility of using such materials for the storage and processing of quantum information.
Realising feedback control in quantum circuits
Dr. L. (Leonardo) DiCarlo (m) 16-02-1976, Buenos Aires (Argentina), Delft University of Technology – Quantum Nanoscience
Measurement and feedback control of individual quantum systems is critical for the continued development of quantum-enhanced information technologies. The researchers will realise quantum-limited measurement and closed-loop control of superconducting integrated circuits to achieve quantum error correction in the solid state.
Where is anti-matter?
Dr. O.B. (Olga) Igonkina (f) 08-08-1973, is senior researcher at the FOM Institute for Subatomic Physics Nikhef
What happened to all the anti-matter created during the Big Bang? Why does the universe consist just of matter? Scientists are seeking an explanation by studying the collisions of elementary particles at the LHC, the world's largest microscope.
Gigantic molecules from ultracold atoms
Dr. S. (Steven) Knoop (m) 27-02-1979, Leeuwarden, VU University Amsterdam – Laser Centre, was FOM PhD student at Radboud University Nijmegen
Quantum mechanics predicts the existence of an infinite number of triatomic states if the interaction between two particles is very large. The existence of these gigantic molecules can be demonstrated in experiments with ultracold atoms. In this research unique properties of these molecules will be studied in order to test fundamental predictions.
Molecular collisions in slow motion
Dr. S.Y.T. (Bas) van de Meerakker (m) 30-05-1977, Radboud University Nijmegen – Molecular Physics, was FOM PhD student at Radboud University Nijmegen
A collision experiment, in which molecules are fired at each other, is one of the most fundamental methods for learning something about molecules and the interactions between them. In this research, physicists will develop methods that allow molecules to collide in an extremely careful and controlled manner so that the intimate details of the quantum-mechanical collision process can be rendered visible.
Gravitation, strings and material with strong interactions
Dr. A.P. (Andrei) Parnachev (m) 22-11-1974, FOM focus group at Leiden University
Many useful materials, such as high-temperature superconductors, have properties that can be ascribed to the strong interactions between the elementary building blocks. The research project awarded will provide a theoretical description by making a link with models that have a weak gravitational interaction.
The Vidi grant is part of NWO's Innovational Research Incentives Scheme. The Veni and Vici grants also fall within this scheme. Further information about these grants can be found at http://www.nwo.nl/nwohome.nsf/pages/NWOA_4YJDQ3_Eng.
Contact
NWO: Information and Communication Department +31 (0)70 344 0713
FOM: Isabel Poyck +31 (0)30 600 1221