MPS Chemistry Research Programs (MPS Chem)

Robust and reliable quantitative method to correct for solution chemistry interferences in molecularly imprinted polymer – electrochemical sensor (MIP-ES) measurements of complex environmental water matricesThe goal of this research is to develop a robust and reliable quantitative method to correct for solution chemistry interferences in MIP-ES measurements of complex environmental water matrices. One of the challenges using MIP-ES to measure contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in environmental samples is understanding how bulk solution chemistry contributes to the electrochemical background signal. The development of a ratiometric comparison approach with MIP-ES will involve bench scale proof of concept testing and then escalate to field deployed trials. Instrumentation required for MIP-ES fabrication and sensing includes multichannel potentiostats capable of differential pulse voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry. Differential pulse voltammetry will be used to collect current differences at 1-minute and 15-minute incubation time points in the sample matrices. These current values will be used to build the ratiometric comparison approach.The ratiometric approach will involve the comparison of normalized current difference ratios, outlined in Equation 1, between a matrix matched solution that contains all matrix constituents minus the analyte in question and an unknown solution that is composed of the sample matrix and may or may not contain the analyte. The use of a ratiometric comparison isolates current differences from the association of the analyte with the MIP-ES binding sites from any change in current from interferent effects due to the rest of the sample matrix constituents (i.e., humic acids, fulvic acids, ions, non-fluorinated counterparts, etc.). A ratio close to 1 indicates the absence of the analyte due to similar normalized current difference values in the ratio. A statistically different ratio from 1 indicates the presence of the analyte in question in the sample matrix.This project supports the administration's priority to protecting human health by generating data and tools that identify potential risks to drinking water quality. By enabling early detection and informed decision-making, this work helps safeguard communities from exposure to harmful contaminants and ensures access to safe, clean drinking water. Funding Opportunity Number: G27AS00052. Assistance Listing: 15.808. Funding Instrument: CA. Category: ST. Award Amount: $1 – $450K per award.

Neutral-Atom Platform Technologies is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: This action aims to establish European leadership in neutral-atom quantum simulation and digital quantum computing by delivering: Fully programmable industry-ready quantum simulators based on 10.000 neutral atoms in a scalable architecture, accessible via cloud platforms, and with the possibility of integrating them into high-performance computing environments. Fully programmable platform for neutral-atom quantum computing capable of both analogue quantum operations and gate-based computing with 1.000 physical qubits and a clear path to further scalability to 10.000 physical qubits. Coherence time of the order of hundreds of interaction times and infidelity of operations below 1%. Demonstration of quantum simulation and/or computing operating beyond classical computability, validated through benchmarking with classical methods. New real-world applications across science and industry (at least two) (e.g: in the energy and health sectors) The software stack for these applications, including enhanced software for verification, algorithm implementation, and user programming interfaces. Demonstration of the full quantum stack – including quantum control, electronic control components and verification of quantum processors simulation operating beyond regimes that are classically computable. Programming interfaces allowing users (including non-expert ones to the best extent possible), to use these quantum processors to their problem sets. Enhanced scalability, stability, and usability of the quantum simulation and computing processors. Strengthened European industrial and technological capacity in quantum simulation/computing and associated hardware/software components. This action must address at least two of the technical challenges highlighted in the SRIA 2030 for neutral-atom platforms. These include the need for stable atom control during multi-qubit operations, essential for reliable error correction, and the development of Quantum Non-Demolition (QND) measurement and high-fidelity universal gate operations. Proposals should tackle these and comparable bottlenecks with a view to scalable, fault-tolerant systems for simulation and computation. Scope: The proposal should advance the maturity and usability of neutral-atom quantum processors platforms with a focus on practical applications. It should include: Development and deployment of scalable quantum processors with individually addressable neutral atoms, supporting analogue simulation operation, hybrid analogue-digital techniques and gate-based quantum computing. Demonstration of real-world use cases (minimum two), addressing complex scientific or industrial problems (e.g., materials science, chemistry, optimization) that are intractable for classical simulation/computing. These should include benchmarking and verification strategies to assess quantum advantage. Development and integration of a complete software stack including quantum control systems, electronic control components, user programming interfaces, classical simulation support tools, and robust operation protocols. Cloud-based access to the quantum processor, ensuring usability by researchers and industrial users across Europe. The system should allow for hybrid quantum-classical workflows with HPC environments and support non-expert users to the extent possible. Implementation of robust quantum error mitigation, error correction, error detection and quantification techniques adapted to neutral-atom processors. Development of benchmarking and cross-platform validation tools to assess the performance of different simulation/computing approaches and support standardisation efforts. Pathways highlighting the use of quantum processors as development platforms for future generations of quantum sensors and for the execution of quantum metrological protocols. Enhancement of the EU’s supply chain through the development and integration of key quantum components for neutral-atom based computational proce Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Horizon Europe (HORIZON), Digital, Industry and Space Keywords: Quantum Technologies (e.g. computing and communication)