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Launch of the National Research Programm LUMA


​​​​​​​​The PEPR LUMA aims to exploit the unique properties of light to explore and control numerous physicochemical and biological systems, at the interfaces between physics, chemistry, engineering, life sciences, health, heritage and environmental sciences. It is jointly managed by the CEA and the CNRS. It was launched in Bordeaux on 6 June 2024.​

Published on 6 June 2024

​​The PEPR LUMA research programme develops light-matter interactions, particularly in the following applications:

  • ​optoelectronic technologies (information processing and storage) 
  • sustainable materials (green chemistry, recycling, eco-design) 
  • energy exploitation (solar energy conversion, photocatalytic devices) 
  • Photomedicines (non-invasive methods, photodynamic therapy, cancer treatment).

​The LUMA programme is structured around several key actions:
  • ​Thematic research in four areas: chirality, photochemistry and materials, energy and the environment, and health. 
  • The creation of a national cluster of platforms, comprising two infrastructures: Ultrafast dedicated to ultrafast photoscience and the nano-structuring of matter by laser; 
  • and Operando/Prototyping which brings together characterisation and analysis instruments, as well as equipment for the study and prototyping of photoactive materials and the conversion of solar energy.

Photo 1​: the General Administrator of the CEA on the day of the inauguration. From left to right: Catalin Miron, Antoine Petit, François Jacq and Rémi Métivier​ © Gautier Dufau / CNRS / CEA.

​The following projects are being carried out at IRIG:
  • ​OPERANDO/PROTOTYPAGE is led by Jean-Pierre Simorre of the Institut de Biologie Structurale (IRIG/IBS). The Institut de Biologie Structurale (IRIG/IBS) operates a high-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) platform that can be coupled with in situ sample illumination using a laser device. Solution-state NMR spectroscopy is the technique of choice for studying molecules from chemistry or biology at atomic resolution. Multidimensional NMR measurements under illumination provide access to information on light-induced chemical and structural changes in photosensitive, photoactivatable, and photoswitchable molecules​.
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    Photo 2: RMN platform at IBS (credit CEA)​.​

  • The Molecular Systems and Nanomaterials for Energy and Health Laboratory (IRIG/SyMMES) manages a time-resolved electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy platform using a rapid scan coupled to a laser, dedicated to the study of paramagnetic species involved in light energy conversion processes (photovoltaics, photocatalysis, etc.).
Photo 3: RPE platform at SyMMES (credit CEA)​.​

  • ​​The Chemistry and Biology of Metals Laboratory (IRIG/LCBM), in partnership with INES, manages the characterisation and testing of photo(electro)catalytic devices. On the LCBM site, the facilities include a platform dedicated to photocatalytic or photoelectrocatalytic measurements with simulated solar irradiation on small devices for the production of solar hydrogen or carbon-based fuels (from 1 to 25 cm2)​.​
  • Photo 4: production of biofuel at LCBM (credit CEA)​.
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  • ​​​Murielle Chavarot-Kerlidou (IRIG/LCBM) and Philip Gotico (CEA-Joliot) are leading ​the Moonshot project SYNFLUX-LUMICALS to develop photoelectro-catalytic systems for the production of solar fuels. This nature-inspired approach ​aimed at better understanding controlling and synchronising reactions ranging from the absorption of photons to the creation​ transport and use of charges across hybrid interfaces​.
Photo 5: photocatalyst experiment at LCBM (credit CEA)​.


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