Theme 2: Advances in nanosciences, structure of matter, quantum physics and advanced materials

Nanoscience & nanotechnology and advanced functional materials are at the frontier of knowledge. The nanometer scale gives properties and functions to the materials that are quite different from their bulk shape. The specific properties of nanomaterials allow a diversity of applications in high technology devices. In this sense, the development of advanced materials applied to engineering, medicine, computing as well as power generation and transmission often exploits the properties of nanostructures. A better understanding, development, manipulation and technological application of this knowledge require interdisciplinary training and performance that encompasses chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, medicine, information technology, and applied human sciences.
It is worthwhile to note that the significant scientific and technological advances achieved in the 20th and 21st centuries came from knowning the structure of matter at the molecular, atomic and sub-atomic level. This is an emblematic example of how fundamental research establishes the bases of technological advance. Particularly, quantum mechanics founded the scientific bases sustaining microelectronics in the twentieth century. In the last decades, advances in miniaturization techniques have enabled the control of individual quantum systems, constituted by few atoms, molecules or photons.
In this scenario, the so-called quantum technologies, based on the fundamental principles of physics, promise disruptive changes in technological paradigms. This “second quantum revolution” is the subject of the research theme presented here. The second quantum revolution investigates how non-classical effects (superposition, entanglement, nonlocality) play a fundamental role in achieving efficiency and safety gains in communication protocols (quantum communication), information processing capacity (quantum computation) or even precision in ultra-sensitive sensors (quantum metrology) when compared to their classical analogs.
Being the basis of scientific/technological advances, quantum physics, structure of matter, nanosciences and advanced materials can be considered priority and strategic areas for the future of the country.

Research projects

Disruptive advances in quantum technology: technological development and strategic innovation for the 21st century
Challenges of astrophysics, cosmology and gravitation for the 21st century
Spectroscopy, spectrometry and computational simulation applied to the study of biomolecules and their interaction with the environment
Fields and particle physics: discoveries and innovations for a new millennium
Advanced materials for structural and functional applications
Advanced materials: fundamental and applied studies
Synthesis, characterization and simulation of advanced materials

Theme 2: Advances in nanosciences, structure of matter, quantum physics and advanced materials

Nanoscience & nanotechnology and advanced functional materials are at the frontier of knowledge. The nanometer scale gives properties and functions to the materials that are quite different from their bulk shape. The specific properties of nanomaterials allow a diversity of applications in high technology devices. In this sense, the development of advanced materials applied to engineering, medicine, computing as well as power generation and transmission often exploits the properties of nanostructures. A better understanding, development, manipulation and technological application of this knowledge require interdisciplinary training and performance that encompasses chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, medicine, information technology, and applied human sciences.
It is worthwhile to note that the significant scientific and technological advances achieved in the 20th and 21st centuries came from knowning the structure of matter at the molecular, atomic and sub-atomic level. This is an emblematic example of how fundamental research establishes the bases of technological advance. Particularly, quantum mechanics founded the scientific bases sustaining microelectronics in the twentieth century. In the last decades, advances in miniaturization techniques have enabled the control of individual quantum systems, constituted by few atoms, molecules or photons.
In this scenario, the so-called quantum technologies, based on the fundamental principles of physics, promise disruptive changes in technological paradigms. This “second quantum revolution” is the subject of the research theme presented here. The second quantum revolution investigates how non-classical effects (superposition, entanglement, nonlocality) play a fundamental role in achieving efficiency and safety gains in communication protocols (quantum communication), information processing capacity (quantum computation) or even precision in ultra-sensitive sensors (quantum metrology) when compared to their classical analogs.
Being the basis of scientific/technological advances, quantum physics, structure of matter, nanosciences and advanced materials can be considered priority and strategic areas for the future of the country.

Research projects

Disruptive advances in quantum technology: technological development and strategic innovation for the 21st century
Challenges of astrophysics, cosmology and gravitation for the 21st century
Spectroscopy, spectrometry and computational simulation applied to the study of biomolecules and their interaction with the environment
Fields and particle physics: discoveries and innovations for a new millennium
Advanced materials for structural and functional applications
Advanced materials: fundamental and applied studies
Synthesis, characterization and simulation of advanced materials