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Mid Infrared SpectrometerS by an Innovative Optical iNterferometer

Objective

The MISSION projects aims at bringing to the market a revolutionary concept of mid-infrared (MIR) interferometer, for a new generation of compact, low-cost, rugged spectrometers. Many applications of chemistry, materials science and life sciences require analysis and identification of substances based on their vibrational absorption spectra in the MIR. Time domain vibrational spectroscopy techniques such as FTIR and 2DIR are based on the use of an optical Michelson interferometer, producing two identical phase-shifted replicas of the input beam. Phase determination is technically very challenging and requires tracking with an auxiliary laser beam and in some cases the use of active stabilization approaches, with feedback control on the interferometer arms, greatly increasing device complexity. We have recently introduced a new optical interferometer, called TWINS, which exploits material birefringence to impose highly controllable delays. TWINS has the advantages of being inherently phase stable, compact, rugged, highly reproducible and potentially low cost. The TWINS concept, for which a patent has been filed, was successfully demonstrated in the visible and the MIR spectral ranges. It is the goal of the MISSION project to unleash the innovation potential of TWINS, by developing, technically validating and bringing to the market a TWINS-based MIR interferometer, paving the way to a new generation of compact and low-cost analytical instruments for a wide range of applications. We have identified a suitable material with broad MIR transparency and huge birefringence: calomel. The MISSION project aims at: i) building a TWINS device based on calomel; ii) demonstrating its application to MIR spectroscopy; and iii) turning it into a commercial product, to be sold either as stand-alone device or as part of a spectroscopic instrument. We expect that TWINS will significantly reduce the cost of MIR interferometers, thus widely broadening their application portfolio.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2014-PoC

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Host institution

POLITECNICO DI MILANO
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 149 625,00
Address
PIAZZA LEONARDO DA VINCI 32
20133 Milano
Italy

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Region
Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 149 625,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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