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A novel platform for user-friendly spectroscopy at very low temperatures and under strong magnetic fields

Objective

One of the most appealing opportunities in the field of Materials Science is the development of multifunctionality. Thus, it is becoming crucial to characterize materials upon acting on more than one physical property at a time. Magnetoelectric, photomagnetic or photoelectric phenomena are some of the bases of future technologies. Most of the equipment available nowadays for materials characterization includes options to study materials (magnetic, electric, etc.) under light irradiation. However, the effect of temperature or magnetic fields upon light-matter interactions is not commonly studied due to the intrinsic difficulties of such a set-up.
We have designed a novel insertion probe (U-SPEC), which allows collecting transmitted light through a sample in a cryogenic confined environment. Our probe can be adjusted and used with any cryogenic equipment (using nitrogen or helium as carrier, or under high vacuum). We have validated its correct function in the 1.7 - 400 K range and under magnetic fields up to 7 T. In these conditions, U-SPEC allows studying UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy, but also dichroic phenomena, since it is able to maintain light polarization. Such features are unparalleled in the market place of scientific instrumentation, and confer to our invention high commercial value.
Our aim is to develop a product concept, protect the intellectual property, and design a business model to bring our technology to market.
Beyond the commercial interest, U-SPEC will also have a strong scientific impact in the long term. The availability to gather spectroscopic experimental data in such a controlled environment, routinely, represents a breakthrough in materials science. Nowadays, such studies are exclusively accessible to few specialized groups around the world. U-SPEC will bring extraordinary capabilities to standard labs and research institutions.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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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-2015-PoC

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Host institution

FUNDACIO PRIVADA INSTITUT CATALA D'INVESTIGACIO QUIMICA
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.

€ 150 000,00
Address
AVENIDA PAISSOS CATALANS 16
43007 Tarragona
Spain

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Region
Este Cataluña Tarragona
Activity type
Research Organisations
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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.

€ 150 000,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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