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Versatile optical frequency comb

Project description

New device advances frequency comb technology

Frequency combs are special optical tools that help precisely measure unknown frequencies, like using a ruler to measure length. This technology, which won a Nobel Prize in 2005, has revolutionised metrology and spectroscopy. To create a frequency comb, a repeating optical pattern is needed, and different methods are used depending on the application. For example, high-repetition-rate combs are used in astronomy, while slower ones are used in spectroscopy or distance measurements. The ERC-funded versacomb project plans to develop a new device that can adjust its pattern speed across a wide range, making it useful for many purposes. This device could improve current technology and have a big impact on the market.

Objective

Frequency combs are optical sources that can be used as rulers. Any unknown frequency can be very precisely measured by comparing it to the nearest tooth of the comb. The technology has revolutionized metrology and spectroscopy among others and its inventors were awarded the Nobel Prize in 2005.
To obtain a frequency comb, a periodic optical pattern must be generated. There are different ways of forming optical patterns and different technologies are used, depending on the required comb spacing (which corresponds to the repetition-rate of the pattern). For example, high repetition rate combs used for calibration of astronomical spectrographs, while low repetition rates are used for spectroscopy or ranging.
We propose to fabricate a completely novel device whose repetition rate can be tuned over three orders of magnitude, covering most applications of frequency combs. The device would merge the advantages of the existing technologies, in terms of power and stability.
We expect our device to have a strong impact on the market of frequency comb generators and will investigate different paths towards commercialization of the prototype.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) ERC-2022-POC2

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Host institution

UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES
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
AVENUE FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT 50
1050 Bruxelles / Brussel
Belgium

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Region
Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/ Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest Arr. de Bruxelles-Capitale/Arr. Brussel-Hoofdstad
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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Beneficiaries (1)

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