moleculAR maTerials for on-chip intEgrated quantuM lIght sourceS

Project Information

ARTEMIS

Grant agreement ID: 101115149

DOI

10.3030/101115149

EC signature date 14 June 2023

Start date 1 October 2023

End date 30 September 2027

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 3 247 100,00

EU contribution

€ 3 247 100,00

Coordinated by

CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ARTEMIS (moleculAR maTerials for on-chip intEgrated quantuM lIght sourceS)

Reporting period: 2023-10-01 to 2024-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The ARTEMIS project, part of the Horizon Europe Programme, aims to push the boundaries of quantum photonics by developing novel molecular materials for on-chip integrated quantum light sources. These sources, based on innovative metal d- and f-ion complexes, will generate advanced quantum states of light, such as single photons and entangled photon pairs. These are essential for various quantum applications, including quantum communication, metrology, and sensing.
The project addresses the limitations of current quantum light sources, which rely on second- and third-order non-linear optical (NLO) processes in traditional materials that suffer from scalability and performance issues. ARTEMIS proposes a disruptive solution by creating molecular materials with enhanced LO and NLO properties, which will interact efficiently with light at the quantum level to produce high-quality quantum states.
These materials will be combined with plasmonic cavities to significantly enhance light-matter interactions. This integration paves the way for scalable, on-chip quantum photon sources that can be applied in quantum communication and more.
The project’s objectives include developing high-performance quantum emitters with tailored emission wavelengths, ensuring their integration into practical devices, and advancing their application in quantum technologies.
The ultimate goal is to contribute to Europe's leadership in quantum technologies by creating a foundation for future innovations in quantum communication and metrology.
By leveraging these innovations, ARTEMIS aims to create a scalable platform for quantum photonics, which will not only advance scientific knowledge but also provide tangible solutions to industry challenges in secure communications, precision sensing, and beyond. This project’s outcomes are expected to make a significant impact on both the academic and industrial sectors, aligning with strategic priorities in technology development and innovation.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first year, ARTEMIS has made significant progress in developing quantum light sources. Key milestones include:
1. Synthesis of Molecular Materials: The successful synthesis of both molecular materials capable of producing single photons and molecular complexes with second-order NLO properties for generating entangled photon pairs via spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) has been achieved. Additionally, third-order NLO materials for photon triplet generation were also produced.
2. Design and Fabrication of Plasmonic Cavities: Plasmonic cavities are in the fabrication stage, with early results showing potential to greatly enhance quantum properties.
3. Characterization of Quantum Emitters: Preliminary tests on the quantum emitters have been promising. Materials for single photon sources have shown the potential for strong emissions in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectral ranges, critical for their use in quantum communications and metrology. Moreover, metal complexes for generating entangled photon pairs have shown high values of second-order NLO. This property makes them promising for applications based on SPDC.
4. Collaboration: Effective collaboration between partners, crucial for interdisciplinary tasks, has facilitated progress, particularly in integrating molecular materials with plasmonic nanostructures.
These accomplishments set the stage for the next phases, where the focus will be on refining the quantum photon sources and integrating them into practical devices.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

ARTEMIS is breaking new ground by integrating metal d- and f-ion molecular complexes with plasmonic cavities. Unlike conventional quantum light sources, which are limited in scalability and performance, ARTEMIS materials have the potential to operate efficiently at room temperature, offering unmatched versatility. The integration with plasmonic cavities enhances light-matter interactions, leading to more efficient and stable quantum photon sources.
The expected outcomes include the development of a proof-of-concept for an on-chip quantum light source, which will have far-reaching applications in quantum communication, metrology, and sensing. This new platform is set to revolutionize fields such as telecommunications and anti-counterfeiting by offering scalable, high-performance quantum systems. ARTEMIS’s innovations have the potential to drive new products and services, impacting fields beyond academia and advancing sectors that depend on quantum photonics for enhanced performance.
In parallel, the project’s communication and dissemination efforts, including a website and communication toolkit, are well underway. These efforts aim to ensure that ARTEMIS's groundbreaking advancements reach key stakeholders, maximizing the project's impact on both industry and society.

ARTEMIS project objectives