Project description
The power of quantum materials for THz technology
Despite its potential for revolutionising technology, the terahertz (THz) range remains underdeveloped. Current THz components rely on conventional materials like semiconductors and metals but have yet to deliver the necessary breakthrough. Although recent efforts with two-dimensional materials have shown promise, they still fall short. The key to unlocking the potential of THz technology lies in the ultrafast thermodynamic properties of quantum materials. The ERC-funded EQUATE project aims to harness these properties using materials like graphene and topological insulators. By focusing on thermodynamic principles, the project will develop THz emitters, convertors, and detectors that are faster, more efficient, and capable of advancing THz technology for real-world applications.
Objective
I propose to demonstrate a novel design paradigm for terahertz (THz) technologies, which places the ultrafast thermodynamic properties of quantum materials at the heart. Approaches with conventional semiconductors and metals, as well as recent attempts with two-dimensional materials, typically aim to exploit the optoelectronic properties of materials towards developing THz components and systems. This has so far not led to the desired breakthrough that the, currently still underdeveloped, terahertz regime so greatly needs. The vision of this project is that the truly game-changing potential of quantum materials for THz applications lies in their exceptional ultrafast thermodynamic properties: Quantum materials, such as graphene and topological insulators, have giant thermodynamic THz nonlinearities, and generate ultrafast and efficient THz-induced thermoelectric photocurrents. They can be combined with photonic structures into quantum metamaterials with strongly enhanced light-matter interaction, and are compatible with established electronic and photonic technologies. Exploiting these and more remarkable properties, we will demonstrate THz emitters, nonlinear THz convertors, and THz detectors - all based primarily on thermodynamic design principles. These will outperform currently available THz components on several fronts, and establish quantum materials as the ideal material platform for integrated THz photonics with novel capabilities. Specifically, we will focus on a combination of quantum materials that are relatively well understood, and novel material systems that are promising yet less well understood. As a result, we expect major impacts both on a fundamental level in terms of understanding ultrafast thermodynamic phenomena, and on an applied level in terms of engineering these thermodynamic properties towards concrete THz technologies. The ultimate goal is to unlock the full potential of the THz range and bring utility and benefit to society.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials two-dimensional nanostructures graphene
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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.
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.
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.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2023-COG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
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.
5612 AE Eindhoven
Netherlands
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.