A photonic microphone with better-than-human-ear sound quality

Project Information

PIONEAR

Grant agreement ID: 101129931

DOI

10.3030/101129931

EC signature date 5 December 2023

Start date 1 February 2024

End date 31 January 2028

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 2 482 745,00

EU contribution

€ 2 482 745,00

Coordinated by

LUMIARY AB
Sweden

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PIONEAR (A photonic microphone with better-than-human-ear sound quality)

Reporting period: 2024-02-01 to 2025-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

PIONEAR addresses a fundamental limitation in current microphone technology: no existing microphone matches or exceeds the human ear's sensitivity across the full audible range. The project proposes a groundbreaking solution—chromometric sensing, a new optical sensing method capable of detecting sound with significantly better sensitivity and dynamic range than today's microphones.

At its core, the project envisions a miniature photonic microphone with self-noise below the human hearing threshold (0 dB(A) SPL), and a dynamic range surpassing 130 dB SPL. This leap is enabled by a novel architecture that senses sound through optical frequency shifts. The result is an ultra-sensitive, wideband, low-noise microphone, opening new opportunities for high-fidelity sound capture and intelligent audio systems.

Motivation and Impact
Despite advances in miniaturization, current MEMS microphones suffer trade-offs between sensitivity, robustness, and cost. PIONEAR challenges this status quo by introducing a fundamentally new sensing paradigm that can be scaled using established photonics manufacturing techniques. The expected impacts are:

Technological: Establishing chromometry as a disruptive sensing method applicable beyond audio, including in biochemical, pressure, gas, and inertial sensors.

Economic: Enabling Europe to lead in next-gen sensor markets, particularly in high-growth sectors like smart devices, autonomous systems, and medical diagnostics.

Social and Environmental: Improving digital communication quality, hearing aid performance, and facilitating environmental sensing with ultra-low-power photonic sensors.

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

In the first reporting period, the PIONEAR project made strong technical progress toward developing a high-sensitivity photonic microphone using chromometric sensing.

System Design: A complete high-level device design was finalized by Lumiary, defining specifications for optical, mechanical, and electronic subsystems. A scientific article on chromometric sensing is in progress.

Laser Development: The first laser structures were designed, epitaxially grown, and processed into test coupons. Extensive simulations guided optical mode control and thermal performance.

Membrane and Acoustic Chamber: OST fabricated several acoustic chamber designs and began testing optical fiber integration. High-reflectivity mirrors for the membrane were developed, though improvements in the mirror shape are ongoing.

Micro-Transfer Printing (μTP): UCC demonstrated successful laser chip transfer onto glass. Initial designs for thermal management using metal-filled pillars and electrical connections were explored.

Optical-to-Digital Conversion: A fiber-based wavelength meter was developed as a temporary substitute for a photonic integrated circuit. It successfully demonstrated high-resolution optical frequency readout.

These results confirm the viability of the PIONEAR concept and support the next phase: system integration and performance validation.

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)

PIONEAR has introduced a disruptive sensing concept — chromometric sensing — with the potential to reshape how sound and other physical signals are detected across industries. Its first application, a photonic microphone, targets better-than-human-ear performance, opening doors to transformative impact in audio technology, autonomous systems, and precision sensing.

Potential Impact
This technology can redefine remote collaboration, hearing aids, and voice-controlled interfaces, offering crystal-clear audio in noisy environments. It enables next-generation smart devices with selective, directional hearing, and contributes to safer autonomous systems by enhancing situational awareness through sound. Beyond audio, the same principles apply to gas sensing, biosensing, and industrial monitoring, supporting sustainability and health diagnostics.

Needs for Uptake
Key enablers include:
* Further R&D and demonstration to reach higher TRLs;
* Strategic IP management and funding (e.g. EIC Transition, VC);
* Partnerships with device manufacturers for market entry;
* Alignment with standards and certification frameworks.

If successful, PIONEAR could catalyse a new class of photonic sensors, driving European leadership in deep tech innovation.

PIONEAR team during the General Assembly in Buchs