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The world’s most sensitive absorption microscope

Project description

Making the invisible visible

In the intricate world of nanotechnology, scientists and developers grapple with the challenge of peering into the minuscule realm of nanoparticles and thin films. Existing microscopy techniques fall short, lacking the sensitivity and resolution needed to unlock the mysteries of these tiny structures. Traditional methods struggle to detect and characterise nanoscale matter, hindering progress in fields like optical coatings and materials science. In this context, the EIC-funded QlibriNANO project aims to introduce an ultra-sensitive absorption microscope. It will be 1 000 times more sensitive than current technology and will use fast hyperspectral imaging to unveil nanoscale mysteries. By leveraging an optical microresonator instead of traditional methods, QlibriNANO will pioneer a new frontier in research, process optimisation and quality control, revealing insights into nanoparticles, optical coatings and thin films.

Objective

QlibriNANO is the worlds most sensitive absorption microscope (1,000 times more sensitive than state-of-the-art), enabling the detection, imaging, characterization, understanding and development of nanoscale matter on a new level by its unique combination of fast and ultrasensitive hyperspectral imaging. QlibriNANO gives access to a so-far inaccessible area of information relevant for research fields like nanoparticles, optical coatings, thin films, among others, making the invisible visible for the first time.
Our innovation rests on the usage of an optical microresonator instead of a conventional objective. We have untapped this possibility, since Qlibri has developed a breakthrough fabrication method of micromirrors based on a semiconductor quantum cascade laser system. This proprietary method has allowed Qlibri to become the first company in the world to commercialize micromirrors, a key component for our first-of-its-kind resonator microscope. Qlibris unique blend of expertise, combining a profound know-how in microresonators and deep understanding of microscopy, particularly raster scanning techniques, has made it possible to make a technology transfer from Quantum optics to optical microscopy to develop QlibriNANO.
The great market potential of our disruptive resonator microscope has been confirmed by more than 20 prospective customers. This EIC Transition project has the objective of validating the product-market fit for the nanotechnology and optical coatings markets, improving the technical requirements (mostly fast spectroscopy) of our system as well as the usability, and validating these technological improvements with end users in these sectors (TRL 6). Moreover, we aim to improve the manufacturability of QlibriNANO, and ensure a cost-efficient, scalable and reliable manufacturing. Upon accomplishment of these objectives, Qlibri will be in a good position to raise the necessary funds to tackle the TRL 7-9 activities and reach the market by 2027.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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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.

HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2023-TRANSITION-01

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Coordinator

QLIBRI GMBH
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.

€ 2 480 000,00
Address
KARLSPLATZ 3
80335 MUNCHEN
Germany

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
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.

€ 2 480 000,00
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