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.
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.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.
- engineering and technologynanotechnology
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and films
- natural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicssemiconductivity
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy
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Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC GrantsCoordinator
80335 MUNCHEN
Germany
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.