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. 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.
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- engineering and technology materials engineering coating and films
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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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.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants
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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) HORIZON-EIC-2023-TRANSITION-01
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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.
80335 MUNCHEN
Germany
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
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.