Project description
Pioneering chip-scale, low-noise frequency combs via non-linear optics
Frequency combs are like rulers for light. Contributing to the Noble Prize in physics in 2005, these laser-based devices have the potential to revolutionise precision measurements of all sorts of parameters, radiofrequency and optical communications, and quantum technologies. They currently face challenges due to noise. Funded by the European Research Council, the Veritas project aims to leverage non-linear optics, specifically Brillouin optomechanics, to remove this barrier and unlock the full potential of frequency combs. Brillouin optomechanics enable on-chip lasers with ultra-low noise and high purity. Veritas aims to use it to deliver the first chip-scale, low-noise frequency combs, explore them in microwave photonics applications and pave the way to commercialisation with a comprehensive market study.
Objective
An ultra-stable, low-noise optical frequency comb seamlessly integrated into a compact chip-scale form factor has the potential to revolutionize precision measurements, radiofrequency and optical communications, and quantum technologies. Today’s chip-scale frequency combs can achieve stable, phase-locked and broadband emission, but they suffer from high noise that blocks the pathway towards more stringent applications such as microwave photonics.
Brillouin optomechanics, a nonlinear optical effect relying on coherent coupling of photons and acoustic phonons, can enable on-chip lasers with ultra-low noise and high purity. My ERC Proof of Concept project Veritas will build on initial breakthroughs of harnessing Brillouin optomechanics in silicon nitride and aim to deliver the first chip-scale low-noise frequency combs. I will explore system applications of these combs for agile frequency conversion in 6G radio systems and for coherent optical communications. Along with these technological developments, I will perform a thorough market study with appropriate IP measures, maximizing the commercial potential of this technology.
We expect that our results in Veritas will point to the feasibility of this technology for software-defined reconfigurable front-ends for very high frequency and size and weight-sensitive RF applications.
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 cavity optomechanics
- natural sciences physical sciences atomic physics
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry metalloids
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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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-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept 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) ERC-2023-POC
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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.
7522 NB Enschede
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.