Project description
Compact, multi-wavelength, ultra-stable laser cavities
Optical (laser) cavities, also called optical resonators, are essential components of almost all lasers. Mirrors form a ‘cavity’ in which light maintained in oscillation is used as the beam source. Ultra-stable laser cavities (USLCs) have highly stable laser light frequencies and are increasingly common in atomic and molecular physics laboratories. The development of compact, multi-wavelength USLCs would have significant impact on high-precision applications including quantum sensing, spectroscopy, metrology and quantum computing. The ERC-funded MightyMirrors project aims to make this possible by integrating low-noise meta-devices with multi-layer photonic integrated circuits to produce multifunctional cavity mirrors. These will be integrated in complex resonator geometries. Its theoretical modelling framework and high-refractive index materials will support the effort.
Objective
Ultra-stable laser cavities (USLCs) lie at the heart of humankind’s most precise measurement instruments. Developing compact, multi-wavelength, USLCs will greatly benefit applications such as quantum sensing, spectroscopy, metrology, and quantum computing.
In this research program, I propose to explore novel versatile cavity mirrors by integrating low-noise meta-devices with multi-layer photonic integrated circuits into complex laser resonator geometries. I envisage a fully integrated USLC by incorporating all necessary sensors, modulators, and input-output optics within the mirror substrate. Innovative laser resonator topologies will allow for pushing the stability limits into new regimes and gaining access to novel application fields of optical cavities.
We have recently demonstrated an optical cavity incorporating an ultra-low-noise meta-mirror with an unprecedented cavity finesse of >11,500. These developments are possible thanks to our theoretical framework to model thermal noise processes in arbitrary optical systems. High-refractive index materials, like silicon, diamond, silicon nitride, and aluminum oxide, are ideal for realizing low-noise meta-devices and integrated photonic circuits.
The enormous conceptual and technological challenges lie in simultaneously controlling many properties (optical, optomechanical, thermal) in complex photonic configurations incorporating different materials and addressing various temperature ranges and multiple wavelengths within a single miniaturized cavity.
Through its research program, the MightyMirror project will enable a symbiosis of integrated photonics and free-space cavities, opening many new possibilities with a large impact on fundamental and applied science as well as on society.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors optical sensors
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials bulk nanostructured materials
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nanophotonics
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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-ERC - HORIZON ERC 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-2024-COG
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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.
38106 Braunschweig
Germany
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.