Project description
The next generation of infrared vision
Imagine a single camera that can spot heat leaks in a building, diagnose medical conditions, and detect hidden gases – all at once. Today’s infrared (IR) cameras cannot do that. They can only capture narrow parts of the IR spectrum and often require bulky cooling systems. The ERC-funded UPIRI project aims to change this. By developing a nanoscale layer of engineered nanoparticle arrays (called metasurfaces), it will convert IR signals into visible light detectable by standard cameras. With AI optimising the technology, UPIRI promises a compact, affordable device capable of capturing the full IR range in high resolution, potentially replacing expensive, complex IR cameras with one versatile, user-friendly solution.
Objective
Infra-red (IR) cameras are critical for many applications ranging from medical diagnosis and food quality control to gas and heat leakage and night vision. These applications each rely on cameras designed to work at different IR sub-bands, e.g. near-IR, mid-IR or long-IR. No single camera can detect all IR bands simultaneously. Moreover, unlike charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras that operate in visible range, IR cameras are low in pixel numbers and often require low temperature (down to -200°C) operations, increasing their volume, cost and power consumption.
UPIRI is designed to create a paradigm shift in IR visualisation via development of a new technological platform, enabled by a compact nanoscale layer that can be integrated into today’s standard cameras and extend their vision to the full IR band. Specifically, UPIRI will develop a layer of engineered arrays of nanoparticles, i.e. metasurfaces, that will absorb all IR bands and convert them to visible light. To realize such a new technological platform, UPIRI will address three independent challenges in the state-of-the-art: i. Generating operational nonlinear metasurfaces, ii. Stimulating non-coplanar wave mixing on metasurfaces, and iii. Pixelating and independently controlling metasurfaces to turn on/off each IR sub-band. UPIRI addresses them in a synergistic way by pushing the boundaries of scientific and technological innovations via: i. using nonlinear mixing by metasurfaces, optimized by AI to bypass low nonlinear efficiencies, ii. adapting the waveguide concept for confining the transversely propagating waves on metasurfaces, and iii. generating reconfigurable metasurfaces in the nonlinear regime.
UPIRI's ambition is nothing less than the capability to visualize visible and all IR sub-bands together in high resolution with one inexpensive device. This new platform will initiate a new direction in research as an ideal alternative to today's expensive and complex semiconductor technology for IR imaging.
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.
- 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
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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.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.
NG1 4FQ NOTTINGHAM
United Kingdom
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.