Project description
New approach to manipulate quantum states in tiny crystals
Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are nano-sized crystals that absorb and emit light in precise ways. Changing their size or composition makes it easy to control the colour of light they emit, making them ideal for displays and sensors. However, their true potential lies in the quantum realm, where they could transform how we sense, image and process information. The ERC-funded ConQuEST project aims to solve a critical challenge: achieving coherent control over the quantum state of individual CQDs, namely how their electrons behave. Using electric fields that change over time and space, researchers will steer electrons inside quantum dots to behave in specific ways. Two groundbreaking techniques will be developed to compress photons and transform quantum dots into interferometric sensors.
Objective
Beyond gradual improvement of current-day devices, nano and especially quantum technology promise to profoundly change data processing, communication, imaging and sensing. Delivering on this promise requires reliable control over the electronic state of individual nano-sized objects integrated within devices – a formidable task.
A prime example of such nanoemitters are colloidal quantum dots (CQDs). The tunability of their properties, low production cost and ease of integration led to their increasing use in consumer electronics. However, in the discussion of future quantum technology, they are often overlooked. This is despite the recent introduction of a new type of CQDs: halide-perovskite nanocrystals (HPNCs) significantly outperforming more mature CQDs and demonstrating nearly coherent emission at low temperatures.
Nevertheless, one obligatory capability for quantum protocols is still lacking in CQDs ¬– coherent control of its quantum state. ConQuEST proposes a clear path to fill this gap, demonstrating coherent control of the excited state of individual CQDs and its radiation. It relies on a key innovation: making use of the large quantum-confined Stark effect in CQDs through the application of time- and space-dependent electric-field waveforms to coherently manipulate the electrons’ wavefunction. The project establishes two novel experimental platforms to interact radio-frequency and terahertz waveforms with single CQDs. These implement ideas that go far beyond the state of the art, such as compressing single photons into femtosecond pulses and transforming a quantum dot into a local interferometric sensor. If successful, ConQuEST will revolutionize the manner in which quantum technology evolves, offering exciting new avenues especially for quantum sensing and 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 information engineering telecommunications radio technology radio frequency
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials nanocrystals
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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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)
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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.
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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
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-STG
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32000 Haifa
Israel
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