Project description
Uncovering nature’s hidden building blocks
Scientists still lack clear evidence for dark matter, the universe's ‘missing’ building blocks, because current sensors struggle with background noise and limited sensitivity. The ERC-funded PIRATES project aims to transform this field by developing advanced low-temperature quantum sensors with unprecedented sensitivity. First, the project will verify disputed dark matter claims through the COSINUS experiment using an optimised sensor layout. It will also mitigate ‘energy noise’ that currently blocks progress, allowing researchers to test previously unusable materials. By pioneering the use of single-crystal tungsten, the project aims to reach groundbreaking detection levels. Ultimately, PIRATES seeks to uncover unexplored particles and forces, revolutionising our understanding of the universe.
Objective
A direct detection of dark matter (DM) particles and possibly of new fundamental forces will revolutionize our
understanding of the most basic building blocks of nature. Direct DM search programs cover particle masses
from TeV/c2 down to MeV/c2 at present but do not provide an uncontroversial signal. In the low-mass regime,
low-temperature detectors have demonstrated the required performance and keep exploring new regions of
parameter space; they are best suited to probe the existence of novel particles and theories.
PIRATES builds on the recent advances of low-temperature detectors to provide ultimate performance for a
broad direct DM search program with low thresholds. PIRATES integrates three key projects. Firstly,
optimization of a novel quantum sensors layout for NaI-based low-temperature detectors to perform a
model-independent cross-check of the controversial DM claim of DAMA/LIBRA by means of the COSINUS
experiment. COSINUS is a new direct dark matter experiment currently commissioned in the Gran Sasso
underground site under my leadership.
Secondly, capitalizing on this extremely sensitive sensor design to read out so far unusable target materials and
to mitigate detector-related backgrounds (Low Energy Excess, LEE) that block progress in current low-mass
DM searches.
Thirdly, fabricating low-temperature quantum sensors for the first time ever from single crystal tungsten bulk
material to boost copious fabrication thereof and reach ground-breaking sensitivities for probing, in the next
decade, vast regions of unexplored DM parameter space. PIRATES will be based on my profound expertise in
low-temperature detectors and will consolidate my leading role in direct DM search.
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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-2025-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.
80539 MUNCHEN
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.