Project description
Reprogrammable photonic devices enabled by inverse design of time-varying materials
Time-varying materials, whose optical properties can be dynamically modulated on ultrafast timescales by light excitation, are opening new possibilities for reprogrammable nanophotonic devices. However, designing such systems remains challenging due to the complexity of time-dependent phenomena and the limitations of existing design approaches, largely restricted to static configurations. The ERC-funded TEMPORE project will develop time-domain theoretical and computational methodologies for the inverse design of large-scale nanophotonic systems with ultrafast temporal dynamics. Inspired by principles of adaptability in modern city planning, TEMPORE will introduce the concept of 'nanoscale cities,' where complex architectures are designed to dynamically manipulate light-matter interactions. TEMPORE will deliver scalable design strategies for next-generation reconfigurable devices for classical and quantum photonic technologies.
Objective
Among the most transformative frontiers in nanophotonics are time-varying materials, whose optical properties can be dynamically modulated on femtosecond to picosecond timescales in response to external stimuli, such as light pulses, enabling ultrafast control over light-matter interactions. These materials hold the promise to enable the next generation of dynamic and tunable metaphotonic devices with reprogrammable functionalities. Transparent conductive oxides belong to this category of materials offering ultrafast refractive index modulation based on carrier refraction and nonlinear effects.
Despite the enormous potential of time-varying materials, the design of such systems remains a significant challenge due to the complexity of time-dependent phenomena and the limitations of current reverse engineering (or inverse design) methods, which are predominantly tailored for static systems subject to continuous-wave excitation.
To address this gap, TEMPORE will develop novel methodologies of reverse engineering for large-scale, time-varying nanophotonic systems based on the ultrafast refractive index modulation of transparent conductive oxides. Inspired by architectural concepts for modern city planning which need to be adaptable and sustainable, this proposal introduces the concept of “nanoscale cities”: nanophotonic systems designed using architecture-inspired principles to achieve advanced time-dependent and dynamic functionalities. By combining transient material models, pump-probe operation, and highly scalable and efficient solvers on high-performance computing, we will address some of the most pressing challenges in time-varying ultrafast integrated metaphotonics. By unlocking the design and optimization of complex multi-material systems with time-dependent objectives in the linear and nonlinear regime, TEMPORE will drive advancements in reconfigurable and high-performance photonic devices for applications in classical and quantum optical technologies.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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)
- metaphotonics
- time-varying materials
- nonlinear materials
- time-domain inverse design
- topology optimization
- computational electromagnetics/electrodynamics
- ultrafast photonics
- pulse shaping
- reconfigurable/reprogrammable integrated optics
- dynamic nanophotonics
- transparent conductive oxides
- tunable metasurfaces
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)
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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 - 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.
30167 Hannover
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.