Project description
The future of analogue programmable-photonic computation
Our growing dependence on digital and computing technologies has led to an ever-increasing demand for stronger and more efficient computing solutions. In recent years, analogue programmable-photonic computation (APC) has been a promising solution that could exploit programmable integrated photonics (PIP) to achieve high-performance optical computing and signal processing. Unfortunately, developing this solution requires analogue bits (anbits), which are not easy to generate or detect. The ERC-funded TRANSBIT project aims to develop reconfigurable photonic transceivers for anbit encoding and detection that would guarantee stability and high-fidelity operation. It will replace static beam combiners with tunable basic units of PIP, enhancing computational capabilities, ensuring stability and practical development, and allowing for real-time adaptive error correction.
Objective
Analog Programmable-Photonic Computation (APC) is a novel paradigm that exploits programmable integrated photonics (PIP) for high-performance optical computing and signal processing. The ERC-funded ANBIT project established APC’s foundation by defining the analog bit (anbit), introducing computational operations, and designing circuit implementations. However, a major challenge remains: the efficient generation and detection of anbits. Existing solutions rely on fixed optical components, making them susceptible to fabrication errors and operational drifts, limiting scalability and precision.
TRANSBIT addresses this challenge by introducing reconfigurable photonic transceivers for anbit encoding and detection. By replacing static beam combiners with tuneable basic units of PIP, TRANSBIT enables real-time adaptive error correction, ensuring stable and high-fidelity operation. This approach not only enhances APC’s computational capabilities, but also facilitates its scalability and practical deployment.
By overcoming a fundamental bottleneck, TRANSBIT paves the way for the transfer of APC technology to real-world applications. Its impact extends beyond computing, offering new opportunities in optical communications and neuromorphic photonic networks. This project marks a key step toward the integration of APC into next-generation photonic systems, unlocking its full potential for future technological advancements.
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.
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-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept 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-POC
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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.
46022 Valencia
Spain
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.