Project description
AI assisted ultrafast topological spectroscopy for quantum materials
Advancements in quantum technologies and materials have already enabled unparalleled control and precision in tailoring materials at ever-smaller, faster scales. They also allow the use of atomically thin quantum materials, which hold immense potential for photonics and semiconductors. The ERC-funded SMART-TOPOSPEC project aims to develop an all-optical metrology technique to resolve electronic responses in quantum materials spatially. To achieve this, the project will incorporate topological harmonic spectroscopy, AI innovations for ultrafast science, and novel pulse characterisation techniques. Finally, the resulting solution will enable improved quality control and defect detection while also being faster, robust, and cost-efficient.
Objective
In the era of quantum materials, material properties can be precisely tailored at the smallest (nanometer) and fastest (femtosecond to attosecond) scales ever controlled by humankind. Among them, atomically thin quantum materials stand out due to their remarkable conductivity and optical transparency, making them highly attractive for semiconductor and photonic industries. SMART-TOPOSPEC, integrating a team between University of Salamanca, SME Sphere Ultrafast Photonics and Lund University, aims to develop a novel all-optical metrology technique to spatially-resolve the electronic response of quantum materials. This is achieved through topological harmonic spectroscopy, an innovative approach that exploits structured ultrafast light pulses to extract spatially-resolved information about laser-matter interactions. The use of ultrafast structured light, which requires advanced diagnosis tools and manipulation techniques, opens up new avenues for characterization and quality checking of quantum materials. By innovating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in ultrafast science, our approach will solve the inverse problem to unequivocally identify quantum material properties that can not be resolved with standard techniques. Integrating AI into advanced pulse characterization techniques will facilitate the acceleration of retrieval algorithms, paving the way for real-time, high-precision diagnostics. The project will culminate in a prototype that integrates AI-assisted topological harmonic spectroscopy with advanced laser pulse diagnostics. This method will provide a rapid, robust, cost-effective, and tabletop solution for the semiconductor industry, enabling quality control and defect detection at nanometer scales. Building on previous patents and ERC research results, SMART-TOPOSPEC translates cutting-edge science into industrial applications to impact the laser technology and semiconductor markets.
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.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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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.
37008 SALAMANCA
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.