Project description
Harnessing the hidden geometry of light for real-world technology
Light does not just illuminate. It twists, spins, and carries information in its very structure. These topologically structured light waves promise breakthroughs in communications, imaging, and energy transfer. Yet generating and detecting them has remained technically complex and highly sensitive to interference. The ERC-funded ASTRA project aims to change that. Specifically, it is developing a compact, robust detector that can identify the geometric structure of light with unprecedented precision. Operating in the microwave range, this prototype will be tested for real-world applications in wireless data transmission and energy harvesting. ASTRA could open the door to practical uses of topological light, turning a complex phenomenon into everyday technology.
Objective
Recent advances in controlling the topological structure of light open up opportunities for new information and energy carriers with applications from telecommunications and spectroscopy to metrology, imaging, and remote sensing. However, despite the application potential of topologically structured light, its generation and detection remains a complex and challenging task that hinders practical applications. In our earlier ERC FLEET project, we developed methods for the generation and detection of topologically structured electromagnetic pulses and highlighted their exotic light-matter interactions. However, such complex approaches require specialist expertise and are sensitive to noise and perturbations. From the FLEET effort, the concept of a simple and compact detector of topologically structured light emerged based on geometrical phase resulting in robust broadband performance. This project aims at bringing this concept to life by developing a prototype of the topological light detector operating at the microwave part of the spectrum and assessing its performance in “real-world” conditions, while targeting applications in line-of-sight information transfer and energy harvesting.
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.
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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.
SO17 1BJ SOUTHAMPTON
United Kingdom
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.