Objective
Large-scale configurations of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) are essential for quantum technologies such a photonic quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing. Furthermore, spatial arrays of SNSPDs are ideally suited to light-starved applications such as deep-space optical communication (DSOC), single-photon imaging, microscopy, and spectroscopy. While SNSPDs offer near-unity efficiency, high timing resolution, and low noise, their potential is constrained by the lack of scalable photon-number-resolving (PNR) readout electronics. Indeed, the true bottleneck is not reliable detector fabrication but rather the wiring and signal processing required for large-scale SNSPD systems.
This project will deliver in-situ cryogenic CMOS-based signal processing, enabling intrinsic PNR within each detector and signal processing from multiple detectors. By directly processing detection signals at cryogenic temperatures, we eliminate the need for individual high-bandwidth readout lines, drastically reducing footprint and heat load, thereby improving scalability. Furthermore, instead of traditional 50-ohm impedance matching, we leverage SNSPD signal transients and apply pre-programmed low-power processing to extract only the essential information from the detectors. This novel approach to data reduction at the point of detection has never been applied to SNSPD arrays but is a crucial step toward their widespread application. To achieve these goals, we leverage the research output of the ERC-StG project Quantum Engineering Superconducting Array Detectors in Low Light Applications (QuESADILLA) and a network of major European commercial and academic stakeholders.
By addressing the core scalability limitations, this project will unlock the full potential of SNSPD arrays, paving the way for large-scale, energy-efficient single-photon detection systems tailored for next-generation quantum technologies and imaging solutions.
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 physical sciences optics microscopy
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- 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.
33098 Paderborn
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.