Objective
Single-Photon Interferometry for Quantum Gravity.
This proposal brings together single photon detection and precision laser interferometry for the first time and applies this innovative concept to test the hypothesis that space-time is quantized.
Precision interferometry has been successfully developed for decades to launch the era of gravitational-wave astronomy. Large-scale facilities (LIGO, Virgo, KAGRA, GEO600) use continuous-wave photon detection with high photon numbers to measure tiny length fluctuations caused by gravitational waves. Remarkable progress has been made in the development of single photon detection as well, with dark count rates of less than a photon per hour available with high quantum efficiency. This proposal brings together both technologies, to increase interferometric sensitivity in a way that can be explored for fundamental physics: The two powerful techniques will be combined to address the question of whether space-time is quantized. The unification of quantum theory with the theory of relativity is a long-standing problem with barely any experimental guidance at hand. In recent years, there has been a growing body of work by different theorists investigating if and how quantization of space-time may be accessible to precision interferometry. If such quantization could be confirmed experimentally, it would open up a new horizon for quantum gravity. Even a negative/null result in a comprehensive search would provide invaluable insight, as the convergence of many strains of theories in this experimental regime would need to be explained. Beyond this, the innovative single-photon detection interferometry will also be used to search for dark matter and stochastic very-high-frequency gravitational waves.
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)
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-ADG
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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.
CF10 3AT CARDIFF
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.