Objective
Optical microscopy is key for biological research, but its resolution is limited by diffraction. Existing super-resolution methods overcome this barrier, yet they require fluorescent labels, introducing perturbations that compromise the observation of native states. A label-free, far-field super-resolution approach remains as most wanted in bio-imaging. The LUCI project (Label-free sUper-resolution imaging via bound-states in the ContInumm) proposes a breakthrough strategy by using photonic crystal (PhC) slabs supporting bound states in the continuum (BICs) and engineered super-oscillatory (SO) fields. LUCI bridges the gap between nanophotonics and microscopy by incorporating BICs for signal enhancement and PSF engineering for the first time. BICs provide high-Q resonances with sharp phase dispersion and distributed field enhancement, ideal to overcome the limitations of SO. This integration will enable the generation of sub-diffraction, high-contrast foci across large apertures.
LUCI’s objectives are fourfold: (i) design and fabricate PhC slabs using GPU-accelerated RCWA enhanced by AI surrogates and active learning, (ii) experimentally validate BIC-enhanced SO through dispersion surface mapping and PSF characterization, (iii) construct the LUCI microscope and develop data analysis script and (iv) demonstrate biological relevance by imaging unlabeled healthy and cancerous breast cells. LUCI will be carried out at ISASI-CNR, ideal place for the successful development of the project and the merge of complementary knowledge coming from both supervisor and applicant. LUCI will be accomplished with the highest scientific ethics, and following the FAIR principles, ensuring reproducibility and broad dissemination. By delivering the first biological demonstration of BIC-enhanced SO microscopy, LUCI will provide a versatile, non-invasive platform with significant implications for cancer diagnostics and nanophotonics in a pioneering manner.
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 super resolution microscopy
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- humanities philosophy, ethics and religion ethics
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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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.
00185 Roma
Italy
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.