Project description
Near-zero-index materials to unleash narrowband thermal emission at scale
Thermal emitters release electromagnetic radiation – primarily infrared light – when heated, functioning as efficient sources of heat or light. Narrowband (partially coherent) thermal emission is generally achieved using photonic nanostructures, currently not suitable for low-cost, large-area installations. The ERC-funded LALOS project aims to validate the use of its near-zero-index materials as scalable alternatives without the need for complex nanofabrication technologies. The emitters will have a winning portfolio of characteristics not available in competing products: large area, low cost, high output power, spectral stability, dynamical tuning, integrability, high-temperature operation and full transparency. LALOS will lay the foundations for commercialisation and penetration of markets including gas sensors, biosensors, thermal imaging and long-wave infrared communications.
Objective
Thermal projectis a radiative process fundamental to light sources operating at mid-infrared (MIR) wavelengths. However, narrowband (partially coherent) thermal emission is conventionally achieved with the use of photonic nanostructures, which hinders their exploitation in large-area and low-cost practical applications. ERC StG NZINATECH have demonstrated that near-zero-index (NZI) materials provide an alternative route towards partially coherent thermal emission, avoiding the use of accurate nanofabrication. At LALOS, we will validate the innovation potential of this result, demonstrating scalable prototypes of thermal emitters that have the potential to beat conventional emitters in terms of large-area, low-cost, output power, spectral stability, dynamical tuning and integrability. Our configurations are also compatible with high-temperature operation and fully transparent devices. These combined technological advantages are not present in other competing emitters, and our technology will be well-positioned to disrupt the markets of gas sensors, biosensors, thermal imaging and LWIR communications. At LALOS, we will research the most strategic market segments for our technology, stablish a strategy for IPR protection, and define a clear plan towards exploitation. Our emitters will impact key technologies for industrial, urban and environmental monitoring (contributing to European Smart City and Adaptation to Climate Change strategies), as well as thermal imaging and LWIR communication systems (contributing to European Digital Transformation and Defence strategies).
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors biosensors
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics optoelectronics
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors optical sensors
- natural sciences physical sciences condensed matter physics solid-state physics
- natural sciences physical sciences optics
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.
31006 Pamplona
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.