Project description
A closer look beyond visible light
Sensors that detect light beyond the visible spectrum are key to technologies from self-driving cars to medical imaging. Short-wave infrared (SWIR) detectors, however, remain costly and hard to scale. In this context, the ERC-funded QUASAR project aims to develop a new class of detectors based on 3D quantum dot superlattices. These are highly ordered arrangements of tiny semiconductor particles. By integrating these materials into photodiodes and phototransistors, the project’s goal is to create fast, highly sensitive, retina-safe sensors for LiDAR, industrial monitoring and biomedical imaging. Alongside technical validation, QUASAR will explore market opportunities and deployment strategies, laying the groundwork for practical, scalable SWIR detection in automotive, industrial and healthcare applications.
Objective
QUASAR aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a new class of short-wave infrared (SWIR) photodetectors based on three-dimensional (3D) quantum dot superlattices, developed from foundational research carried out under the ERC Advanced Grant “Design and Engineering of Optoelectronic Metamaterials” (DEOM). Building on recent breakthroughs in solution-processed materials and large-area superlattice assembly, the project targets the fabrication of retina-safe SWIR detectors with high detectivity (≥1012 Jones) and fast modulation response (≥820 MHz), enabling application in advanced LiDAR systems and other high-performance sensing platforms.
The 18-month work plan is structured around two parallel technical pathways: one focused on p–n photodiode architectures and the other on phototransistors offering current amplification. Both routes explore the integration of highly ordered PbS quantum dot superlattices with tunable electronic properties. The project also includes key activities in IP strategy, market analysis and business model exploration.
Key potential target applications span automotive LiDAR (for 3D vision and obstacle detection), industrial automation (moisture and contaminant detection in manufacturing) and biomedical imaging (non-invasive diagnostics in the SWIR range). These sectors require improved performance-to-cost ratios, fast detection speeds, and scalable integration—gaps this technology is designed to address.
The project will validate the technology under device-relevant conditions while building the strategic foundation for market uptake. The outcome will be a characterised proof-of-concept device, market entry strategy, and exploitation roadmap, supporting follow-on initiatives such as EIC Transition or industrial co-development.
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.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors optical sensors
- social sciences sociology industrial relations automation
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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)
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.
9712CP Groningen
Netherlands
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.