Objective
Cryogenic optical microscopy is gaining importance in branches of bioimaging, photonics and semiconductor research, as well as quantum technology due to the significant suppression of thermal motion and enhancement of sample stability. However, integrating cryogenic conditions within the conventional microscopy segment in a sustainable way remains technically challenging. Outstanding issues include thermal drifts and vibrations from cryocoolers that compromise optical stability, incompatibility of standard optics at cryogenic temperatures, and the reliance on unsustainable usage of liquid helium.
Current solutions either use complex, mechanically decoupled systems that are unsuitable for integration into standard microscopes, or simpler systems that consume cryogens continuously. Drawing from the ERC-funded MSpin project, the MinCryo proposal aims to address this gap by developing a compact, high-stability, and closed-cycle cryo-microscope module that can be added to commercial microscopes.
MinCryo holds the potential for a high-gain technological leap, that will shift cryogenic microscopy from a specialized technique to a broadly deployable tool across industry and academia.
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 chemical sciences inorganic chemistry noble gases
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering thermodynamic engineering
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
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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.
53113 Bonn
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.