Objective
Ultracold molecules are gaining increasing interest as a platform for quantum technologies and fundamental physics, including competitive tests of the Standard Model. Their rich internal structure promises a broad range of applications, and their long-lived internal states are ideal to store and process quantum information. At the same time, this same richness poses a central challenge: The dense manifold of states that enables their versatility also makes them difficult to control in practice.
Cold atoms, on the other hand, have reached technological maturity, underpinning many quantum technologies, currently being one of the leading platform for quantum memories. In this context, cold atoms face a fundamental limitation: their sparse optical lines create a spectral bottleneck that reduces interoperability with other quantum technologies, ultimately limiting the scalability of these platforms.
MoleQool introduces a new nanophotonic strategy to overcome these limitations. The core idea is to use, for the first time, a tapered optical fiber to engineer the electromagnetic environment of ultracold molecules. This compact device integrates a fiber-based optical lattice to form and chemically stabilize molecules and, when spliced into a tunable fiber-ring cavity, provides Purcell enhancement to selectively control the dense manifold of molecular decay channels. This architecture reduces the typical technological overhead of ultracold molecules by combining low laser requirements with flexible spectral control.
With this approach, I will establish a new compact platform for quantum-level state control of ultracold molecules, using Rb2 as a benchmark system. In proof-of-principle experiments, I will demonstrate a multicolor quantum memory, including quantum frequency conversion, of about 10 nm, highlighting the platform’s flexibility and scalability potential toward larger wavelength separations.
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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)
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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-2026-STG
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00185 Roma
Italy
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