Objective
The QUASAR project aims to enable, for the first time, quantum non-demolition (QND) single photon detection to search for axion dark matter. The goal is to create a magnetic field-resistant qubit based on planar Josephson junctions (JJ), increasing the sensitivity of axion detection by a factor of 30 compared to current technologies. Dark matter is one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in physics, and the axion is a leading candidate. Axions can be detected using a haloscope, which converts them into photons via the inverse Primakoff effect. This process requires a strong magnetic field (~10 T) and a detector sensitive to single photons. However, developing a single microwave photon detector (SMPD) in the microwave range remains a challenge.
JJ have been proposed as a potential SMPD. Quantum technologies have introduced various approaches, including the switching detectors and qubit-based demolitive photon counting. The issue with these approaches is that photons can only be measured once, making it difficult to differentiate real events from background noise. QND approaches offer a solution: they allow multiple measurements of the same photon, reducing noise below the Standard Quantum Limit.
The simplest QND setup involves placing a JJ based qubit inside the axion cavity to achieve dispersive coupling. However, the strong magnetic fields needed for axion conversion suppress JJ superconductivity. QUASAR aims to overcome this by fabricating planar constriction JJ from NbSe2, which is resilient to magnetic fields up to 30 T. The MF resistant JJ will work as an enabler technology to adopt QND schemes for axion search for the first time.
This will improve the sensitivity to axion-photon coupling by up to 30 times and will make possible to break through DFSZ benchmark line.
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 astronomy astrophysics dark matter
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics superconductivity
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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 - HORIZON ERC Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
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.
00044 Frascati
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.