Objective
Rydberg atoms have emerged as a key platform for quantum technologies. The defining property shared by Rydberg states across many atomic species and platforms is the extremely large dipole moment associated with transitions between two Rydberg states. These transitions enable the exchange of quanta, forming the basis for the design of quantum gates. At the same time, they can be leveraged to detect external radiation with high sensitivity over a broad frequency range, from hundreds of MHz to several THz.
Atomic sensors of electromagnetic waves based on Rydberg atoms are a new platform for quantum sensing, with potential applications ranging from ultrasensitive measurements for dark matter detection and fundamental radiometry to applications in space research, industry, passive radar, and modern 5G communication systems and beyond. For many of these promising applications, however, the performance of currently available Rydberg sensors operated in their most trivial configurations has proven insufficient.
In this project, we will explore novel operational regimes of Rydberg atomic sensors. Our primary goal is to understand the fundamental limitations of these systems and to leverage this knowledge to design-specific sensing protocols optimised for engineering applications. We aim to identify which protocols and architectures are best suited for highly sensitive radiometric temperature measurements and for the reception of quadrature-modulated signals. We plan to exploit both hot-vapour and cold-atom systems, facilitating correspondence between practical room-temperature devices and cold-atom platforms that allow for fundamental control. This exploratory research will enable us to identify operational schemes that render Rydberg-atomic systems disruptive not only in physics research but also in microwave and millimetre-wave technology, addressing the fundamental technological challenge of achieving the ultimate limits in electromagnetic measurements.
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 information engineering telecommunications radio technology radar
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
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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 - 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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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.
00-927 Warszawa
Poland
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.