Objective
Quantum technologies are progressing at a rapid pace, yet the mystery of what happens at the boundary between the quantum and classical worlds remains unresolved. Unraveling this fundamental question would provide critical insights into the quantum nature of gravity while also shaping the future of increasingly complex quantum technologies.
Exploring this boundary requires preparing massive objects in quantum states of motion, with the spatial extent of the wavepacket approaching the size of the system itself - a long-standing goal within the scientific community.
Closing this knowledge gap is the driving force behind SpinCaT. In particular, this project will access the physics at the quantum-to-classical boundary by testing wavefunction collapse models in an unexplored regime. This will be achieved through the development of a potentially groundbreaking new experimental approach: creating a macroscopic Schrödinger-cat-like spatial superposition state by utilizing the coherent interaction between a single spin and a levitated oscillator.
The core of this work involves a levitated nanodiamond, where the motion of the diamond is coupled to the spin state of a single nitrogen-vacancy center. Key milestones include the deterministic loading of a nanodiamond hosting a single spin, high-fidelity control of the inherent spin states, ground state cooling of the motional modes, motional readout via the spin, the engineering of a single-spin force, and a projective motional state preparation protocol.
This project will be transformative, providing unprecedented experimental access to new bounds on theoretically proposed quantum collapse models and opening up new avenues for quantum-enhanced sensing and research into the nature of quantum gravity.
My expertise established during my prior research on complex ultracold atomic systems, diamond spin and trapped ion quantum networks, and nanodiamond levitation put me in a unique position to achieve the ambitious goals of SpinCaT.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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)
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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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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.
6020 Innsbruck
Austria
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.