Objective
Because of the intrinsic fragility of their quantum nature, mechanical systems occupy a unique position at the boundary between the quantum and classical worlds. Overcoming the long-standing challenge in observing such macroscopic quantum phenomena is not only of fundamental interest but also promises versatile applications, extending mechanical-oscillator technologies such as MEMS into the quantum regime. These systems could function as quantum memories, sensors, or transducers. The key milestone is to realize an ultra-coherent mechanical oscillator and coherently couple it to a strongly nonlinear quantum system, such as a superconducting qubit.
The Q-MEMS project will achieve this through a cross-disciplinary approach uniting materials science, microwave engineering, nanofabrication, and quantum physics. It will establish a new hybrid quantum platform that merges circuit optomechanics, which brings mechanical motion into the quantum regime, with circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED), which provides strong quantum nonlinearity. Q-MEMS introduces a novel driving scheme that resolves the intrinsic conflict between these two architectures, allowing stable operation of cQED under strong microwave drives required for optomechanics, thereby enabling coherent coupling between a mechanical oscillator and a superconducting qubit. In parallel, Q-MEMS pioneers the use of epitaxial titanium nitride (TiN) membranes combined with dissipation-dilution engineering and flip-chip bonding techniques, targeting second-scale mechanical quantum coherence in a scalable architecture.
This breakthrough will mark a decisive step toward mechanical-oscillator-based quantum technologies. Ultimately, Q-MEMS will open a new experimental window to probe gravitationally induced decoherence or dark matter interactions, linking cutting-edge quantum engineering with the foundations of physics.
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.
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.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
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.