Objective
"In photonic quantum technologies, quantum information is encoded in single photons that can be entangled and used for quantum computing or transmitted through optical fibers for secure quantum communication. Unlocking their full potential requires high-speed operation. While single photons can now be generated at gigahertz rates, state-of-the-art single-photon detectors remain limited to the megahertz regime due to long recovery times inherent to conventional superconducting nanowires. This fundamental speed mismatch represents a critical bottleneck for scalable photonic quantum information processing. Our ERC-PoC project, DETEQ, addresses this critical bottleneck by developing a new generation of high-speed, high-efficiency single-photon detectors based on atomically thin NbSe2, a crystalline van der Waals superconductor uniquely suited for ultrafast operation. Building on our recent invention of the first NbSe2 superconducting nanowire device—developed through the ERC-StG ""TuneTMD""—we will translate this breakthrough into practical detector technology by exploiting ultrathin nanowires with intrinsically reduced recovery time. This will enable gigahertz-rate single-photon detection while maintaining high efficiency and low timing jitter.
DETEQ will mature our detector technology by developing a portable demonstration unit (PDU) comprising fiber-coupled NbSe2 detector chips integrated with cryogenic readout electronics and packaging suitable for laboratory and field demonstrations. The PDU platform will enable system-level validation of detector performance under realistic operating conditions and provide a tangible demonstration of the technology to potential industrial users. In parallel, we will assess commercial feasibility through freedom-to-operate analysis, IP protection, and market evaluation. The project will deliver a DETEQ prototype detector module and a commercialization roadmap for ultrafast single-photon detectors for photonic quantum technologies."
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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)
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-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept 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-POC
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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.
2800 Kongens Lyngby
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.