Objective
We propose to realise the first continuous-wave superradiant maser in a solid-state system at room temperature, a fundamentally new class of microwave source whose coherence is stored collectively in a spin ensemble rather than defined by a resonator, making it intrinsically immune to the thermal noise that limits conventional room-temperature oscillators. By coupling nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in diamond to a microwave cavity in the bad-cavity regime, the emitted radiation achieves linewidths orders of magnitude below the cavity linewidth, with frequency stability set by spin coherence rather than cavity losses, a critical advantage at microwave frequencies where thermal photon occupation is large. The project builds directly on our group's demonstrations of pulsed superradiance, long-lived inversion storage, and self-induced quasi-continuous masing (Nature Physics, 2026), and on a preliminary CW prototype that has already confirmed all essential physical primitives but remained below threshold. Newly available high-coherence diamond materials are projected to bring sustained CW operation within reach. Within 18 months, we will implement compact 3D lumped-element cavity architectures with fibre-integrated optical pumping and establish room-temperature continuous superradiant emission, delivering a prototype with characterised linewidth, frequency stability, and magnetic-field sensitivity. The outcomes open a direct pathway to compact quantum magnetometers, portable microwave frequency references for precision metrology, and coherent microwave sources for quantum hardware. Looking further ahead, our work establishes the operating principles for a broad platform of solid-state superradiant emitters (alternative dopants and novel host materials) which will allow to expand superradiant sources from the microwave domain into the THz regime.
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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.
1090 Wien
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.