Objective
Widely tunable mid-infrared (mid-IR) lasers are key enabling components for chemical and bioanalytical spectroscopy. Broadband spectral access to the molecular fingerprint region is currently dominated by external-cavity quantum cascade lasers (EC-QCLs), which are bulky, expensive, and rely on mechanically tuned free-space cavities, making the laser the primary cost and architectural bottleneck in many mid-IR instruments.
This ERC PoC introduces CAMIRA, a chip-integrated mid-IR source that replaces mechanical tuning with an array-based solid-state approach. CAMIRA combines multiple unidirectional single-mode ring lasers based on an IP-protected squircle geometry, whose outputs are beam-combined on chip and emitted from a single facet. Continuous spectral coverage is achieved through spectral interleaving, enabling robust operation without moving parts.
The primary objective is to validate CAMIRA as a replacement for expensive EC-QCLs through head-to-head benchmarking in economically and societally relevant applications. The Amide I band serves as a stringent test case in protein spectroscopy, where continuous spectral access is required to resolve overlapping absorption features associated with protein secondary structure relevant to early detection of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The second objective addresses the central technical risk: while prior squircle lasers have demonstrated wide spectral coverage in beam-combined configurations, wavelength reproducibility under realistic wafer-scale fabrication tolerances has not yet been systematically evaluated. Demonstrating compatibility with high-volume manufacturing is essential for scalable and cost-effective deployment.
Based on these results, the PoC will strengthen the patent position and prepare CAMIRA for industrial uptake through licensing to established laser manufacturers, while assessing co-development partnerships or spin-off formation as complementary routes.
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.
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology neurodegenerative diseases dementia alzheimer
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology neurodegenerative diseases parkinson
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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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)
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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.
1040 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.