Objective We propose a radically new and generic type of detector for photons, electrons and energetic charged particles: a stacked set of curved miniature dynodes in vacuum, created through MicroMechanical Electronic Systems (MEMS) fabrication techniques on top of a state-of-the-art CMOS pixel chip. This combination in itself is an extremely efficient electron detector. By capping the system with a traditional photocathode, a highly sensitive timed photon counter can be realized, outperforming all existing photon detectors. By capping it with an Electron Emission Membrane, a timed particle tracking detector is realized with a time resolution far superior to current particle counters.The core innovation, i.e. the stacked curved dynodes on top of a pixel chip, will revolutionize electron detection in solid-state, atomic and molecular physics experiments. As a photon detector, it will have pico-second time resolution, much better than classical photomultipliers, at low noise. This will have impact on the field of medical imaging, optical communication, night-vision equipment and even 3D image recording by measuring the time-of flight of photons from a flashlight. As a particle detector, it will allow faster and higher-resolution measurements of the trajectories of fast charged particles, essential in modern particle physics experiments. Its time resolution is three orders of magnitude better than state-of-the-art Si planar detectors, opening new horizons for (vertex) tracking, time-of-flight spectrometers, track pattern recognition and trigger detectors.The realization of this detector concept requires high-risk/high-impact developments in the area of (1) fundamental understanding of electron emission, (2) the MEMS-based fabrication of novel curved transmission dynodes and (3) high-efficiency Electron Emission Membranes. To achieve these objectives, the PI will lead a concerted effort of technical physicists and theoreticians. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesmolecular and chemical physicsnatural sciencescomputer and information sciencesartificial intelligencepattern recognitionengineering and technologymedical engineeringdiagnostic imagingnatural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsphotons Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-AG-PE2 - ERC Advanced Grant - Fundamental constituents of matter Call for proposal ERC-2012-ADG_20120216 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Host institution STICHTING NEDERLANDSE WETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK INSTITUTEN EU contribution € 1 841 000,00 Address WINTHONTLAAN 2 3526 KV Utrecht Netherlands See on map Region West-Nederland Utrecht Utrecht Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Arjen Van Rijn (Mr.) Principal investigator Hendrik Van Der Graaf (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (3) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all STICHTING NEDERLANDSE WETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK INSTITUTEN Netherlands EU contribution € 1 841 000,00 Address WINTHONTLAAN 2 3526 KV Utrecht See on map Region West-Nederland Utrecht Utrecht Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Arjen Van Rijn (Mr.) Principal investigator Hendrik Van Der Graaf (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT Netherlands EU contribution € 357 000,00 Address STEVINWEG 1 2628 CN Delft See on map Region West-Nederland Zuid-Holland Delft en Westland Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Marion Ooms (Mrs.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK United States EU contribution € 198 000,00 Address STATE STREET 35 12201 Albany Ny See on map Activity type Other Administrative Contact Celeste Radgowski (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data