Project description DEENESFRITPL Integrating levitated nano-objects with electronic circuits The fields of micro-electromechanical and nano-electromechanical (MEMS/NEMS) systems are developing rapidly. The transition from MEMS to NEMS, which comprise devices integrating electrical and mechanical functionality at the nanoscale, is promising. However, it is hindered by the unavoidable environmental contact as well as energy dissipation through strain. The EU-funded LeviTeQ project will cool the motion and rotation of tailor-made silicon particles, enabling full quantum-level control. It will pioneer the control of nanoparticles by electronic circuits, allowing simple technological integration in a room-temperature environment. The project research will pave the way for the creation of a levitated quantum object acting as a node in a quantum network, offering coherent signal storage and conversion. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Technology is continuously miniaturizing. As it reaches the nanoscale we face unique challenges, such as managing thermal. From the other direction, advances in the quantum physics of a few atoms, ions, and solid-state qubits mean that we increasingly wish to scale up quantum systems, or interface them with nanoscale devices.Opto- and electro-mechanical (NEMS and MEMS) devices have been controlled at the quantum level in recent years, an amazing advance allowing even entanglement between light and mechanical motion. However, all such systems are plagued by unavoidable environmental contact, and energy dissipation through strain, limiting the potential of mechanical devices to participate in both classical and quantum technologies.By levitating the mechanical element, these problems are overcome. LEVITEQ will, for the first time, cool the motion and rotation of tailor-made silicon particles, enabling full quantum level control. This ultra-low dissipation system offers exquisite force sensitivity, by driving the rotation of a levitated nanorod. LEVITEQ will pioneer the control of nanoparticles by electronic circuits, allowing simple technological integration in a room temperature environment. This all-electrical system will challenge existing quartz crystal oscillator technology.LEVITEQ will explore new regimes of physics, by working in extreme vacuum, elucidating thermodynamics on the nanoscale. This research will pave the way for a levitated quantum object acting as a node in a quantum network, for coherent signal storage and conversion. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesquantum physicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesthermodynamicsengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringcomputer hardwarequantum computersengineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materialsnatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrymetalloids Keywords Optomechanics Optical trapping Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2018-STG - ERC Starting Grant Call for proposal ERC-2018-STG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-STG - Starting Grant Host institution KING'S COLLEGE LONDON Net EU contribution € 1 498 018,00 Address STRAND WC2R 2LS London United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Westminster Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 498 018,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all KING'S COLLEGE LONDON United Kingdom Net EU contribution € 1 498 018,00 Address STRAND WC2R 2LS London See on map Region London Inner London — West Westminster Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 498 018,00