Project description DEENESFRITPL En route to tiny, ultra-coherent, soft force sensors The EU-funded ULTRAFORS project plans to develop a novel type of ‘soft-clamped’ mechanical resonator. With unprecedented quality factors and low force noise, these resonators should provide a valuable platform for use in quantum technologies, materials science and nanomedicine. Project activities will mainly focus on developing designs optimised for force sensors and stabilising the nanofabrication process to improve production reliability and cost. Furthermore, researchers will develop a business case for ultra-coherent force sensors that will lay the foundations for launching a start-up in the field. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective As part of our ERC-funded quest for quantum-enabled micro- and nanomechanical resonators, we have developed a novel type of ‘soft-clamped’ mechanical sensors. They combine phononic engineering via periodic patterning with high tensile stress. With unprecedented quality factors and low force noise, they provide a powerful platform for an array of force sensing techniques. Applications are expected not only in quantum technologies, but also materials science and nano-medicine, by improving nano-scale force imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance force microscopy. Importantly, reduced dissipation can render costly and complex cryogenic cooling obsolete in many of these applications. In this proof-of-concept project, we will (i) develop designs optimized for force sensitivity, guided by simulation tools already developed, (ii) stabilize the nanofabrication process to improve reliability and economy of the production (iii) further pursue and expand ownership of IPR, to form the basis of commercial exploitation, and (iv) develop a business case for ultracoherent force sensors. This will lay the foundation to the launch of start-up company, or joint commercial activity with existing suppliers, to commercially provide ultracoherent force sensors. Fields of science engineering and technologynanotechnologynano-processesnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopymedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologynanomedicineengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsnatural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware applicationssimulation software Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2018-PoC - ERC Proof of Concept Grant Call for proposal ERC-2018-PoC See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant Coordinator KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET Net EU contribution € 150 000,00 Address Norregade 10 1165 Kobenhavn Denmark See on map Region Danmark Hovedstaden Byen København 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 Other funding € 0,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET Denmark Net EU contribution € 150 000,00 Address Norregade 10 1165 Kobenhavn See on map Region Danmark Hovedstaden Byen København 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 Other funding € 0,00
