Project description
Shedding new light on nanomaterials by capturing the light they emit
The increasing need for detailed characterisation of nanomaterials is pushing the resolution limits of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopes combine electron microscopy and optical spectroscopy, using a cathode ray source to generate an electron beam that excites a material, which fluoresces as it returns to a ground state. CL microscopes are currently costly and require a lot of space and complex auxiliary systems. The EU-funded TOPCL project is developing a cost-effective tabletop version with innovative light collection capabilities and analysis that will enable optical images at spatial resolutions as small as 20 nm. The new technology will enhance accessibility and fuel nano-characterisation in many fields.
Objective
We propose to develop a turnkey table-top cathodoluminescence (CL) microscope demonstrator that combines electron microscopy and optical spectroscopy to make optical images with a spatial resolution as small as 20 nm. The instrument design builds on expertise on CL microscopy that I have built up during my ERC Advanced research that has led to a highly successful and highly rewarded CL research program. The new microscope design is fully user-friendly, has a footprint of only 60×60 cm, enables high sample throughput, does not need dedicated infrastructure or support, and has a projected sales price below 200 k€. This new design can serve as a unique inspection tool for nano-characterization in a broad range of technical fields, with a projected sales of 100 systems (total 20 sales price M€) per year. The new design will integrate a table-top electron microscope with a newly designed light collection and analysis system designed together with the company Delmic. The CL microscope demonstrator system will be used to perform test measurements for industrial customers in two beachhead markets to explore the market need for the new instrument and to create strong feedback of initial users on the demonstrator design. Knock-on benefits in the academic market are also expected. If successful, the project can be taken to full commercialization through the company Delmic.
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.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors optical sensors
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy emission spectroscopy
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
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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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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 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.
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant
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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-2018-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.
3526 KV UTRECHT
Netherlands
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.