Project description
High-performance single-photon detectors get closer to commercialisation
Light detectors are crucial components of optical imaging and telecommunication systems. The ultimate photon detector is capable of detecting even an elementary particle of light: a single photon. Netherlands-based company Single Quantum pioneered a groundbreaking technology for detecting single photons that is based on superconducting nanowires. The system combines high detection efficiency, high time resolution and low dark count rate. The company has already sold 150 systems to universities and research institutes. The EU-funded SQP project will further enhance this system so that it can meet requirements for industrial applications, focussing especially on bioimaging applications.
Objective
Scientific experiments and medical diagnostics rely heavily on optical measurements. Live imaging with high detection efficiency, high time resolution and low noise level will disrupt existing imaging technologies. Current technologies cannot meet these challenges as light detectors suffers from poor performances. Single Quantum pioneered a ground-breaking new technology based on detecting single photons with superconducting nanowires, combining the world’s highest detection efficiency with time resolution and noise performances without any compromises. We already sold 70 systems to universities and research institutes. This project has been developed to enhance this system for the larger industrial domain, focusing initially on bioimaging. The scientific bioimaging market is worth €500m/year and a market share of 35% is anticipated. Due to our current strong position here, Single Quantum will be the main supplier of single photon detectors. We will use this position as a mean for entering the larger market of clinical diagnostics imaging. The clinical diagnostics imaging market for Single Quantum is worth €4,070m/year with an expected market share of 10%. Our strategy is to validate our technology with bioimaging scientists for application of our detectors in diagnostic or therapeutic technologies. Our strategy to deal with direct and indirect competition is to approach OEM imaging systems manufacturers and offer them the opportunity to use our detection units in their systems. Single Quantum has the dream team in place to upscale this revolutionary technology with the best available minds in the field of single photon detectors, and decades of experience in developing and commercialising high-tech products. We grew the team from 3 to 24 in six years’ time. Seven employees hold a PhD in Physics. In this project a limited investment in the adaptation of the product will be performed to address the specific needs specified by the User Group.
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
- engineering and technology medical engineering diagnostic imaging
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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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.2.3. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.3. - PRIORITY 'Societal challenges
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H2020-EU.2.1. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies
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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.
SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2
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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) H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020
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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.
2628 ER Delft
Netherlands
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
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.