Project description
Photonic crystal lasers for enhanced refractive index sensing
Detection limits are important for measuring the performance of refractive index (RI) sensors. They determine the smallest change that a sensor can detect in an RI. The EU-funded HERCULES project aspires to improve the current RI detection limit by three orders of magnitude. To achieve this, it will carry out on-chip optical heterodyne measurements using one of the brand-new semiconductor lasers developed in a previous project. The laser in question uses a resonant mirror comprised of a 1D photonic crystal cavity. The project will pave the way for enhanced RI sensor performance.
Objective
In the HERCULES project, we will improve the refractive index detection limit by 3 orders of magnitude relative to the state of the art, by implementing an on-chip optical heterodyne measurement using one of the brand-new semiconductor lasers developed during the DANCER starting grant.
The detection limit (DL) is the key measure of the performance of a RI sensor and determines the smallest change in refractive index that a sensor can detect. The DL is a function of the RI sensitivity, which is the magnitude in shift of the resonant wavelength versus the change in RI of the sample, and of the sensor resolution, which characterizes the smallest possible spectral shift that can be accurately measured.
The laser uses a resonant mirror comprised of a 1D photonic crystal cavity. Approximately 40% of the mode supported by the 1D PhC exists in the cladding material (in this case, the air or water of the sample) meaning the lasing wavelength is strongly affected by the sample’s refractive index. The linewidth of the laser is on the order of Megahertz which is three orders of magnitude smaller than that of silicon ring resonators typically used for RI sensing.
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
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry metalloids
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
-
H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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-2019-PoC
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
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.
T12 P928 Cork
Ireland
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.