Project description
Tiny extended-cavity laser on the path to commercial availability
Lasers are a critical part of modern technology – they are used in metrology, high-resolution spectroscopy, interferometry, quantum computing and even rocket propulsion. To broaden the potential applications, researchers are seeking to miniaturise lasers while still producing a high-power output. The EU-funded SLAQ project recognises the need for compact, reliable and inexpensive laser systems for use in laser spectroscopy. To this end, the team has already designed an extended-cavity diode laser (ECDL) setup that combines the best features of current laser configurations. The laser can fit inside a miniaturised power supply, while its operation is virtually free from any mechanical hysteresis-related problems. SLAQ researchers aim to get their proof-of-concept laser technology to the commercial stage and ensure their innovation reaches the market quickly.
Objective
Optical transitions in atoms and ions are used in precise interferometry, quantum computation (QC) and accurate clock applications, and the research in these fields has led the birth of a laser spectroscopy industry. Currently, this industry is growing, and smaller lasers are already finding their way into exciting transportable applications, such as rockets. QC possesses extensive market potential, and is expected to surpass the $2 billion mark over the next five years. QC industry is a forerunner in adopting tomorrow’s technologies, and the demand they create for new high-tech will also benefit other domains. Currently, QC is facing an enormous bottleneck – computers occupy large spaces in a way reminiscent of the 1960’s, when personal computers filled entire rooms but could carry out only the simplest operations. At the heart of miniaturization efforts for quantum computers are compact, reliable and inexpensive laser systems.
In our laboratory, we faced the very same problem with our laser spectroscopy setup and were frustrated by the amount of time we had to devote to maintenance. We made an exciting innovation to overcome the current challenges. The key lies on the design of our Extended-Cavity Diode Laser (ECDL)-based setup, which combines the best features of current laser configurations (Littrow/Cateye). We use a novel design which makes the operation of the ECDL virtually free from any mechanical hysteresis-related problems. We can also fit the laser inside a miniaturized power supply, and achieve a considerably smaller volume for the unit. Therefore, we can create a compact, reliable and cost-effective laser system attractive for various applications. In the PoC, we will carry out a technology PoC and a commercialization PoC to improve the time to market of our exciting approach to laser spectroscopy.
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 computer hardware quantum computers
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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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.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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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-2019-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.
10135 Torino
Italy
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