Project description DEENESFRITPL Novel technology lights the way to cost-effective terahertz investigation of materials Among the many useful light–matter interactions is the absorption of different wavelengths of light by different ions or molecules. Optical absorption spectroscopy takes advantage of this phenomenon to provide fundamental information about materials without contacting, altering or harming the material of interest. The applications are virtually limitless. Optical absorption spectroscopy in the terahertz region of the electromagnetic spectrum takes all existing advantages to a new level and adds more. However, the driving laser is currently quite costly and complex. The EU-funded DC-THz project is planning to remedy that with its pioneering laser technology. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Optical absorption spectroscopy is a key enabling technology for contact-free and non-destructive identification of materials. Since these measurements allow for identifying defects or contaminants in products, they are used in many industries. Examples include testing of polymers, coatings and paints, pharmaceuticals, foods, and semiconductor devices for electronics. Optical spectroscopy also has emerging applications in environmental monitoring, security, and medical diagnostics. Light in the terahertz region of the electromagnetic spectrum (frequencies from 0.1 – 10 THz) is particularly attractive for all these applications because of its remarkable properties: it can be transmitted through many materials, allowing for inspection of products inside their packaging; its interaction with matter leaves unique spectral fingerprints, enabling identification of the molecules present; and it offers good resolution, enabling imaging applications. However, a significant challenge for existing industrial terahertz spectroscopy systems is the high cost and complexity of the driving laser. In this ERC-PoC project, we will resolve these problems by leveraging our recently-demonstrated breakthrough dual-comb laser technology. These patented dual-comb lasers produce asynchronous high-power femtosecond pulses from a single laser cavity. This solution combines higher performance and lower complexity compared to the alternative technologies. The goal of the ERC-PoC is to deploy these advantages in the context of terahertz spectroscopy to enable faster measurements and lower costs, and take important steps to commercialization. We will develop a prototype industrial terahertz spectrometer, measure test samples with research and industrial collaborators, and find initial product-market fit for commercializing the spectrometer. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicsoptoelectronicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2020-POC - Call for proposals for ERC Proof of Concept Grant Call for proposal ERC-2020-PoC See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant Coordinator EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH Net EU contribution € 150 000,00 Address Raemistrasse 101 8092 Zuerich Switzerland See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Zürich Zürich 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 EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH Switzerland Net EU contribution € 150 000,00 Address Raemistrasse 101 8092 Zuerich See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Zürich Zürich 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
