Project description DEENESFRITPL 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. Show the project objective Hide the project objective 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 engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensorsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopyemission spectroscopynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopyelectron microscopy Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2018-PoC - ERC Proof of Concept Grant Call for proposal ERC-2018-PoC See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant Host institution STICHTING NEDERLANDSE WETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK INSTITUTEN Net EU contribution € 137 500,00 Address WINTHONTLAAN 2 3526 KV Utrecht Netherlands See on map Region West-Nederland Utrecht Utrecht Activity type Research Organisations 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 Total cost € 137 500,00 Beneficiaries (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all STICHTING NEDERLANDSE WETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK INSTITUTEN Netherlands Net EU contribution € 137 500,00 Address WINTHONTLAAN 2 3526 KV Utrecht See on map Region West-Nederland Utrecht Utrecht Activity type Research Organisations 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 Total cost € 137 500,00 DELMIC BV Netherlands Net EU contribution € 12 500,00 Address KANAALWEG 4 2628EB Delft See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region West-Nederland Zuid-Holland Delft en Westland Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 12 500,00
