Objective
This project aims to establish a novel nanophotonic platform that enables scalable quantum network nodes based on mechanically tunable photonic crystal (PhC) cavities coupled to trapped cold atoms. Future quantum computers will require modular architectures, where multiple atomic processors are linked via photonic channels at telecom wavelengths. PhC cavities are promising atom–photon interfaces, yet fabrication-induced disorder prevents large-scale deterministic resonance with atomic transitions, while existing thermal tuning techniques are limited in range, stability, and scalability.
We propose a new approach using electromechanical “zipper” PhC cavities, in which the optical resonance can be tuned over a large range by controlling the separation between parallel nanobeams with applied voltages. This mechanism offers an order-of-magnitude improvement in tuning range compared to thermal methods, while providing stable, reproducible, and fast electrical control compatible with simultaneous operation of many devices. Integrated fibre arrays will enable multiplexed readout of multiple cavities, paving the way for chip-scale, fibre-coupled quantum interfaces. On this platform, we will generate time-bin entanglement between atomic qubits and emitted telecom photons, and demonstrate heralded entanglement between two distant atoms. This will constitute the first realization of long-distance atom–atom entanglement mediated by PhC cavities.
Beyond its immediate impact on neutral atom quantum computing, the project will open the toolbox of on-chip nanophotonics to atomic quantum systems, advancing quantum networking and engineered many-body physics. The researcher Alexander Korsch is in a unique position to realise this project given his background in nanophotonics, optomechanics, and nanofabrication, which matches perfectly with the cold atom expertise of the host group of Prof. Hannes Bernien at the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
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.
- natural sciences physical sciences optics cavity optomechanics
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nanophotonics
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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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.
1010 Wien
Austria
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.