Project description
Ultrasensitive NEMS device could sense very weak biomagnetic fields of the brain
Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) are chip-level devices integrating mechanical elements, sensors, actuators and electronics that can sense or control the physical environment using nanofabrication technology. The EU-funded OXiNEMS project plans to develop NEMS devices made entirely from transition metal oxides, which display a wide range of interesting physical properties, such as magnetoelectricity, electro-optic effects, multiferroicity, ferromagnetism and superconductivity. Researchers plan to realise a proof-of-concept NEMS device based on these materials to measure the very weak magnetic fields generated by brain activity. Importantly, these ultrasensitive detectors will be extremely resistant to applied magnetic fields, overcoming the operational limitations of the superconducting quantum interference devices currently used worldwide for probing the functions of the human brain.
Objective
In this project, we develop a new class of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) based on integrated multifunctional oxides. With these devices, we will construct ultrasensitive and robust detectors for biomagnetism and apply them as transducers for applications in the field of human brain imaging. OXiNEMS will exploit advanced multifunctional materials, namely transition metal oxides (TMOs) to create new types of NEMS and MEMS devices based on crystalline heterostructures and revolutionize the field of M/NEMS across many areas of technology. As proof-of-concept of this innovative vision, OXiNEMS targets breakthrough research for developing nanomechanical sensors for measuring weak magnetic fields, in particular those found in Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and Ultralow-Field/Very-Low-Field (ULF/VLF) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Presently available instruments are based on Low Temperature SQUID detectors which are extremely sensitive, but are mildly robust to static and pulsed magnetic fields, such as the ones used in ULF/VLF MRI and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), still not integrated with MEG. SQUIDs require expensive operation and maintenance costs, as they work in a liquid helium (4K) bath. OXiNEMS will develop robust magnetic field sensors based on nanomechanical resonators with all-optical readout, working in a simplified cryogenics setup at the liquid nitrogen temperature (77K). This allows for a much smaller working distance which enables biomagnetic detection with unprecedented spatial resolution. The success of OXiNEMS will thus both revolutionize the NEMS and MEMS field by introducing a new class of multifunctional sensors/actuators, and also it will open new directions in the field of human brain imaging by facing one of the most critical current challenges of neuroscience and the clinical community: to image brain activity and connectivity with high spatial and temporal resolution combining MEG with MRI and TMS on the same system.
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: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry noble gases
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
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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.1.2. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.2.1. - FET Open
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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.
RIA - Research and Innovation action
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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) H2020-FETOPEN-2018-2020
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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.
00185 Roma
Italy
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.