Quantum Control of Gravity with Levitated Mechanics

QuCoM aims to demonstrate a levitated acceleration sensor for detecting gravity in small masses, exploring quantum mechanics and gravity through innovative tabletop experiments.

Subsidie
€ 2.270.149
2022

Projectdetails

Introduction

The main objective of QuCoM is to demonstrate the proof of concept (TRL 1) of a levitated acceleration sensor and its ability to detect the gravity of small masses and in the quantum controlled regime.

Research Goals

Toward this objective, we will explore the interplay between quantum mechanics and gravity in a parameter range accessible for cost-effective table-top experiments.

  1. We will suspend sub-millimetre particles in optical and magnetic traps.
  2. We will use those to detect gravitational forces in an unprecedented mass regime.
  3. We will investigate quantum superpositions in which these masses are delocalized.

Theoretical Proposals

We will address some of the most popular theoretical proposals combining quantum physics and gravity in a nonstandard fashion. The proposed experiments will assess their limits of validity and/or further constrain the values of their parameters.

Consortium Composition

The consortium consists of two experimentalists, two theorists, and two SMEs to address the objective. The experiments in question will be performed with optically and magnetically trapped micro/nano-particles based on the experimental expertise of partners in the consortium.

Previous Work

Levitated mechanics experiments at Southampton have already been picked up by the EU Innovation radar. In QuCoM, we will go beyond and demonstrate the two-mass gravity sensing as well as the operation of our sensors in the quantum domain.

State Preparation and Control

The state preparation, control, and analysis schemes are based on the expertise of the theory partners.

SME Contributions

QuCoM partner high-tech SMEs will help to optimize the experimental apparatus for the fulfilment of the targeted objectives, which will in turn put them in a position to offer their improved products in sub mK, low vibration cryogenic equipment to market.

Technology Impact

The SME LSI will explore, together with the University of Leiden, the feasibility of implementing our technology into a micro-satellite platform for space-based metrology and Earth Exploration utilizing gravitational detection. This is our direct technology impact and innovation case.

Financiële details & Tijdlijn

Financiële details

Subsidiebedrag€ 2.270.149
Totale projectbegroting€ 2.270.149

Tijdlijn

Startdatum1-10-2022
Einddatum30-9-2025
Subsidiejaar2022

Partners & Locaties

Projectpartners

  • UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TRIESTEpenvoerder
  • UNIVERSITEIT LEIDEN
  • LEIDEN CRYOGENICS BV
  • LEIDEN SPIN IMAGING BV
  • EBERHARD KARLS UNIVERSITAET TUEBINGEN
  • THE QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY OF BELFAST
  • UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON

Land(en)

ItalyNetherlandsGermanyUnited Kingdom

Vergelijkbare projecten binnen EIC Pathfinder

EIC Pathfinder

"Creation of innovative ""humidity to electricity"" renewable energy conversion technology towards sustainable energy challenge"

The CATCHER project aims to develop scalable technology for converting atmospheric humidity into renewable electricity, enhancing EU leadership in clean energy innovation.

€ 2.996.550
EIC Pathfinder

Quantitative Ultrasound Stochastic Tomography - Revolutionizing breast cancer diagnosis and screening with supercomputing-based radiation-free imaging.

The project aims to revolutionize breast cancer imaging by developing adjoint-based algorithms for uncertainty quantification, enhancing diagnostic confidence through high-resolution, radiation-free images.

€ 2.744.300
EIC Pathfinder

Dynamic Spatio-Temporal Modulation of Light by Phononic Architectures

Dynamo aims to revolutionize imaging technologies by enabling simultaneous light modulation at GHz rates, enhancing processing speed and positioning Europe as a leader in optical advancements.

€ 2.552.277
EIC Pathfinder

Emerging technologies for crystal-based gamma-ray light sources

TECHNO-CLS aims to develop novel gamma-ray light sources using oriented crystals and high-energy particle beams, enhancing applications in various scientific fields through innovative technology.

€ 2.643.187

Vergelijkbare projecten uit andere regelingen

ERC STG

Cryogenic on-chip Levitated Optomechanics for a Spin Entanglement witness to Quantum Gravity

This project aims to develop a platform for observing quantum entanglement in gravitational interactions, potentially unifying quantum mechanics and general relativity through innovative microfabrication techniques.

€ 2.445.909
ERC COG

Challenging the limits of mechanical quantum metrology

This project aims to enhance mechanical quantum sensors by using controlled light fields to surpass fundamental measurement limits, advancing metrology and quantum communication.

€ 2.660.000
ERC COG

A quantum hybrid of atoms and milligram-scale pendulums: towards gravitational quantum mechanics

This project aims to explore quantum signatures in gravitational interactions using cold atoms and pendulums to potentially unify gravity and quantum mechanics through innovative experimental techniques.

€ 2.000.000
ERC COG

Entanglement of an array of massive, magnetically levitated superconducting microparticles on a chip

SuperQLev aims to demonstrate entanglement in magnetically levitated superconducting microparticles, merging technologies for advanced quantum sensing and tests of quantum mechanics.

€ 2.000.000