Prof Dr Tim Bartley, physicist at Paderborn University, has once again been awarded a prestigious European grant. The "Proof of Concept Grant" from the European Research Council (ERC) supports the scientist in bringing his previous research results in the field of quantum optics into application. He will receive 150,000 euros for this. "I am very pleased about this recognition, which shows that our research is recognised and appreciated internationally. It is a great incentive for me to continue opening up new possibilities in quantum technology," says the prizewinner.
Prof Bartley heads the "Mesoscopic Quantum Optics" group at Paderborn University. The researchers investigate special states of light in which many individual light particles (photons) interact. The aim of the research is, for example, to enable ultra-secure data transmission or extremely precise measurements.
From groundbreaking research to innovation
Prof Bartley has already received the ERC Starting Grant worth around 1.8 million euros for his QuESADILLA project in 2022. The aim of the project is to develop state-of-the-art light detectors that can determine the wavelength of each individual photon detected, its exact position on the detector and the precise time of its arrival. By simultaneously recording all these properties, the optical state can be comprehensively characterised.
Work on this project to date has already produced initial results: by combining electronic components that operate at very low temperatures with highly sensitive light detectors, important functional building blocks for optical quantum technologies in the field of quantum computing have been demonstrated. With the funding from the ERC Proof of Concept Grant, these results are now to be further developed. As part of the new "SPICE" project, Prof Bartley wants to investigate the scalability of these so-called superconducting light detector systems using cryogenic electronics. "The development of large detector systems with efficient signal processing is an essential building block for the development of optical quantum technologies on a large scale," explains the physicist.
About the "ERC Proof of Concept Grant"
The ERC is an institution of the European Commission that funds cutting-edge international research. As part of Horizon Europe, the European Union's research framework programme, the purpose of the grants is to support pioneering research in Europe based on scientific excellence, sponsoring ground-breaking project ideas from outstanding scientists in all fields of research.
With the Proof of Concept Grant, the ERC offers complementary funding to explore the commercial or societal potential of the results of an ongoing ERC project. The "Proof of Concept" is therefore aimed exclusively at researchers who already hold an ERC grant and would like to further develop a research result from their ongoing or already completed project beyond research. This supports the first step towards transfer to the market and society.
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