Program leader: dr. Matjaž Humar
Duration: 01.11.2025 – 31.10.2030, ERC COG, (GA 101170123, SoftQuanta)
Quantum optics promises breakthroughs in communications, computing, sensing, and imaging. However, today’s quantum light sources rely on rigid, inorganic materials with limited tunability. With this in mind, the ERC-funded SoftQuanta project aims to change the game by creating quantum light sources from soft and biological materials. Specifically, it will use liquid crystals and biomaterials to create tunable, self-assembling sources of entangled photon pairs and single photons. Such devices will offer flexibility, biocompatibility, and even self-healing, enabling novel applications such as cell barcoding and enhanced quantum sensing. SoftQuanta has the potential to transform quantum photonics, opening up new opportunities for imaging, communications, and quantum technologies.
