Objective
While quantum theory has been successful in describing particles, electromagnetic fields, and weak and strong nuclear interactions, the force of gravity has yet to be reconciled with quantum mechanics, leading some to raise the question: Is gravity quantum? If that were not the case, massive superpositions would need to collapse. Experimentally testing this regime, however, remains an elusive and daunting challenge.
In this proposal, I introduce a new idea for coupling a superconducting qubit to the centre-of-mass motion of an ultra-coherent torsional mechanical resonator. Leveraging megahertz couplings possible using mechanical flux coupling pioneered in my group, the platform I will create will enable quantum coherent single-photon strong coupling of the twisting motion to the qubit with unprecedented quantum cooperativities greater than 108. This new regime is enabled by the recent discovery that high-aspect ratio torsional mechanical resonators made from silicon nitride can exhibit exceptional quality factors due to intrinsic dissipation dilution, enabling quantum coherence times up to one second. This torsional platform is also highly optimal for coupling mechanical motion to magnetic flux, the basis of a new methodology I propose here using a flux-tuneable superconducting qubit.
This new regime I will enter will enable nanokelvin cooling of the mechanical motion and the creation of quantum superpositions up to picometer scales for microgram oscillators. With imprecision noise orders of magnitude below the standard quantum limit, the platform will enable new opportunities as a testbed for quantum sensing. The large mass and exceptional sensitivity will allow us to explore new bounds from non-interferometric tests of gravitational collapse models, and the large superpositions I will ultimately create and detect will provide new direct interferometric tests of the quantum nature of gravity.
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 electromagnetism and electronics electromagnetism
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry metalloids
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics superconductivity
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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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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) ERC-2025-ADG
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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.
2628 CN Delft
Netherlands
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.