ERC Proof of Concept grant to develop a new THz instrument
Jaime Gómez Rivas, group leader of the Surface Photonics group, has been awarded with a European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept grant of 150 k€ to develop a new instrument consisting of an optically pumped THz near-field microscope and a far-field spectrometer.
This instrument will enable the researchers to measure the ultra-fast response of photo-excited materials relevant for next-generation photovoltaics and high-frequency optoelectronics over areas of varying size from µm2 to several cm2. This unique combination of length scales will enable to probe large devices and determine the conductivity and carrier lifetime of extremely small structures or even single nanostructures, helping to find out why the response to light of these materials is limited.
The Proof of Concept funding helps ERC grant holders to bridge the gap between their research and the earliest stage of a marketable innovation, including support for market research as well as the development of a business plan and strategic partnerships. The work will be done in collaboration with Protemics GmbH, a German company specialized in THz-based non-destructive testing technology and provider of advanced near-field microprobe sensors.