LasIonDef · Project

Training Network Builds Quantum Sensors and Photonic Devices from Advanced Materials

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Imagine you could create tiny light sources inside crystals like diamond that behave according to quantum physics — emitting single photons on demand. That's what this project trained 13 young researchers to do, using precision lasers and ion beams to carve defects into materials like diamond, gallium nitride, and hexagonal boron nitride. These engineered defects act like atomic-scale light switches that can power next-generation sensors, secure communication, and eventually quantum computers. Think of it as learning to write with atoms instead of ink, inside some of the hardest materials on Earth.

By the numbers

Early-stage researchers trained in quantum technologies

EUR 3,281,943

EU contribution to the training network

Partner organizations in the consortium

Countries represented in the network

Industry partners including SMEs

Quantum material platforms studied (diamond, GaN, hBN)

The business problem

What needed solving

Quantum technologies promise breakthroughs in sensing, secure communication, and computing — but the field faces a severe talent shortage and the fabrication techniques for quantum devices in materials like diamond are still maturing. Companies entering this market need both trained people and proven fabrication methods, neither of which are easy to find or build internally.

The solution

What was built

The project trained 13 early-stage researchers in quantum device fabrication using laser microfabrication and ion implantation across diamond, GaN, and hBN platforms. A quantum optics demonstrator was built and presented at the closing event, along with open-access educational materials on quantum physics and quantum technologies.

Audience

Who needs this

Quantum sensor startups looking for fabrication expertise in diamond NV centersPhotonics equipment manufacturers expanding into quantum device productionTelecom R&D teams evaluating single-photon sources for quantum key distributionSemiconductor foundries exploring wide-bandgap materials for quantum applicationsDefense and aerospace companies developing quantum sensing for navigation or imaging

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Quantum Sensing & Metrology

SME

Target: Companies developing precision sensors for magnetic fields, temperature, or pressure

If you are a sensor manufacturer struggling to push measurement accuracy beyond classical limits — this project trained researchers and built demonstrators for quantum emitters in diamond, GaN, and hBN that enable single-photon-level sensing. The network included 3 industry partners who contributed to device fabrication and characterization across 9 organizations in 6 countries.

Semiconductor Equipment & Photonics

mid-size

Target: Laser system manufacturers and photonic chip fabricators

If you are a photonics equipment company looking to serve the growing quantum technology market — this project advanced laser microfabrication and ion implantation techniques for creating quantum emitters in solid-state materials. With 13 early-stage researchers trained in these methods over 3 years, the talent pipeline and process knowledge developed here could accelerate your product roadmap.

Secure Communications

enterprise

Target: Telecom companies or cybersecurity firms exploring quantum-safe encryption

If you are a communications company preparing for quantum-secure networks — this project developed integrated quantum photonic devices that generate single photons, a building block for quantum key distribution. The consortium produced a quantum optics demonstrator and open-access educational material that could help your R&D team understand the fabrication pathway.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to access the technology or expertise from this project?

LasIonDef was a training network (MSCA-ITN) with EUR 3,281,943 in EU funding, primarily spent on training 13 researchers. Accessing the expertise would likely mean hiring trained graduates or contracting with one of the 9 consortium partners. No commercial pricing exists — this is pre-commercial research.

Can these quantum devices be manufactured at industrial scale?

Based on available project data, the focus was on developing fabrication techniques (laser microfabrication, ion implantation) and training researchers, not on industrial-scale production. The quantum optics demonstrator shows proof-of-concept capability, but scaling to manufacturing volumes would require significant further development.

What about intellectual property and licensing?

As an MSCA-ITN training network, IP generated during the project belongs to the consortium partners (9 organizations across 6 countries). The project also committed to producing open-access educational material. Specific licensing terms would need to be negotiated with individual partners.

Which materials were actually used and tested?

The project worked with three quantum material platforms: diamond, gallium nitride (GaN), and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). These were chosen because defects engineered in these materials can act as single-photon quantum emitters suitable for sensing, communication, and computing applications.

How close is this to a product I can buy?

This is early-stage. The project produced a quantum optics demonstrator and trained 13 researchers over 3 years of work. The technology is at the research-to-prototype stage. Practical commercial products in quantum sensing or communication based on these techniques are likely still several years away.

Who are the industry partners and what did they contribute?

The consortium included 3 industry partners (all SMEs) out of 9 total organizations. They contributed to the design, fabrication, characterization, and integration of quantum devices, while also providing industrial training environments for the early-stage researchers.

Consortium

Who built it

The LasIonDef consortium brings together 9 partners across 6 countries (Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, UK), coordinated by Italy's National Research Council (CNR). With 4 universities, 1 research organization, and 3 industry partners (all SMEs), the network has a 33% industry ratio — reasonable for a training program but lighter on commercial pull than a product-focused project. The 3 SME partners signal some commercial interest in quantum photonic devices, but the primary output is human capital: 13 trained quantum technology specialists now entering the European job market. For a business looking to hire in this space or partner on quantum device development, the consortium offers direct access to both the trained talent and the academic groups that shaped them.

CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHECoordinator · IT
ELVESYSparticipant · FR
UNIVERSITAET ULMparticipant · DE
EXCITE YOUTH FOR ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYparticipant · BE
UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TORINOparticipant · IT
MICROFLUIDICS INNOVATION CENTERparticipant · FR
POLITECHNIKA WROCLAWSKAparticipant · PL
CARDIFF UNIVERSITYparticipant · UK

How to reach the team

The coordinator is Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) in Italy. Use SciTransfer's outreach service to get a warm introduction to the right research group.

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Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

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