Crystalline Oxides for Next Generation Computing and Emerging Photonic Technologies

Continued evolution of ICT is stalling as a result of inherent limitations in traditional silicon semiconductor technology. Still, the need for more powerful and less energy-hungry electronic devices remains fast-growing. At the same time, new technology needs to adhere to a higher standard of sustainability. We need new materials, new devices and new deployment of technology to overcome these obstacles. Concomitantly, European rleadership within electronic components and systems (ECS) is at a low, underpinned by the chip crisis during the last few years and confirmed by the launch of the European Chips Act. Europe is at a crossroad: Should it remain a passive player in global ICT, or take a leading role in the development of new technology? The CONCEPT team strongly believes that we need to take a new perspective and strengthen the whole value chain of European ECS from research to industry, securing an active and leading role in future paradigms. CONCEPT aims to take a leading role in this endeavour, utilizing the strengths of excellent European partners within chemistry, materials science, device physics and device engineering. We choose an innovative and unexpected approach, by proposing the use of atomic layer deposition (ALD) to enable low-temperature integration of epitaxial functional complex oxides in neuromorphic- and photonic devices. CONCEPT will confirm the vital place of ALD in the ICT value chain, by constructing proof-of-concept neuromorphic and photonic devices that will boost development, innovation and entrepreneurship in the field, sepcifically targetting KSO C and KSO A as laid out in the Horizon Europe Work Programme. CONCEPT will furthermore encourage participating SMEs and industry to take a leading role in this development, directly building on project outcomes. This will generate growth, create value and secure European entrepreneurship and leadership within ECS.