INRiM participates as a partner in the AQuTE project (Advanced Quantum Time Experiment), funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and running from September 28, 2023, to February 28, 2026.

Providing a quantum description of time measurements is a conceptual challenge, since in quantum mechanics time is not an observable but merely a parameter. For this reason, the literature includes several different and non-equivalent approaches to the treatment of temporal measurements.

This project aims to carry out an experiment capable of discriminating among these theories, focusing on a specific case: the time of arrival (TOA) of a particle at a predetermined spatial position. The particle considered will be a single photon propagating in an optical waveguide (a fiber), which in this context acquires an effective mass through the transverse standing-wave model.

The experiment will establish which proposal provides the correct quantum description of the TOA. In particular, if the results confirm the validity of the “quantum clock” approach, the impact would be remarkable: this model represents an extension of conventional quantum mechanics. In such a case, the experiment would demonstrate that the standard formulation of the theory, as presented in classical textbooks, is insufficient to describe and predict certain experimentally accessible phenomena. Such an outcome would represent a disruptive and revolutionary result.

INRiM coordinated CalQuStates project (Calibration of microwave chains for Quantum States preparation and readout at millikelvin temperatures), funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), running from 28 September 2023 to 28 February 2026.

The project developed new metrological capabilities for the calibration of microwave signals and measurement chains in cryogenic environments, a key technology for Quantum Computing and superconducting quantum circuits.

The activities led to the implementation of an experimental platform for calibrated measurements at millikelvin temperatures, including the definition of cryogenic reference planes, SOLR-based scattering-parameter calibration, uncertainty evaluation, and characterization of advanced microwave components and devices.

Particular attention was devoted to the calibration of quantum readout chains, the measurement of power at the device plane, and the characterization of added noise in cryogenic parametric amplifiers, also using temperature-controlled noise sources and Planck-spectroscopy protocols.

The results strengthen the foundations of a coordinated Italian metrology for “made in Italy” quantum technologies, enabling more accurate, comparable and reproducible measurements, with applications in Quantum Computing, telecommunications, defence, cryogenics and advanced diagnostics.

INRiM participated as a partner in the CONTRABASS project (Efficient simulation and design of quantum CONtrol sTRategies for mAny-Body quAntum SystemS), funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and running from September 28, 2023, to February 28, 2026.

The project involved a partnership between the University of Milan, as coordinator, and INRiM, with the aim of developing theoretical and numerical tools for the simulation and control of open many-body quantum systems. Its activities focused on continuous measurement and feedback protocols, quantum state engineering, and quantum metrology, with particular attention to atomic ensembles coupled to optical cavities.

The INRiM unit contributed to the development and validation of advanced simulation methods for open quantum systems. In collaboration with the University of Milan, INRiM worked on the open time-dependent variational Monte Carlo approach, which combines quantum trajectories with variational Monte Carlo techniques. This method enables scalable simulations of dissipative many-body dynamics without the direct evolution of the full density matrix, supporting applications to experimentally relevant platforms such as atomic clocks, trapped-ion and Rydberg-atom systems.

A major part of INRiM’s activity focused on the quantum control and simulation of atomic ensembles coupled to optical cavities. The unit developed numerical tools to model three-level atoms interacting with a cavity under continuous measurement of the transmitted optical field. These simulations made it possible to assess the regimes in which adiabatic elimination provides a reliable approximation and to quantify the generation of spin-squeezed states, which are central resources for quantum-enhanced sensing.

The project achieved significant advances in the modelling of cavity-coupled open quantum systems. INRiM researchers contributed to the derivation of higher-order effective master equations beyond leading-order adiabatic elimination, showing that these improved models reproduce relevant limitations in spin-squeezing scalability while avoiding the computational cost of full-system simulations. Further developments included new approaches for continuously monitored quantum systems based on stochastic master equations and quantum cumulant expansions.

The theoretical results obtained by the INRiM unit also supported experimental progress toward quantum-enhanced measurements. In particular, the homodyne detector was characterized, and the optical cavity for quantum-enhanced measurements was designed using input from the theoretical modelling developed within the project. 

The project produced multiple scientific outputs involving INRiM researchers, including publications and manuscripts on spin squeezing, open quantum dynamics, higher-order adiabatic elimination, and continuously monitored quantum systems, as well as presentations to workshops and conferences. 

INRiM partecipated as a partner in the DAREDEVIL project (DARk-mattEr-DEVIces-for-Low-energy-detection), funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and running from September 28, 2023, to February 28, 2026.

One of the main results was the validation of GaAs as a low-temperature calorimeter. GaAs was also validated as a scintillating calorimeter with combined heat-light readout. This dual readout improves the capability to identify events and reduce experimental backgrounds.

Furthermore, the project optimized the fabrication processes of superconducting detectors with operating temperatures below 50 mK and areas up to 200x300 µ², which were characterized using single-photon sources in the visible spectrum in view of the measurements on crystals.

The project produced Open Access publications on cryogenic prototypes and material properties. The results were disseminated through scientific conferences, workshops, and outreach initiatives. Overall, the project achieved its main objectives and established a solid foundation for future developments.

INRiM coordinated EMPEROR project (Engineering two-dimensional Materials-based Photonics and Electronics platfoRms by directed self-assembly of blOck copolymeRs), funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and carried out from 28 September 2023 to 28 February 2026.

The project successfully developed photonic platforms based on two-dimensional (2D) materials nanostructured through Directed Self-Assembly of block copolymers, demonstrating neuromorphic photonic devices ("2D memitters") based on WS₂ and MoS₂ monolayers, capable of exhibiting short-term synaptic plasticity and visual memory. In addition, the project achieved the controlled integration of plasmonic nanostructures fabricated through self-assembly, significantly enhancing photoluminescence while preserving the neuromorphic functionality of the devices.

The project also optimized the growth, nanostructuring, and characterization of two-dimensional materials belonging to the transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) and Xene families, establishing an innovative technological platform for future low-power photonic and electronic applications.

The project outcomes were disseminated through publications in high-impact international scientific journals, a cover article in Advanced Functional Materials, and numerous presentations at international conferences, contributing to the advancement of two-dimensional materials-based technologies.

INRiM participated as a partner in the EXTRASTRONG project (Resilience Evaluation by Experimental and Theoretical Approaches in Electrical Distribution Systems with Underground Cables), funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and running from September 28, 2023, to February 28, 2026.

The project investigated the impact of extreme heatwaves on underground urban electricity distribution networks, with a particular focus on medium-voltage cables and joints, through an integrated research approach based on three complementary activities.

Field measurements were carried out in Turin, in collaboration with IRETI SpA, where a pilot thermo-hygrometric monitoring system was installed to collect real operating data from the underground environment surrounding in-service cable joints and to assess measurement uncertainty.

In parallel, the analysis of historical failure data (2001–2025) demonstrated a significant decline in network reliability during heatwave events. The study revealed that failures under extreme thermal conditions do not follow conventional reliability models, highlighting the need for dedicated mathematical approaches to assess power grid resilience.

Laboratory activities conducted at Sapienza University of Rome led to the development of a standardized accelerated thermo-electrical ageing protocol to evaluate the degradation of insulating materials and the dielectric performance of network components.

The project also generated significant industrial impact by fostering new collaborations with the energy sector. Among these, Unareti SpA funded an Executive PhD focused on applying the project's resilience and asset management methodologies to the electricity distribution networks of Milan and Brescia.

INRiM participated as a partner in the HEUSLER project (Modelling and process engineering of Heusler alloys for thermometric waste heat harvesting and spintronic applications), funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and running from September 28, 2023, to February 28, 2026.

The project developed an integrated approach combining theoretical modelling and experimental characterization to design and optimize Heusler compounds for spintronic and thermoelectric energy conversion applications.

The main achievements include the identification of promising materials for spintronic and thermoelectric devices, the understanding of the role of structural defects and microstructure in determining the magnetic, electronic and transport properties of Heusler alloys, and the development of processing strategies to optimize their performance. In particular, the project demonstrated that careful control of defects and processing conditions is essential to preserve the half-metallic behaviour required for spintronic applications while enhancing thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

The integration of atomistic simulations with advanced experimental characterization provided new guidelines for the design of advanced functional materials. The project outcomes have been disseminated through publications in international peer-reviewed journals and presentations at leading scientific conferences. 

INRiM participated as a partner in the ISOTOP project (Precision isotopic shift measurements to test physics beyond the Standard Model), funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), running from 28 September 2023 to 28 February 2026.

Precision metrology with atomic and molecular systems offers an innovative route to explore physics beyond the Standard Model. In this context, isotopic shifts are potentially sensitive to unpredicted new light particles: nonlinear effects, already observed in calcium and ytterbium, could open the way to the discovery of new fundamental interactions.

The project aimed to exploit the technologies developed at the University of Florence and INRiM for absolute frequency measurements on the narrow intercombination transitions of cadmium, an ideal atom for high-precision comparative studies thanks to its numerous stable isotopes. Cadmium spectroscopy on the ¹S₀–³P₁ transition at 326.2 nm, however, requires suitable laser sources and frequency references in the ultraviolet, where conventional setups are complex and scarce.

The project's main result addresses precisely this challenge. Using the laser system developed in Florence and at INRiM — a master source at 1304.8 nm, with second harmonic at 652.4 nm and fourth harmonic at 326.2 nm — saturated absorption spectroscopy of the weak P(63) line of the 4-4 band of molecular iodine ¹²⁷I₂ at 652.4 nm was carried out for the first time. The second harmonic of this transition falls at 326.2 nm, overlapping with the cadmium intercombination transition: iodine can therefore serve as a direct frequency reference for the UV lasers intended for cadmium, avoiding cumbersome ultraviolet spectroscopy setups.

By measuring the absolute frequencies of the hyperfine components with a GPS-referenced optical frequency comb, the electric quadrupole and spin-rotation constants and the transition's center of gravity were determined, improving its precision by a factor of 250.

These results, published in Optics Express, contribute to updating the iodine atlas and provide a ready-to-use reference for future precision spectroscopy of cadmium — an enabling step toward the isotopic shift measurements that motivate the project.

INRiM coordinated MetroSpin project (Metrology for spintronics: A machine learning approach for the reliable determination of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction), funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and running from September 28, 2023, to February 28, 2026.

The project successfully demonstrated a viable path toward reliable measurement of key spintronic parameters by:

1. Obj 1: Providing guidelines to enhance measurement uncertainty and reproducibility. A Good Practice Guide was drafted, establishing key parameters and significantly reducing measurement uncertainty, ensuring reproducibility and accurate estimation of the energy performance of spintronic devices.

2. Obj 2: Deepening the understanding of the underlying physics involved in iDMI measurement. The consortium identified chiral damping as the main physical cause of the large discrepancy in values reported in the literature between Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) and Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect (MOKE) techniques. Integrating this phenomenon into theoretical models successfully reconciled the two methodologies.

3. Obj 3: Exploring the use of machine learning to further improve measurement reliability. The feasibility of using artificial intelligence algorithms and neural networks for the automated extraction of magnetic domain walls and rapid estimation of iDMI from image patterns was demonstrated, laying the foundation for future classification tools based on hybrid learning. 

The achieved results provide the scientific community and industry with more reliable characterization protocols, fostering the development of advanced low-energy memory and magnetic logic devices.

INRiM participated as a partner in the MIRABLE project (Measurement Infrastructure for Research on heAlthy and zero energy Buildings in novel Living lab Ecosystems), funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and running from September 28, 2023, to February 28, 2026.

The MIRABLE project established methodological tools, infrastructure and technologies, to realize a new working model supporting human-centric research on IEQ and human-centric R&D&I activities for the building sector technological development, in the perspective of achieving healthy and “smart” buildings, to reduce energy use and promote resilience.

Within the research project, Politecnico di Torino and INRiM collaborated into the designing, implementation and validation of a measurement infrastructure for monitoring multi-domain indoor environmental conditions and occupants’ interaction in full scale Living Laboratories (LLs).

In particular, the activities carried out at INRiM were aimed at the metrological characterisation of the multi-sensor prototypes developed within the project for the monitoring of IEQ parameters, at optimising their design and improving calibration procedures for the low-cost sensors employed. Each IEQ domain was analysed separately, in accordance with the relevant standards and available best-practice guidelines. Interference analyses were also conducted where necessary, to assess potential interactions among sensors, and between sensors and the prototypes’ enclosure.

A significant challenge encountered during these activities pertained to the absence of established characterisation procedures specifically tailored to low-cost sensors. Consequently, the research adopted a rigorous metrological approach to systematically investigate and quantify the performance of the sensors utilised. The result of this approach was to enhance measurement reliability, traceability of the obtained results and to ensure greater robustness of the collected data.

Furthermore, the project resulted in the creation of comprehensive guidelines for the characterisation and calibration of low-cost sensors designed for typical indoor environmental measurements. These guidelines will serve as a methodological reference, supporting the accurate and reliable deployment of low-cost sensors for indoor air quality monitoring applications.

INRiM participated as a partner in the NEURONE project (extremely efficient NEUromorphic Reservoir cOmputing in Nanowire network hardwarE), funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and running from September 28, 2023, to February 28, 2026.

The NEURONE project has generated a significant body of scientific knowledge at the intersection of Deep Learning, Reservoir Computing, and Neuromorphic Computing. Across all three research units, the consortium produced a total of 44 unique scientific contributions, including 17 journal papers. Results appeared in top venues including Nature Communications, IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems, Advanced Functional Materials, Neural Networks, Neuromorphic Computing and Engineering, APL Machine Learning, NeurIPS, ICML, and AISTATS.

The project has delivered on its core vision: demonstrating that the principles of Reservoir Computing and hardware-software codesign can be combined to produce neuromorphic AI systems that are both computationally efficient and physically realizable. The NEURONE framework — from theoretical RC models to nanowire hardware implementations and benchmarking tools — constitutes a cohesive and impactful contribution to the field of Green and Neuromorphic AI.

INRiM coordinated PHOTAG project (Multi-step optical encoding in anti-counterfeiting photonic tags based on liquid crystal), funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and running from September 28, 2023, to February 28, 2026.

PHOTAG developed:

• Development of an updatable colored QR code for product traceability and authentication. A color QR code based on polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals was realized and sequentially updated by multiple printing steps to track different stages of a product chain. Its behavior as a strong Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) provides an additional level of secure authentication.
• Demonstration of a rewritable non-volatile optical phase memory with unique identification. Phase-modulating Diffractive Optical Elements (DOEs) were fabricated by multi-step two-photon direct laser writing, enabling contactless far-field optical readout and sequential updating of the stored information while providing a unique physical fingerprint.
• Development of a scale-invariant algorithm for optical PUF identification. A Fourier-transform-based algorithm was developed to reliably identify and compare the transmission patterns generated by optical PUFs, providing robust recognition against variations in scale and acquisition conditions. [ doi.org/10.1063/5.0278250]
• Training of early-career researchers. Two postdoctoral researchers were trained in advanced materials, fabrication methods, optical characterization, and data analysis techniques for optical security and anti-counterfeiting applications.
• Dissemination of project results. The scientific results of the PRIN project were presented at national and international conferences, increasing their visibility within the photonics, advanced materials, and anti-counterfeiting communities.

INRiM coordinated ROCKFALL (Rockfall risk mitigation in the Alps) project, funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), which concluded on February 28, 2026.

The project developed accurate and transferable models of heat transfer in rock for risk mitigation in high-altitude areas prone to rockfall.

Starting from the instrumented area of ​​the Bessanese glacier basin, already the subject of previous studies using innovative techniques (RIST, RIST2, and the GeoClimAlp initiative), the project refined existing measurements by introducing new instrumentation, more lithotypes, and rock faces with different solar exposures.

From this project results, a better understanding of thermal processes in rock in high-elevation mountain areas was achieved. Increasing the on-site observations in time and space in the Bessanese, with calibrated instruments and the traceability of their measurements, the predictive capability of the thermal model has progressively been improved. Additionally, the deployed instrumentation allows continued long‑term monitoring, essential to capture significant thermal fluctuations and potential instability signals, and associate them with future rockfall events.

Having been based on a multidisciplinary approach, involving academia, research Institutes operating in different areas and manufacturers, this project is fully aligned with the Italian National Research Programme (Programma Nazionale di Ricerca – PNR) encouraging multidisciplinary research. Experts in numerical modelling, metrology, geology, thermodynamics and sensor manufacturing worked together to achieve the overall results of this PRIN. The initiative also allowed to instigate new and now well established cooperation among the different groups, for progressing and feeding further studies and objectives beyond the project lifetime. 

As a final comment, in the context of climate change, showing amplified effects in alpine and cryosphere areas, such as the Alps, projects such this PRIN “Rockfall”, addressing knowledge increase in capturing trends through better measurements and models represents a valuable contribution in a complex panorama of efforts aiming at understanding and, where possible, mitigating the effects of climate change and associated risks, in such vulnerable and delicate environments. 

A project web space has been created to archive and make available the documentation produced.

INRiM participates as a partner in the THEEPANY project (ThreEE-dimensional Processing tecHnique of mAgNetic crYstals for magnonics and nanomagnetism), funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and running from September 28, 2023, to February 28, 2026.

The project aims to demonstrate a new paradigm for the nanofabrication of magnetic crystals such as YIG, enabling nanoscale resolution, 3D capabilities, and greyscale tunability of magnetic properties.

Two complementary direct-writing techniques will be used:

• Ultrafast laser processing
• Thermally-assisted scanning probe lithography

to achieve flexible 3D nanopatterning (>100 nm) and sub-10 nm planar resolution.

The synergy of these methods will enable the fabrication of advanced magnonic devices, including 3D magnonic crystals and waveguides, going beyond the state-of-the-art. This project represents a unique advancement in magnetic materials processing, opening new scientific and technological perspectives in magnonics and nanomagnetism.

INRiM coordinated U-MagFinger project (Fast readable label by Unique Magnetic Fingerprints on Industry 4.0: polymeric nanocomposites for a global exchange of information with a high level of security), funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and running from September 28, 2023, to February 28, 2026.

The project advanced research in nanotechnology through the development of innovative magnetic tags capable of securely exchanging, tracking, and identifying information.

The key concept was based on the controlled assembly of magnetic polymeric supraparticles, consisting of magnetic nanoparticles embedded in polymeric matrix, used as unique magnetic fingerprints and decoded by Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy (MPS).

The project successfully demonstrated:

• The synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles with tailored magnetic properties and their incorporation into polymeric supraparticles;
• The development of a dedicated MPS platform capable of rapidly decoding magnetic fingerprints;
• Two complementary decoding strategies based on the intrinsic properties of the magnetic tags and on their nonlinear response to different magnetic field excitation conditions. 

These achievements demonstrated the generation of thousands of reliable and distinguishable magnetic codes, enabling rapid authentication, and remote decoding, paving the way for next-generation secure identification technologies.

INRiM coordinated Xvers.T.E.C. project (Transverse thermoelectric energy conversion), funded by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and running from September 28, 2023, to February 28, 2026.

The project successfully investigated transverse thermoelectric effects, which enable the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy or heat displacement by incorporating magnetism. The study successfully combined experimental observations and fundamental theoretical analyses to understand these phenomena across various materials.

A major objective achieved was the development of a robust operating procedure based on powder metallurgy to produce polycrystalline bulk MnBi samples. This approach allows for the tailoring of magnetic properties and the optimization of the Nernst coefficient through magnetic field annealing. Researchers also explored the ordinary Nernst effect in elemental bismuth crystals as a function of their orientation, offering valuable insights for the future development of thermopile devices. Furthermore, the project successfully produced and characterized magnetic thin films, including epitaxial L10 FePt and CoPd alloys. For the CoPd films, the team identified specific cobalt concentrations that maximize the transverse thermopower and optimize the voltage at zero applied magnetic field. The successful development of these thin films paves the way for designing planar thermoelectric sensors, advancing beyond traditional bulk structures that are limited to longitudinal configurations.

In parallel with the experimental work, the project accomplished significant theoretical milestones to explain the intrinsic origins of the spontaneous Nernst effect in 3d transition metal ferromagnets. Using a Boltzmann transport approach, the researchers demonstrated that the anomalous Nernst coefficient is inversely proportional to the scattering time constant, fundamentally differing from ordinary Nernst materials. By employing a validated two-band model for metals like Iron, Cobalt, and Nickel, the theoretical findings provide actionable methods for optimizing the spontaneous Nernst effect through targeted band filling, such as alloying or doping.

Overall, the project achieved its goal of deepening the understanding of transverse thermoelectric phenomena. The combined theoretical and experimental breakthroughs lay a solid foundation for future applications in integrated heat management devices and the broader green energy transition.