Phonsi · Nanophotonics by Nanocrystals, from integration to single photon operation

Nanophotonics by Nanocrystals, from integration to single photon operation

Optical nanomaterials - in which components are smaller than 100 nm - are driving an anticipated huge impact to make our future way of living sustainable and comfortable. For example: * Optical fibre networks underlie the data communications that are vital for our on-line activities. Photonic devices run on light, and innovations in such devices can combine lower power consumption with higher speed operation. One mechanism for this is incorporating optically active materials such as quantum dots or graphene for emitting, detecting and modulating light. * Infrared spectroscopic systems are widely used for chemical analysis. The use of these systems can find further application if they can be ported to a low-cost, consumer optical platform. One such means is by integrating the spectroscopic functionality along with low-cost ultra-high sensitivity quantum dot or graphene photodetectors on an integrated circuit. * Solid-state lighting allows for power-efficient lighting and display applications. Generating the desired colors for solid state lighting requires luminescent materials with special characteristics. Core/shell quantum dots are novel materials that can meet these needs in an affordable manner. Next-generation photonic devices rely heavily on a hybrid approach of photonics and nanomaterials technology. This is a vibrant, worldwide field of research and development where scientific discoveries are quickly brought to the market by established companies or newly-founded spin-off companies. For Europe to benefit from the results, it must invest in appropriate training of future researchers. The Phonsi network is our response for training needs. This approach brings together universities, research institutes and companies in a multidisciplinary research and training network covering the chemical synthesis of nanomaterials, top-down and bottom-up nanomaterials processing, the analysis of light-matter interaction and charge-carrier transport and the simulation, formation and testing of nanophotonic devices. The participating researchers are trained in a unique environment that offers them all the skills needed to pursue their careers in relevant European industrial activities. The Phonsi research programme has four main objectives: 1. Synthesis of quantum dots for nanophotonics-by-nanocrystal devices. 2. Development of a hybrid top-down/bottom-up processing technology. 3. A deep understanding and tuning of the properties of excitons in quantum dots relevant to the intended devices. 4. Formation of nanophotonics-by-nanocrystal devices that combine progress at the materials level with optimized device design. To achieve these objectives, phonsi has engaged leading academic and non-academic partners with complementary world-class backgrounds.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union