Research Domains

Data- and telecom

We actively work on high speed optical transceivers enabled by Silicon Photonics technology. These transceivers are used in datacenters, access, metro, radio-over-fiber networks. Key expertise include the development of Silicon Photonic integrated circuits with high-speed lasers and modulators, as well as the associated integrated circuit design for drivers and read-out electronics.

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Sensing and imaging

NB-photonics has a strong expertise in optical sensors and imaging techniques. We develop the optical sensors for autonomous driving, environmental sensing (air, soil & water quality), food safety and health care. The imaging techniques include Raman & fluorescence microscopy and are used to image single cell behavior, to enable targeted drug delivery and for cell transfection.

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Display

Worldwide there is a strong competition in creating more energy efficient displays with better color rendering, resolution and contrast. NB-photonics experts have the know-how to fabricate, process & characterize the materials (quantum dots, liquid crystals and specialty phosphors) which will enable these future displays.

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Lighting

Light sources are used in diverse areas like - indoor lighting, automotive headlights, horticulture to name a few. NB-Photonics experts are developing the materials (quantum dots, liquid crystals and specialty phospors) to realize light sources with lower power consumption and better spectral features.

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Energy

Researchers from NB-photonics help to reduce the global energy consumption with new technologies that enable the harvesting and storage of solar energy. For example, we develop the materials and process technology for better solar concentrators, photovoltaic cells and solid-state batteries.

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Laser systems

The center has unique know-how in high-speed laser design and fabrication. Next to this, there is key expertise in laser assisted packaging techniques (e.g. direct laser writing, laser ablation, opto-electronic circuits on flexible, stretchable and rigid substrates).

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Quantum and Neuromorphic computing

NB-photonics experts are involved in fundamental research on novel concepts for quantum and neuromorphic computing. Currently the focus is on single-photon sources and detectors and photonic chip implementations of neural networks. The latter can be used for speech recognition and ultrafast data processing.