Optoelectronics get a turboboost
The optoelectronics field is poised to make a revolutionary contribution to society much as semiconductors have. The EU-funded ICARUS (Hybrid organic-inorganic nanostructures for photonics and optoelectronics) project trained a new generation of researchers to help ensure that the EU is at the forefront of the competition. Created by eight leading European teams at the forefront of semiconductor science, photonics and materials technology, the network was highly successful. The team produced pioneering types of hybrid material systems for use in advanced optical devices. The work led to numerous publications in high-impact peer-reviewed scientific journals as well as at least two patented inventions. Some of the highlights of the outcomes include new types of hybrid solar cells expected to yield important increases in efficiency relative to current technologies. The team also developed innovative laser spectroscopy techniques that were applied to measurement of a variety of new carbon-based materials for solar cells and semiconductor systems. The outcomes significantly enhance understanding of fundamental processes and basic properties of these materials. Scientists developed materials that self-assemble and techniques to prepare inorganic-organic nano-scale hybrids. Their work using DNA as a scaffold to assemble nanoparticles has implications for solar energy harvesting and chemical catalysis. Research on optical non-linearity and stimulated scattering exploiting optical cavities led to numerous high-impact publications, including two papers in the prestigious journal Nature Materials. Of particular importance was the demonstration by two partner groups of new quantum effects observed in organic (plastic) films. Studies that focused on optical printing techniques and lasing in hybrid micro- and nanostructures could have important impact on ultra-secure information transfer technology. Two patents were filed by one partner to protect optical cavity concepts developed during this line of inquiry. Finally, advances in novel hybrid devices pave the way to a revolutionary new type of laser. ICARUS outcomes have the potential to make a major contribution to the quality of life of EU citizens through technologies for faster computing, medical sensors and renewable energy. Equally as important, a new generation of highly trained and expert researchers are entering the job force to create a living legacy with continued advances.
Keywords
Optoelectronics, semiconductors, nanostructures, photonics, materials
