Periodic Reporting for period 2 - ENSEMBLE3 (Centre of ExcelleNce for nanophotonicS, advancEd Materials and novel crystal growth-Based technoLogiEs)
Période du rapport: 2021-01-01 au 2022-03-31
ENSEMBLE3 will build on the strengths of Polish science and technology - where historically crystal growth is a very important field, famously developed by prof. Jan Czochralski whose crystal growth method remains the most widely-used technique for manufacturing single crystals of semiconductor and other compounds such as silicon and germanium.
Czochralski crystals are used in everyday life - every person having a computer, mobile phone or other optoelectronic/electronic device has a small piece of a Czochralski - grown crystal placed in the device.
By developing novel crystal growth-based technologies and novel materials with new/enhanced
electromagnetic properties (i.e. plasmon enhanced), new research paths will be created, at the same time enabling the application of developed materials in nanophotonics, optoelectronics, telecommunication, medicine, photovoltaics, and photoelectrochemistry.
*The project acronym, ENSEMBLE - a unit or group of complementary parts that contribute to a single effect – aptly describes both the objective of the project (creating novel predictable and controllable effects/properties/functionalities from an engineered material obtained by the organization of its different components), as well as the mode of achieving this objective (i.e. through the joint efforts of several institutions and an interdisciplinary group of scientists with complementary expertise). In ENSEMBLE3, 3 stands for 3 interconnected research subjects: nanophotonics, advanced materials, and novel crystal growth-based technologies; 3 leading partners and 3 polish partners; and excellence, efficiency, and economy.
- formal establishment of a new legal entity which constitutes the instututional framework for CoE's operations, i.e. ENSEMBLE3 sp. z o.o.
- recruitment of key staff for the Centre of Excellence, including top management, research group leaders, researchers, laboratory technicians and administrative staff; at the end of RP2 the CoE employed 29 scientists and 25 support personnel,
- developing the complete set of internal regulations, procedures and policies that define how the Centre of Excellence operates,
- securing the infrastructure needs of CoE regarding laboratories and rooms for scientific and administrative work by concluding appropriate lease agreements and carrying out the necessary renovations and adaptations,
- acquisition of scientific equipment enabling the implementation of the assumed research agenda (over 150 devices) thanks to the in-kind contribution received by CoE from the IMiF and supplementary purchases financed from national funds,
- acquiring the remaining resources necessary to start operating activities (IT hardware and software, office equipment, contracts with external service providers),
- establishing first ties by CoE research teams with scientific and industrial partners in the country and abroad, including submission of first joint project proposals,
- commencement of commercial activities in the field of sale of crystalline materials.