Activity
The Centre of Nanophotonics, through its organization and specialized equipment enables researchers to run R&D projects in the following areas:
- Infrared nanophotonics, utilizing III-V semiconductor compounds; laser infrared sources and detectors
- Visible radiation and ultraviolet sources based on broad gap semiconductors and photonic structures
- Photonic structures, lasers with photonic crystals
- Antimonide structures for infrared optoelectronics
- Detection devices and systems operating in medium and far infrared
- Biophotonics and its applications in medicine
Direct link with applications is a trademark of research and development problems solved within the Centre of Nanophotonics. Such projects should result in development of advanced technologies to manufacture components for devices and systems to be used in manufacturing, environmental protection, medical and military industries.
Targeted projects, an introductory stage to manufacturing components and devices developed through research described above, will follow. Since January 2008, the Institute of Electron Technology has coordinated a statewide Ordered Research Project “Advanced technologies for semiconductor infrared optoelectronics”. The creation of Centre of Nanophotonics reinforced the research potential inherent in project partners and in the future will facilitate more efficient undertaking of implementation oriented projects.
Furthermore, the Centre of Nanophotonics is linked to the MNS-DIAG project “Micro- and Nanosystems in Biomedical Chemistry and Diagnostics” coordinated by the Institute. The project aims at integrating researchers around the Microsystem Technologies and Silicone Nanostructures Laboratory at the Institute and directing research efforts towards multidisciplinary application projects. Activities undertaken within the Centre of Nanophotonics are also related to the project “Quantum semiconductor nanostructures for biological and medical applications” coordinated by IF PAN.
Taking into account the significance of providing education in the fields of nanotechnology and photonics as well as publicizing knowledge on these areas, there are more institutions affiliated with the Centre, including Environmental Nanostructure Epitaxy Laboratory at the Institute, Physics Department Laboratory from the Warsaw University of Technology (established in 2004) and other student focused laboratories at Polish universities. The Centre laboratories are also place of II and III stage postsecondary education (preparation of masters and doctoral dissertations), I stage education (bachelors thesis) and student internships. Such activities have continued at various laboratories within the Institute for many years and the establishment of the Centre facilitated enhancing their scope and availability of state of the equipment for students and PhD candidates.