Two VU research projects are jointly awarded for technological research on photonic chips. The funding comes from NWO and the National Growth Fund programme PhotonDelta.
This investment will enable the development of new photonic technologies that form the basis for applications in medical technology, sustainable AI and wireless communication, among others.
It is about:
Electro-optically Tunable Photonic Integrated Meta Circuits for Ultrafast and Precise Wavefront Shaping (METAPIC) of associate professor of Biophotonics and Microscopy Imran Akca Avci
METAPIC introduces a transformative solution to the limitations of current wavefront shaping technologies by combining metasurfaces with high-speed, electro-optically tunable photonic integrated circuits (PICs) on a single chip. This hybrid platform enables real-time, programmable control of light’s phase and amplitude at GHz speeds, overcoming the challenges of slow or bulky traditional methods. The result is a compact, low-power solution that could revolutionize fields such as autonomous vehicles, medical imaging, metrology and optical communication.
BIND: Biomolecule Detection with INverse-Designed Plasmonic Metasurfaces of chemist Andrea Baldi
Measuring how molecules bind to one another is key to detecting the spread of diseases and keeping our environment safe. Today, the most sensitive tools for measuring these events are often expensive, large, and mechanically complex. In this project, we will develop sensors made of tiny gold particles that can detect molecules quickly and accurately using simple light sources and cameras. We will use advanced computer design techniques to create and test different versions of these sensors. Our goal is to make powerful, affordable tools that can be used not just in labs, but also in clinics and homes.
About the National Growth Fund programme PhotonDelta
The call for proposals is part of the National Growth Fund programme PhotonDelta. This programme aims to make the Netherlands the leader in the global chip industry, with hundreds of companies and customers around the world. Photonic chips enable the development of smaller, faster and energy-efficient devices. These chips also enable earlier diagnosis of diseases, safe self-driving vehicles and more efficient food production.
National Growth Fund programmes
NWO runs thematic programmes for research, knowledge development and innovation funded by the National Growth Fund. The results are used in innovations and organisations, thus contributing to the sustainable earning capacity and broad welfare of the Netherlands. The programmes bring together parties from the entire knowledge chain, both public and private.