ICFO
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41°16′32″N 1°59′22.5″E / 41.27556°N 1.989583°E ICFO - The Institute of Photonic Sciences (Catalan: Institut de Ciències Fotòniques) was created in 2002 by the Government of Catalonia and the Technical University of Catalonia. ICFO is a centre of research excellence devoted to the science and technologies of light.
The Institute carries out frontier research and trains the next generation of scientists and technologists. ICFO actively collaborates with many leading research centers, universities, hospitals, and a range of private companies based locally and all over the world. ICFO currently hosts 19 research groups working in 50 different laboratories. Available to them is a shared nanofabrication cleanroom, Super-Resolution Light Microscopy & Nanoscopy Lab and a range of other support facilities. All research groups and facilities are located in a dedicated 10.000 m2 -building situated in the Mediterranean Technology Park in the metropolitan area of Barcelona.
Currently, ICFO counts about 200 researchers, a number that is continuously growing. By 2014, when ICFO completes its ongoing expansion phase, the Institute is to count more than 300 researchers working in 25 different research groups.
Branches
Research at ICFO encompasses four broad thematic areas: nonlinear photonics, quantum photonics, nanophotonics,and biophotonics. Our researchers work in a great variety of fields, including quantum information technologies, nanophotonic devices, remote sensors, optoelectronics, integrated optics, ultrafast optics, biophotonics, and biomedical optics. Projects are run as part of both medium- and long-term programs.
The ultimate objective of the research programs carried out at ICFO is to push the frontiers of the science of light and develop advanced light-based technologies. In both the short and the long-term, our programs aim to create new understanding, new solutions, and new tools to help industry and the society at large tackle today’s main challenges. Our research aims to break new ground and benefit society in the following areas in particular: Information By offering new advanced devices based on classical physics and quantum photonics for local and long-range communication, specialized high-performance computing, display devices, etcetera. Health By providing an increasing number of unique optical techniques for advanced imaging, early diagnosis, minimally invasive procedures, new therapies, nanomedicine, etc. Energy By harnessing photonics to design new technologies for the production and use of light and for efficient lighting. Environment By providing unique remote-sensing tools for the control of air and soil parameters like humidity, salinity, and contamination and for the establishment of efficient environmental and agricultural management approaches. Security By developing new advanced tools for food quality control, surveillance technologies, secure communication, road safety, etc.
Focus Programs
LIGHT FOR HEALTH
Photonics plays an increasing role in a variety of medical techniques and practices, including non-invasive diagnosis, advanced imaging, and therapies. Examples include photodynamic cancer therapies, pulse oximetry,laser surgery, near infrared spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography, advanced microscopy, and laser treatments in dermatology, to name just a few. ICFO conducts research and development at the cutting-edge of biophotonics and nanophotonics, with a special focus on imaging modalities and techniques that aim at continuously breaking the limits of resolution (both spatial and temporal). Ongoing programs include a variety of advanced multiphoton and fluorescence techniques, single-molecule approaches, pioneering near-field nanoimaging, plasmonics and nanoantenna approaches, Raman imaging, photothermal imaging, and diffuse optical imaging, among others. ICFO also hosts several programs in nanosurgery, neuro-intensive care monitoring, plasmonic oncology, and dermatology.
ICFO collaborates with local hospitals, healthcare centers, biomedical research centers, universities, and corporations alike, acting as the local BioPhotonics Hub. In particular, we organize the ICFO ‘Light for Health’ event, which offers the region’s BioPhotonics community a unique opportunity to be brought closer together. The event offers lectures by renowned leaders in the field, lab tours, and a broad range of scientific panels and discussions.
LIGHT FOR ENERGY
Photonics is at the core of all light-harvesting concepts and technologies like photovoltaics and solar cells, in particular. It also underlies efficient illumination and lighting. Research conducted at ICFO directly addresses the current challenges in energy efficiency, developing disruptive approaches for renewable energy applications. Ongoing programs include a range of advanced low-cost and highly efficient transparent solar cells, transparent photonic approaches, organic LEDs, smart windows, energy efficient optoelectronic devices, photoelectric, thermoelectric, electromechanical transducers, and energy efficient sensors, among others. ICFO also hosts several programs in nanophotonics, including nanostructured materials, nanocavities, nanoantennas, low-cost material-processed nanophotonic devices, and plasmonic enhanced light-harvesting technologies. ICFO collaborates with research centers, universities, and corporations worldwide, acting as the local Green Photonics Hub.
LIGHT FOR INFORMATION
Photonics technology is central to the Information Society of today and tomorrow. Optical fibers underlie high-speed communication in access, metro, and long-haul networks, making the use of the Internet possible over intercontinental distances. Light is also at the heart of integrated optoelectronic devices for data modulation and routing, CDs and optical data storage, and all types of displays. ICFO conducts research in classical communications, covering areas such as integrated optics, optoelectronics, and optical fiber devices. ICFO also investigates disruptive approaches based on nanophotonics and quantum technologies. Nanophotonics offers an unprecedented miniaturization potential. As for quantum information systems, they represent a qualitative leap forward in the design of specialized communication systems for applications like high-security transactions of commercial or strategic interest. Ongoing research programs focus on areas as diverse as transparent and advanced displays, plasmonic-based devices, light emission and detection by nanoantennas, wide-scope transparent ultrathin-film electrode technologies, novel micro and nanofabrication technologies, compact quantum cryptography, quantum satellite communications (sponsored by the European Space Agency), quantum memories, quantum computation, and advanced quantum information protocols.
Education
The center offers staff the opportunity to obtain a PhD degree on optical sciences with a broad coverage of its basics and applications. The primary language in research and education is English. Catalan and Spanish are also used.
Economic development and wealth generation
The center aims to be highly proactive in establishing working partnerships with commercial entities, and fostering spin-off companies managed by research members. The center participates in incubator activities and seeks to attract investment venture capital. At full capacity, the center can cater for 300 staff and will occupy approximately 8000 square meters.
ICFO is supported on a base funding basis by the founding institutions, and by competitive projects from national and international funding agencies and private institutions and enterprises. Part of the cost of the new building that hosts the Institute and the corresponding laboratory equipment is financed by the European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund program.