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INL researchers innovating in next-generation solar power

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, directly convert sunlight into electricity. The most prevalent type, crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, found in commercially available solar panels, benefit from extensive expertise and synergies with the microelectronics industry. Despite their cost competitiveness, silicon photovoltaic cells have limitations, such as poor sensitivity to low light, rigid modules, conservative aesthetics, and limited flexibility in dimensions. If photovoltaics are to be deployed in a larger number of applications, these limitations need to be addressed. The Nanofabrication, Optoelectronics, and Energy Applications (NOA) research group is exploring novel thin-film solar cell concepts – or next-generation photovoltaics – to enhance performance while meeting environmental standards. They are particularly focused on developing solutions that merge conversion efficiency, durability, and aesthetics for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), targeting stakeholders in the construction industry. BIPV offers a practical means of integrating photovoltaic systems into buildings, potentially facilitating the installation of hundreds of gigawatts worldwide without the need for additional land. This approach aligns well with the current trend of urbanisation. Pedro Salomé, NOA’s group leader, elaborates “We are engaged in various projects, funded by Portuguese and European programmes, to devise solutions that overcome the challenges posed by conventional silicon modules. Most of our […]

International Day Of Light

On May 16th, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory welcomes microscopy enthusiasts, researchers at all career stages, engineers, and university students, especially from science and engineering areas, to celebrate together the International Day of Light. The International Day of Light is a global initiative of UNESCO that provides an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and its role in reaching sustainable development goals related to education, equality, and peace. On this special day, we open our microscopy facilities to the interested public, together with many other microscopy platforms across Portugal, in the frame of the MicroDia’24 initiative organised by the Portuguese Platform of Bioimaging (PPBI), and will have a program ranging from Inspirational Talks, and Quiz & Networking session to Live Demo Microscopy Experiments. If you are looking for opportunities to perform microscopy characterisation of your samples, or to perform a research internship, take this chance to learn more about INL and the open-access research facilities. This event will be organised by Jana Nieder, Research group leader of the Ultrafast Bio- and Nanophotonics and Head of the Nanophotonics and Bioimaging facilities at INL Register here.

A microfluidic platform that simulates human digestion

In a recently published study, INL researchers developed an innovative microfluidic platform that is capable of replicating key human gastrointestinal processes, offering a game-changing tool for the assessment of newly-developed drugs and/or food supplements. The innovation combines a ‘Digestion-Chip’ and a ‘Gut-Chip’, each enabling sequentially the simulation of digestion through the gastrointestinal tract and the evaluation of intestinal permeability. The study ‘From mouth to gut: microfluidic in vitro simulation of human gastro-intestinal digestion and intestinal permeability’, introduces a miniaturised setup that allows studies of sample bioaccessibility and simplified bioavailability using minimal sample amounts. In addition, the outflow from the ‘Digestion-chip’ can be exposed to the cell-based Gut-Chip, which replicates the intestinal epithelium, using unprecedentedly low sample dilutions thus allowing the detection of ‘rare’ compounds. Both devices work in continuous flow requiring very little user interfacing. In this work, casein – a milk protein that is widely used as a supplement in sports nutrition – was tested as a model compound. And critically, the Gut-Chip can be used to evaluate intestinal permeability offering reference permeability values that are in line to those found using human ex vivo models. Miguel Xavier, one of the first authors of the research study adds “the […]

12th SciComPt Congress in Braga

In the pursuit of an inclusive scientific landscape, the 12th Congress of the SciComPt network will convene between May 8-10, 2024, in Braga, Portugal. Themed “Accessibility in Science Through Diverse Languages and Voices”, this landmark event aims to address the pressing need for enhanced accessibility in science communication. In today’s society, the responsibility of science extends beyond the laboratory walls. Merely providing access to scientific publications falls short of empowering citizens to fully engage with scientific knowledge. As science delves into increasingly complex and ethically nuanced realms, it becomes imperative to bridge the gap between scientific expertise and public understanding. Recognizing this imperative, the Congress will spotlight the critical role of science communication in fostering a more inclusive scientific community. From promoting ongoing dialogue between scientists and society to addressing sensory limitations and diversifying communication channels, Congress will delve into multifaceted strategies to enhance accessibility in science. The event will happen at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Centro Ciência Viva de Braga, and the University of Minho, and will serve as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, collaboration and will share insights, best practices, and innovative approaches to science communication between researchers, policymakers, communication professionals, and engaged citizens. With a […]

Mark Your Calendar: Optiras Project Results Event on April 19th

The OPTIRAS project (PT-INNOVATION-0076) is making waves in the aquaculture industry with its mission to optimize water quality control in Aquaculture Recirculation Systems (RAS). By focusing on the terrestrial cultivation of Atlantic sole and salmon, OPTIRAS aims to revolutionize productivity, animal health, production conditions, environmental benefits, and sustainability within the industry. Key to the project’s success is the development and testing of new technologies for water treatment and quality monitoring. Among these innovations are ozonation, advanced oxidation processes, and superoxygenation, designed to enhance water quality and create optimal conditions for fish growth and well-being. Additionally, OPTIRAS introduces state-of-the-art sensors for in situ monitoring of critical parameters such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitrite (NO2), and nitrate (NO3). These sensors provide real-time data, allowing for proactive management of water quality and immediate response to any deviations. To share their findings and engage with stakeholders, the OPTIRAS team invites industry professionals, researchers, and interested parties to join them on April 19th for a discussion on the project’s results. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in aquaculture technology and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable fish farming. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation – […]

MAY 15: European Neuromorphic Computing Event Aims to Bridge Gap Between Research and Innovation

In a bid to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of neuromorphic computing, the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory is set to host a one-day research event bringing together coordinators, participants, and collaborators from various European projects and industry partners. Scheduled to take place on May 15, in Braga – Portugal, the event will serve as a platform for representatives from ten ongoing European research projects on neuromorphic computing. Additionally, two representatives from leading companies leveraging neuromorphic computing in their technologies will be in attendance. The event aims to stimulate discussion on bridging the gap between scientifically sound technologies and practical innovation in neuromorphic computing. By merging discussions on technologies at different stages of maturity, the organizers hope to identify common approaches and best practices for advancing these technologies in Europe. Key topics of discussion will include exploring available tools and addressing challenges that artificial neural networks and systems face in the realm of neuromorphic computing. Representative examples from participating projects will cover a spectrum of neuromorphic approaches, including electronics, spintronics, photonics, and other emerging materials often integrated with CMOS. These technologies find applications in diverse fields such as computer vision, edge AI, sensing, computing, high-frequency data processing, […]

Detecting objects without any physical interaction – reality or science fiction?

INL researchers have explored a fascinating quantum ability which lacks a classical explanation: the capacity to detect objects without traditional physical interaction. Rafael Wagner and Anita Camillini, INL PhD candidates, alongside the research group-leader Ernesto F. Galvão, have published a paper describing the revolutionary approach that challenges conventional concepts of detection. Imagine being able to identify something without actually touching it – similarly to diagnosis a hidden fracture without an X-ray or recognising a distant voice without hearing it directly. This study explores how quantum computers can achieve that, and detect objects without direct interaction. Rafael Wagner explains “It has been known for a long time that it is possible to detect things without interactions, as a result of the famous thought experiment introduced by Elitzur and Vaidman. They imagined an extreme situation where either there is a bomb in one of the arms of an interferometer, or there is no bomb.” Interferometers are tools used in many fields of science and engineering. The working principle of interferometry consists on splitting the light into two beams that travel different optical paths and are then combined to produce an interference pattern. Their scenario presents an unusual premise: within an interferometer setup, […]

INL hosts the 3-Minute Thesis competition, showcasing Doctoral Research talent

Last week, INL organised its highly anticipated Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, providing an exciting showcase of doctoral research excellence. The 3MT is an initiative that celebrates the exciting research conducted by INL PhD candidates. The 3MT aims to develop early stage researchers’ presentation and research communication skills. It provides support for PhD candidates to effectively explain their research and its significance in just three minutes, using language suitable for a non-specialist audience. Embracing the challenge of condensing months/years of rigorous study into a mere three minutes, 24 PhD candidates from diverse research areas at INL stepped up to the INL auditorium, aiming to captivate the audience of 100+ attendees. The three rounds were held on March 26th, 27th, and 28th. After intense deliberation, the top five candidates were nominated, with their presentations showcasing both academic rigor and compelling storytelling. Alexandra Alves, PhD candidate in the Quantum and Linear-Optical Computation group, highlighted the significance of accessible science communication, stating, “As PhD students we often present our work to expert audiences, but more approachable science communication is lacking. So it was both challenging and fun to try to condense my research topic into 3 minutes and for a diverse crowd.” For […]

ISFGM 2024

17th International Symposium on FUNCTIONALLY GRADED MATERIALS Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) are multi-phase materials in which the micro- and/or nanostructure is manipulated in order to provide a non-uniform distribution of the different phases. The intention is to build different spatial or even time-dependent properties throughout the mass of a single component, giving multi-functionality and sensitivity to various external solicitations. This is a multi-disciplinary field of work in which scientists with backgrounds in engineering and physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine are involved. Furthermore, the interest of industrials in this challenging field is high because new applications are continuously being discovered and developed to join those already existing in biomedical, biomechanical, automotive, aerospace, mechanical, civil, nuclear, and naval engineering. It will be a major forum with opportunities for networking, exchanging experiences, discussing, and enhancing state-of-art techniques and recent developments in FGMs. We count on your presence. Register here.