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INL hosts intensive hands-on course on Micro-/Nanofabrication for Integrated Photonics

INL hosts intensive hands-on course on Micro-/Nanofabrication for Integrated Photonics

Earlier this year, INL welcomed industry professionals, researchers and students for two intensive one-week workshops on Micro-/Nanofabrication for Integrated Photonics, a training initiative supported by the NextChip programme, coordinated by the University of Vigo. The workshops brought together 20 participants from leading institutions and companies across Spain, including the University of Vigo, AIMEN, Gradiant, and QuantaLux, for advanced training in nanofabrication processes for integrated photonic technologies. Participants praised the program for its relevance and depth, highlighting the value of hands-on experience in INL’s state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities. Designed by Jana Nieder and Bruno Romeira, the course combined theory with practical modules on design, simulation, fabrication, and characterisation of photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Training was structured around three main demonstrator processes: The course received contributions from several INLers, including Carlos Calaza and José Rodrigues on clean room processes and clean room general access, Diogo Aguiam and Patrícia Sousa on diffractive optical elements for PICs, from design to nanofabrication via nanoimprint technology, Tiago Magalhães and Artur Andrishak on 2D and 3D polymer PICs from finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation to their fabrication and characterisation, Bruno Romeira and João Azevedo on active PICs, such as MicroLEDs, related design, simulation and nanofabrication and characterisation techniques, and […]

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INL Celebrates Diwali: A Festival of Lights and Cultural Exchange

INL Celebrates Diwali: A Festival of Lights and Cultural Exchange

INL recently came alive with vibrant colours, music, and flavours as the Indian community hosted a memorable Diwali celebration. Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance—values that resonate deeply within the world of science and innovation. The colourful festivities reflected this spirit, creating an atmosphere of joy and cultural exchange. The event was warmly received by INLers, offering an opportunity to learn more about Indian traditions while allowing the community to showcase its talents, heritage, and culinary delicacies, enriching INL’s cultural fabric. The celebration began with welcome notes by Prof. Clivia M. Sotomayor Torres, INL Director-General, and His Excellency Mr. Puneet R. Kundal, Ambassador of India to Portugal, who highlighted the importance of cultural diversity and collaboration. The program featured inspiring performances by members of the Indian INL community, including Indian poetry by Dr. Subhajit Roy, reciting the famous poem “Where the mind is without fear” by Rabindranath Tagore who encourages a nation towards an awakening state of true freedom, where knowledge is free, people are united, and reason prevails. The programme continued with storytelling of the origins of this festival, by Dr. Sushmitha Veeralingam, followed by a Bollywood […]

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Strategic Dialogue on Semiconductors in Portugal: A Collaborative Step Forward

Strategic Dialogue on Semiconductors in Portugal: A Collaborative Step Forward

An initiative led by POEMS, connecting research, industry, and policy The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, INL was honoured to co-host, together with Ciência Viva, the public event “Strategic Dialogue on Semiconductors in Portugal”, held on 14 October 2025 at the Pavilion of Knowledge – Ciência Viva Science Centre, in Lisbon. Organised within the framework of POEMS – the Portuguese Competence Centre in Semiconductors, with the support of the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), the event brought together key figures from research, industry, and public policy to discuss the opportunities and priorities shaping Portugal’s growing role in the European semiconductor ecosystem. Through a series of thematic sessions and roundtable discussions, participants addressed some of the most relevant dimensions of the semiconductor landscape — from workforce development and skills retention to European strategies and investment attraction. The morning sessions focused on the vision and strategic role of POEMS, followed by a discussion on talent development, where experts explored the importance of training, retaining, and inspiring future generations to ensure Europe’s competitiveness in advanced electronics. In the afternoon, the spotlight turned to the Chips JU ecosystem, with EuroCDP, NanoIC, PIXEurope, and APECS presenting ongoing […]

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Quantum control of atomic scale magnetism using electric fields

Quantum control of atomic scale magnetism using electric fields

We are pleased to highlight a new collaborative work between the Rossier group (Theory of Quantum Nanostructures) and the experimental group of Kai Yang (Chinese Academy of Sciences), just published in Nature Communications (2025). In this study, the authors demonstrate how to electrically control quantum interference effects in individual atomic spins on a surface. The system studied consists of a single atom or a pair of coupled atoms resting on an insulating film, probed by a scanning tunnelling microscope. By applying carefully modulated electrical bias across the junction, the team can drive the spin system through avoided energy-level crossings and observe interference patterns in the spin response, a phenomenon known as Landau–Zener–Stückelberg–Majorana interference. Because the interference arises from coherent quantum dynamics of the spins, being able to turn it on or off electrically is a key step toward more versatile control of quantum magnetic systems at the atomic scale. The results open new paths toward spin-based quantum devices where electric fields, rather than magnetic fields, mediate fast, local, and low-power operations. The theoretical modelling underpinning this work was carried out with significant contributions by PhD student Yelko del Castillo, supported by a Quantum Portugal Initiative doctoral fellowship. As the authors […]

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INL Highlights Battery Innovation at Tokyo Seminar on Portugal-Japan Strategic Partnerships

INL Highlights Battery Innovation at Tokyo Seminar on Portugal-Japan Strategic Partnerships

Tokyo, Japan – On October 10th, the Embassy of Portugal in Tokyo hosted the final seminar in a series organised with AICEP – the Portuguese Agency for Trade and Investment, aimed at promoting sectors where Portugal and Japan share common interests and opportunities for collaboration. The seminar, titled “Portugal as a Strategic Partner in the European Battery Value Chain,” brought together government representatives, industry leaders, and research experts to explore how Portugal can contribute to building sustainable and resilient supply chains in the fast-growing battery sector. The program opened with remarks from His Excellency Gilberto Jerónimo, Ambassador of Portugal to Japan, who reminded attendees of the historic ties between the two nations, dating back to Portugal being the first European country to set foot in Japan. He described the seminar’s theme as “timely and essential,” emphasising that partnerships are key to achieving sustainability and resilience in global supply chains. As the world accelerates, Portugal is committed to strengthening these ties, “looking forward to prosperity and shared growth,” the Ambassador stated. Following the opening, Philomène Dias, Administrator Board Member of AICEP, presented compelling reasons for Japanese investors to consider Portugal as a strategic partner. She highlighted Portugal’s geographic advantage, bilateral agreements […]

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Monitoring Committee of Portugal’s Interface Mission Visits INL

Monitoring Committee of Portugal’s Interface Mission Visits INL

On 1 October 2025, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory welcomed a delegation from the Monitoring Committee of Portugal’s Interface Mission. The visit aimed to provide the Committee with a closer look at Portugal’s research and innovation ecosystem. Crucial for Portugal’s advancement in the cross-fertilisation between science and innovation, the Interface Mission is a government programme designed to strengthen connections between research and industry, with a focus on initiatives such as the Technology and Innovation Centres (CTI), which support companies in adopting new technologies, and the Collaborative Laboratories (CoLABs), which bring together universities, companies and other partners to develop solutions with market impact. The delegation comprised international and Portuguese experts from academia, research, industry and public administration, such as Prof. Dr Vito Di Noto (University of Padua, Italy), Prof. Dr Ralf Wehrspohn (Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany), Dr Martin Zadrazil (South Moravian Innovation Centre, Czech Republic), Prof. Dr Isabel Salavisa (ISCTE, Portugal), Prof. Dr José Ferreira Machado (Nova SBE, Portugal) and Prof. Dr Bernardete Ribeiro (University of Coimbra, Portugal). Intending to present an overview of the Laboratory, the programme opened with welcoming remarks by INL’s Director-General, Prof. Dr Clivia Sotomayor Torres. Then, Dr Ricardo Ferreira presented INL’s research activities and its involvement in […]

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INL researchers boost efficiency of ultrathin solar cells

INL researchers boost efficiency of ultrathin solar cells

Ultrathin solar cells are a promising path for clean energy: they use far less material, can be manufactured faster, and even applied on flexible or curved surfaces, in comparison with conventional technologies. But there is a catch – when the absorber layer is too thin, the cells lose performance because they do not capture enough light and energy leaks out the back. A research team at INL, led by research group leader Pedro Salomé, in collaboration with other research institutions, including Uppsala University, in Sweden, has now developed a clever nanostructured “mirror” that solves part of this problem. By embedding an ultra-thin patterned layer of gold and encapsulating it with aluminium oxide, the team created a rear contact that both reflects light back into the solar cell and mitigates energy losses at the back interface. “This works by providing interface passivation,” explained Pedro Salomé. The innovation lies not only in the design, but also in the way it’s made. Using one-step nanoimprint lithography, the researchers avoided the costly, multi-step nanofabrication processes usually required for this type of architecture. Pedro Salomé adds “this paves the way for industrial scale-up”. Tested on ultrathin ACIGS solar cells ((Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se₂), the new architecture improved power […]

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INL welcomes over 2,000 visitors at European Researchers’ Night

INL welcomes over 2,000 visitors at European Researchers’ Night

Last Friday, September 26, INL joined thousands of institutions across Europe to celebrate the European Researchers’ Night. Forum Braga once again became a stage where science met the public, with INL playing a central role in the local programme. This year, INL brought together more than 25 research projects covering fields from physics and chemistry to biology and engineering. Visitors had the chance to see how nanotechnology intersects with everyday life, from sustainable solutions to water pollution, to the hidden beauty of microscopic worlds. What made the evening truly special was the collective effort of more than 80 INL researchers, who stepped out of the laboratory to engage directly with families, students, and curious citizens. By transforming cutting-edge research into interactive experiments, games, and demonstrations, INL researchers made complex ideas accessible, fun, and inspiring for all ages. In addition to hands-on activities, the programme combined science with culture. The stage hosted creative performances, live music, and debates that highlighted not only the relevance of research but also its deep connections with society, art, and creativity. Adding to the significance of the evening, Portugal’s Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Fernando Alexandre, visited the event, meeting INL researchers and experiencing […]

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