How microalgae could transform the way we produce photonics

Photonic crystals, essential for controlling and manipulating light, are key components in advanced technologies such as lasers and sensors. However, their production is typically expensive, requiring sophisticated cleanroom facilities.

Researchers at INL are exploring innovative alternatives by leveraging structures naturally produced by microalgae.

Pedro Braga Fernandes, a PhD candidate at INL, explains “Our group works on photonic structures, and we try to draw inspiration from nature for that. I work with microalgae called diatoms. These diatoms produce a silica exoskeleton with an organisation resembling a photonic crystal, similar to those we create in the cleanroom.”

This natural resemblance of diatoms with photonic crystals could bring a new solution for more sustainable production methods. Unlike traditional fabrication methods, the use of diatoms eliminates the need for costly cleanroom environments, reducing both financial and environmental impacts.

Pedro Braga Fernandes highlighted the nano-patterned silica potential applications, “This enables easy integration of the structures produced by the algae into essential technologies, ranging from biosensors to quantum systems”.

This unique approach not only has the potential to reduce production costs but also offers a sustainable alternative for developing photonic technologies. By using natural processes, researchers at INL aim to unlock new possibilities across a wide range of applications.

Recently, the NASCADIA project was featured in ‘90 Segundos de Ciência’, a series of science communication episodes with daily broadcasts on Antena 1 Portuguese public radio. In this episode, Pedro Braga Fernandes explains INL’s contribution towards this exciting project in just 90 seconds (in Portuguese).

Text & Photography by Catarina Moura, Science Communication Officer