NewSpace Lab

ICFO

The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) aims to advance the very limits of knowledge in several fields of science and technology where photonic tools and related concepts provide an edge.

Photons, especially from laser light, are one of the most powerful enabling technologies currently available to humankind. ICFO uses them in their research to target the global forefront of several areas of physics and engineering, and salient topics in material sciences, chemistry, biology and medicine.

ICFO aims to tackle key challenges faced by society at large and focus on current and future problems in health, energy, information, safety, security and caring for the environment.

Infrastructure/equipment

Platform NM3

The platform includes highly specialised equipment for micro- and nano-manufacturing, located in dedicated clean room spaces, nano-characterisation equipment and general facilities for chemistry, biology and of post-process. It also includes advanced facilities for mechanical and electronic engineering.

The institute also hosts specific R&D facilities dedicated to design, manufacture, characterisation, integration and prototyping of photonic chips; components, devices and subsystems essential for space technologies, with a focus on quantum technologies and its ICT applications (communications, memories, processing of information, sensors, medicine).