Research Activities

The PhOREMOST network of excellence covers a broad collection of topics in the field of nanophotonics, and in particular those related to the realisation of molecular scale technologies. To this end the common research effort of the various partners of this network is divided in four main groups. These research themes will form the focal points of the virtual research center.

1. Bridging the nano-micro gap
   This concerns photonic materials where micro and nano structures are combined, for example. by incorporating molecular systems in porous photonic structures aiming at functionalisation and molecular detection, and using molecular systems to obtain printed nano-opto structures. 
   
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2. Molecular photonic structures
   These materials can be based on organic systems or on metals and semiconductors and the focus is on the analysis of real-world photonic materials, including finite size effects and disorder. Infiltration procedures are used to build and enhance heterostructures and to control the optical properties of photonic materials. In addition, models are developed to describe and understand the propagation of light in complex photonic system. 
   
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3. Novel functionalities at the nanoscale
   Investigation of how to enhance light molecule interactions and interactions on a single molecular level are a key issue as, well as the use of non-linear optics in nanophotonics. Materials involve nanocrystals, wires and rods, but also DNA, molecular systems and even single molecules.
   
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4. Nanophotonic devices
   This work ranges from nanophotonic based emitters and single photon detectors, to emitters and lasers based on periodic and random systems (random lasers). The research on devices also includes modulators, waveguides, and pasive and active elements for filtering dropping and switching of optical channels.
   
   research highlights