Biophotonics
Objectives
The biophotonics line designs, manufactures, and experimental tests integrated photonic structures These structures are used for sensing applications that enable the development of complete detection systems. CMOS-compatible materials (including silicon and silicon nitride) as well as polymeric materials are used for the creation of these structures.
Research also includes other scientific disciplines such as nanofluidics and biochemistry.
The use of photonic devices for sensing and detection has recently become one of the most exciting fields.
The behaviour of these sensors is based on high sensitivity to small variations in the refractive index of some photonic devices. This property is used to selectively detect the presence of substances. Very small structures (a few square microns) are used and this enables a high level of integration.
These kinds of sensors enable the detection of clinical analytics, environmental contaminants, DNA, explosives, or biological weapons.
