NOA

Research Line: New optoelectronic, energy materials, and advanced characterisation techniques

The NOA group is driven by a dynamic and risk-taking approach to enter and exit novel areas in pursuit of high-potential and impactful research. This research line is dedicated to exploring cutting-edge and low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) topics that have the potential to revolutionize nanofabrication, materials, and characterization fields. The goal is to identify the "next big thing" in optoelectronics and energy materials, while operationally working towards financial independence. To achieve this, the NOA group focuses on several material families with exceptional properties for diverse applications. Understanding that even small changes in materials can significantly impact the devices they are integrated into, thorough characterization is essential. The group employs a wide range of electrical, optical, and microscopy techniques to delve into the properties of novel and advanced optoelectronic and energy materials.

• Challenges:
  • One of the primary challenges is to discover and develop the next breakthrough materials in optoelectronics while operating in a financially independent situation. Currently, the group's research includes a focus on chalcopyrite, kesterite and perovskite materials, with ongoing exploration of other new materials like Sb2(S,Se)3. The NOA group is expanding into new areas, particularly battery materials, such as thin film solid-state micro-batteries for integration into solar cells.
• Addressing the Challenge:
  
  • To tackle this challenge, the research line emphasizes collaboration and working with PhD candidates. Leveraging the extensive international collaboration network and strong partnerships with other INL groups, NOA gains access to a wealth of capabilities, knowledge, and services. By engaging in collaborations and PhD candidates projects, the group aims to kick-start the proposed research lines.
• Short-term Goals:
  • By engaging in preliminary surveys and forming collaborations, the group aims to explore the potential of these areas and lay the foundation for further research.
• Medium-term Goals:
  • In the medium term, the NOA group aims to establish one of these risk areas as its primary research focus. Through intensive efforts, collaborations, and targeted funding initiatives, the group seeks to publish a significant number of high-impact publications and secure funded projects in the selected research area. This will solidify the group's position as a leading contributor to the field of new optoelectronic and energy materials, and advanced characterization techniques, thereby impacting the sustainable development of future technologies and societal needs.

Research Line: Development of architectures for optoelectronic and energy devices

This research line serves as the backbone of NOA's activities, supported by multiple funded projects and continuous daily efforts. The focus of this line is to develop novel nanoarchitectures for optoelectronic and energy devices, with intermediate Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) that enable scalable technologies. NOA is dedicated to creating groundbreaking concepts for solar cell architectures, optimizing ultrathin absorber layers to reduce production costs and enhance light-to-power conversion efficiency. Within this area, the group leverages nanofabrication techniques for interface passivation and light trapping arrangements, incorporating photonic structures.

• Challenge:
  • The production of micro-electronics, including solar modules, is primarily centered in Asia. However, Europe still maintains a significant market share due to its contribution in inventing and developing technological advancements. To continue gaining a substantial added value in technology businesses, Europe must focus on industrial-level research and development. NOA addresses this challenge by developing original industrial processes and pioneering novel optoelectronic architectures through nanofabricated coatings that have the potential for industrial fabrication. This strategic approach aligns with INL 2030 guidelines, encompassing smart manufacturing, smart cities, internet-of-things, electrification, and sustainability.
• Addressing the Challenge:
  • NOA collaborates with key industrial partners, including Midsummer, dst, Obducat, Avancis, among others, to upscale nanofabricated coatings that enhance the performance of optoelectronic devices, leading to substantial cost reductions. By implementing these nanotechnologies, novel architectures for optoelectronic devices are created, increasing machine production and achieving equivalent materials reduction. This approach facilitates technology transfer and the implementation of industrial-friendly nanofabrication concepts, propelling the innovation potential in the field.
• Short-term Goals:
  • -    Develop nanotechnology-based novel optoelectronic device concepts with high industrial relevance and innovation potential, particularly in areas like sensors, energy harvesting, and IoT applications.
    -    Explore and optimize nanofabrication concepts that enhance the performance of optoelectronic devices, focusing on scalability and industrial applicability.
• Medium-term Goals:
  • -    Establish the capability to prototype and develop technology into real-life devices, specifically targeting applications in sensors, energy harvesting, IoT, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and energy storage.
    -    Develop an extensive expertise in large-area nanofabrication of coatings and structures techniques to appeal to industrial partners, facilitating technology integration and commercialization.
    -    Through the pursuit of these short and medium-term goals, the NOA group endeavours to drive the development of cutting-edge technologies that contribute to smart manufacturing, smart cities, internet-of-things, electrification, and sustainability, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

Research Line: Advanced Architectures and energy systems

NOA actively engages in industrial collaborations, primarily through funded projects. The group possesses a wide range of solutions and capabilities, making it well-suited to collaborate directly with companies, including Iberian companies through regional funding initiatives. As part of its international outreach, NOA continuously seeks partners in diverse fields such as photovoltaics, coatings, nanofabrication, advanced characterizations, optics, and energy applications. The group's members are experienced in adhering to international industrial standards, meeting tight deadlines, maintaining high-quality standards, and delivering innovative practical solutions.

Continuous improvement methods, including Kaizen and Kanban, showcase the group's commitment to maintaining high standards and efficiency in its industrial collaborations. NOA is well-versed in seeking funding opportunities for collaborative projects, and its state-of-the-art facilities are open to international industrial players with secure contracts and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).

• Challenge:
  • The primary challenge is to establish a continuous and open channel with companies, aligning the group's capabilities with industrial needs and trends. While the support from BSR provides institutional follow-up, NOA recognizes the need for direct engagement, dedicating time to visit companies, participate in fairs, conferences, and workshops to forge new contacts and promote its expertise and actions.
• Addressing the Challenge:
  • To address this challenge, NOA will actively increase its industrial collaborations by seeking funding for projects at higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). The group aims to leverage its expertise in nanofabrication, coatings, and characterization to explore collaborations in sectors like energy, automotive and engineering, where its technologies can have significant impact.
• Short-term Goals:
  • Increase industrial collaborations with a focus on high TRL projects, particularly in the energy, automotive and engineering sectors, utilizing NOA's expertise in nanofabrication, coatings, and characterization.
• Medium-term Goals:
  • Establish a spin-off NOA unit with capabilities in deep machine learning for image recognition, catering to the needs of industry. This move aims to enhance the group's offerings and provide valuable services to industrial partners in this domain.
    Through these short and medium-term goals, NOA strives to reinforce its position as a key player in the industrial landscape, forging strong collaborations with companies while continually pushing the boundaries of innovation in nanofabrication, coatings, and energy applications.