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Revolutionising optical systems: INL’s cutting-edge micro-mirror technology

Micro mirrors with large two-dimensional fields of view are a crucial breakthrough for achieving compact optical systems capable of reliable light manipulation, powering revolutionary applications like LIDAR and laser microscopy. INL researchers, in collaboration with the University of Minho and Bosch, have developed ground-breaking 1D and 2D micro-mirror technology using state-of-the-art MEMS (Micro Electronic Mechanical Systems) silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-based bulk micromachining. Impressively, neither complex bonding processes nor piezoelectric materials are needed to fabricate these mirrors, paving the way for more efficient and cost-effective solutions. The developed micro-mirrors feature purely electrostatic torsional out-of-plane actuation and capacitive sensing on both axes. “The unique self-aligned greyscale lithography micromachining process developed at INL, reduces gap tolerances and boosts performance by defining the vertical asymmetry of the comb electrodes with precision”, explains Inês Garcia, one of the leading researchers responsible for the success of the project. This technology has already made strides in LIDAR prototypes for automotive applications, but the potential does not end there. Diogo Aguiam adds “we are excited about the prospects of its implementation in compact laser microscopy and laser projection, opening up new horizons in scientific research and entertainment”.

Celebrating World Brain Day: INL’s JumpIN project advances brain health and spinal cord injury research

World Brain Day is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about neurological disorders and promoting brain health. Today we want to highlight one of the projects that we are working on at INL – JumpIN, which aligns with the mission of World Brain Day to promote brain health and combat the challenges posed by brain-related diseases. Spinal cord injury is a significant global health concern, with approximately 500,000 new cases reported each year. These injuries result in neurological deficits, and studies indicate that 99% of patients experience lifelong functional impairment, ranging from partial paralysis to full tetraplegia. The prognosis of recovery largely depends on the number of surviving neurons close to the injury site, as these neurons can contribute to functional improvements through neuroplasticity (i.e. the ability of the brain to change and adapt). The JumpIN project aims to develop efficient strategies to promote neuronal repair and regeneration following spinal cord injury. The new approach aims to achieve therapy administration using minimally invasive methods, which are preferred because they can reduce the risk of complications, minimise tissue damage, and potentially lead to faster recovery times. Researchers at INL are contributing to this innovative project by adding their expertise in […]

INL researchers actively engaged in hydrogen and renewable gas research

INL researchers from the Clean Energy cluster are actively engaged in hydrogen and renewable gas research. Hydrogen holds tremendous potential to revolutionize our society in various ways. As a clean and versatile energy carrier, hydrogen offers a promising solution to mitigate climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. It can be produced from water and renewable electricity, and it can be transformed into a wide range of synthetic fuels. Advancements in hydrogen research are driving the development of efficient and cost-effective methods for hydrogen production, storage, and utilisation. Hydrogen can be directly used in fuel cells for transportation, enabling zero-emission vehicles and reducing air pollution. It can also be used in industrial processes and power generation, fostering a sustainable energy ecosystem. Furthermore, by combining hydrogen with other abundant gases, it is possible to produce methane, methanol or other renewable gases, that are compatible with existing natural gas and energy infrastructure. While these factors open up opportunities for the widespread adoption of hydrogen, there is still a need to develop more efficient electrolysers and other systems that use fewer critical raw materials. Moreover, hydrogen can be applied in various sectors, including industrial processes, power generation, and residential applications, further contributing […]

Researchers from INL visited EB2/3 André Soares as part of the incluIR project

INL researchers visited, yesterday, the EB2/3 André Soares school, starting a new partnership with the Municipality of Braga within the scope of the ‘incluIR’ project. 7 researchers from different research areas were involved in the activity. ‘incluIR’ is an inclusive holidays project that allows children and adolescents to participate in educational activities, mitigating social and economic differences. During the months of July and August, participants take part in unusual activities, interacting with stimulating experiences and realities, which reinforce the importance of education through Art, Culture and Science. Carla Sepúlveda, Councilwoman for Education, Innovation, and Social Cohesion at the Municipality of Braga, remarked that “’incluIR’, besides its inclusive and integrative aspect, also has a very strong collaborative sphere. It is only possible to offer a program with quality activities based on partnerships with the various structures of the city/county.” She also added that “the partnership with INL arises from the intention of involving an important and fundamental structure for the territory in a project that promotes inclusion. Our goal is to bring to the school and to the vacation program the best that the city has to offer. We believe that an Educating City is the union of efforts and synergies […]

Revolutionizing quantum technologies – INL researcher, Leonardo Novo, published groundbreaking findings in Nature Photonics

Leonardo Novo, Staff Researcher at the Quantum and Linear-Optical Computation, has just published a scientific paper in the renowned journal Nature Photonics entitled “Boson bunching is not maximized by indistinguishable particles”. In this work, the team proposed an experiment that contradicts common knowledge on the so-called bunching property of photons. The observation of this abnormal effect seems to be within reach of today’s photonic technologies. The quantum world is indeed very complex to understand, and today we meet Leonardo so he can explain his most recent work on Boson bunching. Leonardo, congratulations on your latest work published in Nature Photonics! Can you explain what Boson bunching is? Before explaining Boson bunching let me just mention what a Boson is. For all we know, the fundamental particles that we encounter in our universe are divided into two groups: the bosons and the fermions. The ‘most famous’ bosons are the photons, the particles from which light is made, whereas electrons, protons or neutrons are fermions. There is a very powerful principle in quantum mechanics that allows us to predict many phenomena, which, in very simple terms, says that fermions have the tendency to avoid each other while bosons have the tendency to stay […]

#ERN2023 Photo Competition is now open!

The #ERN2023 Photo Competition celebrates science, technology and art in the most creative way. The most eclectic mix of ideas, disciplines and perspectives creates the most far-reaching conversations, in-depth debates, and inspiring developments. It plays a vital role in making science accessible to a wide audience. This initiative happens under the European Researchers’ Night 2022/2023 event that will happen on September 29, 2023, and it will take place in different cities of Portugal – Braga, Coimbra, Lisboa and Évora and around Europe. In Braga, it will happen at Altice Fórum Braga. This year’s theme is Science for Everyone – Sustainability and Inclusion. This is your opportunity to showcase the creative side of science. The ERN2023 Photo Competition is an open competition and everyone is encouraged to capture scientific phenomena happening all around us, and submit up to two original photographs within the following category: All selected photos will be evaluated by a jury composed of representatives of the following areas: creative, innovation and scientific. Your talent and unique visualisations are honoured and celebrated. Whether you’re a student, teacher, artist, scientist, engineer, designer, or educator – join the challenge and share your creativity until September 10, 2022.

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