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INL advances nanotechnology for Smart City future

This year at the Open Day, more than 1000 visitors had the chance to discover the new demonstrator ‘Smart City’, showcasing a fusion of advanced nanotechnologies developed at INL. ‘Smart City’ not only highlights INL’s research and development in nanotechnology but also exemplifies the potential of these technologies to foster smart, sustainable urban environments. At the heart of this demonstrator are MEMS, or Micro-Electromechanical Systems. These small, integrated devices combine electrical and mechanical components to perform functions such as sensing, controlling, and actuating on a micro-scale. They can produce or sense micro-motion or micro-forces, making them indispensable in sectors ranging from automotive and medical to telecommunications and electronics. The transformative potential of MEMS lies in their ability to significantly alter how humans interact with technology and their surroundings. At the core of this ‘Smart City’ is the Sensible Car project, which highlights the development of intelligent sensors essential for autonomous driving. These sensors enable comprehensive perception of surroundings, real-time precise location updates, and flawless action execution. INL’s contribution to this project includes the creation of two-dimensional MEMS mirrors, diffractive optical elements, tuneable filters, and lenses, all integrated into a LiDAR system. LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, measures distances by […]

INL engages the next generation with “Researchers at Schools” initiative

In an ongoing effort to bridge the gap between nanotechnology research and the younger generation, INL is actively participating in the European Commission’s flagship initiative, “Researchers at Schools“. This initiative is designed to promote direct interaction between researchers and students, encouraging a deeper understanding of science, nanotechnology, and research activities among young minds. Last Friday marked a significant day for the “Researchers at Schools” program, with INL researchers visiting various educational institutions to engage with students and teachers, kick-starting the project SCIGLO – European Researchers’ Night. Raquel Queirós visited a primary school in Maia, where she interacted with a lively class of 26 students. The session aimed to introduce the basics of science and nanotechnology, sparking curiosity and excitement among the young learners. Miguel Cerqueira headed to Ponte da Barca, addressing 64 secondary school students from the 11th and 12th grades at Agrupamento de Escolas de Ponte da Barca. The discussions focused on advanced research topics, the impact of scientific discoveries on society, and potential career paths in the field of nanotechnology. Centro de Ciência Viva Guimarães invited Catarina Moura and Mariam Debs to lead a science communication workshop for school teachers. This event was part of the Picto_Ciência III […]

INL Welcomes Microscopy Enthusiasts for International Day of Light Celebration

The INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory opened its doors this May to welcome microscopy enthusiasts, researchers at all career stages, engineers, and university students, particularly from the fields of science and engineering, in a grand celebration of the International Day of Light (#IDL2024). The event, which marked a global initiative highlighting the importance of light and optical technologies in science, culture, and sustainable development, provided a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the fascinating world of microscopy. The INL’s celebration of #IDL2024 was not only an educational event but also a platform for fostering collaboration and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. By bringing together a diverse group of participants, INL demonstrated its commitment to promoting scientific literacy and innovation. As the event concluded, participants left with a deeper appreciation for the role of light in scientific discovery and a renewed passion for their respective fields. The success of the event underscored the importance of community engagement in science and the ongoing efforts of INL to support and inspire future advancements in nanotechnology and beyond. For more information about upcoming events at INL, please visit our website and follow us on social media. + www.inl.int

New sustainable graphene production developed at INL

The rising demand for portable electronics, e-textiles, and IoT devices has driven the need for lightweight technologies and miniaturized energy storage solutions. Graphene-based nanomaterials are at the forefront of extensive research due to their chemical stability, high surface area, strength, flexibility, and superior thermal and electrical conductivity. Supercapacitors, known for their fast charge-discharge rates, long lifespan, and simple structure, are becoming essential for energy storage in electronics, electric vehicles, and biomedical devices. They operate by storing charges through the adsorption and desorption of ions at electrode interfaces, achieving power densities over 10,000 W/kg. Microsupercapacitors, which are smaller and lighter versions, are particularly suitable for portable and wearable electronics, offering even higher power densities. The high electrical conductivity and surface area of specific graphene materials make them ideal for these applications. However, current production methods present toxicity and scalability issues that have limited their widespread use. Additionally, the materials need to comply with the requirements of deposition techniques able to guarantee reasonable production throughput. Now, INL researchers have developed a sustainable approach to produce an electrically conductive, graphene-based paste suitable for fabricating flexible devices. The results are reported today in the journal Nano Energy, in a paper by INL researchers, in collaboration with the […]

INL Open Day 2024: A Celebration of Science and Community

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, the INL Open Day turned into an extraordinary adventure, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of visitors and the dedicated efforts of our volunteers and researchers. The event welcomed over 1,000 visitors from all corners of the globe, offering them a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of being a scientist for a day. Throughout the day, attendees engaged in 30 hands-on experiments, guided by more than 100 volunteers, researchers, and INL staff members. This immersive experience allowed visitors to explore the vast potential of scientific inquiry and innovation within an environment that nurtures greatness. Participants had the chance to meet our researchers and delve into our state-of-the-art facilities, gaining insights into our unique ecosystem and vibrant community. This event not only showcased the exciting work happening at INL but also reinforced our commitment to enhancing the communities we serve. The INL Open Day was a testament to the power of science to inspire and connect people from diverse backgrounds. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us on this exceptional and enriching day. Your presence and enthusiasm made the event truly memorable. Thank you for celebrating with us, and we look forward to […]

European Neuromorphic Computing Event Draws 100 Participants to Bridge Research and Innovation

Yesterday, Braga, Portugal, played host to a pivotal event in the field of neuromorphic computing, attracting a diverse array of 100 participants. The gathering, which brought together representatives from ten ongoing European research projects on neuromorphic computing alongside two leading companies in the field, aimed to foster collaboration and innovation. At the core of the event was the mission to bridge the gap between scientifically sound technologies and practical innovation in neuromorphic computing. By merging discussions on technologies at different stages of maturity, organizers sought to identify common approaches and best practices for advancing these technologies in Europe. Key topics of discussion included exploring available tools and addressing challenges that artificial neural networks and systems face within the realm of neuromorphic computing. Representative examples from participating projects covered a spectrum of neuromorphic approaches, including electronics, spintronics, photonics, and other emerging materials often integrated with CMOS technology. These cutting-edge technologies find applications across various domains, including computer vision, edge AI, sensing, computing, high-frequency data processing, deep learning, security applications, and signal regeneration. Beyond formal sessions, participants engaged in informal discussions during a social dinner, fostering networking opportunities and collaboration beyond the confines of structured meetings. The event not only provided a […]

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