Salomé Group

Founded in 2017, the Nanofabrication, Optoelectronic, and Energy Applications (NOA) Group focuses on integrating nanotechnology into optoelectronic devices with strong industrial and innovation potential. Utilizing INL’s state-of-the-art nanofabrication processes, the group develops advanced technologies in-house while fostering international collaborations with industry leaders and top research institutions. These partnerships ensure that NOA’s innovations contribute to next-generation and industry-relevant devices on a global scale.

The group specializes in bottom-up nanofabrication and the characterization of optoelectronic materials and devices. NOA benefits from INL’s cutting-edge and semi-industrial cleanroom facilities, combined with its team’s extensive international experience in semiconductor materials. This expertise enables the development of novel technologies, prototyping of advanced devices and validation of fabrication processes in collaboration with industrial and academic partners.

With a strong emphasis on high technology readiness level (TRL) applications, NOA explores innovative nanofabrication concepts tailored for industrial use, improving optoelectronic device performance while identifying and addressing existing limitations. The group is committed to bridging the gap between research and real-world application—advancing technology, training the next generation of researchers and driving industrial innovation.

Research lines:

New Materials for Energy Applications – Exploring emerging technologies to assess their potential and strategically position INL as a pioneer in the field.
Optoelectronic Devices – Advancing nanofabrication, energy and optoelectronics by addressing key challenges and enhancing scalability.
Smart Architectures & Energy Systems – Developing cutting-edge solutions for asset management, facilitating the transition from laboratory research to real-world applications.

Overall goals:

Develop novel optoelectronic device concepts based on nanotechnology, focusing on industrial relevance and high innovation potential.
Explore industrial-friendly nanofabrication techniques to enhance the performance and scalability of optoelectronic devices.
Identify limitations in existing optoelectronic devices and seek solutions through new materials and smart architectures, always considering industrial applications and innovation potential.

NOA´s strategy:

Prototype and develop technology into real-world devices for applications in sensors, energy harvesting, IoT and building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).
Cultivate extensive expertise in large-area nanofabrication techniques to attract and collaborate with industrial partners, positioning the group as a leader in scalable and innovative solutions.

Industrial Collaborations:

Salomé group is actively seeking international partners for collaboration in various fields, including photovoltaics, coatings and novel materials, nanofabrication, advanced characterizations, optics and energy. Their members possess extensive experience in adhering to international industrial standards, meeting stringent deadlines, and delivering high-quality, innovative and practical solutions. Their steady commitment to excellence is exemplified through the implementation of continuous improvement methodologies, such as Kaizen and Kanban.

Furthermore, the group is adept at securing funding for collaborative projects. Their state-of-the-art facilities are available to international industrial partners under secure contracts and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). For additional information or to explore potential collaborations, please contact Pedro Salomé.

Since its inception in 2017, the group has expanded from a team of 4 researchers to a vibrant community of 35 nanotechnology enthusiasts by 2025. The team comprises a diverse range of members, including Professors; post-doctoral, staff, and scientific researchers; research engineers and assistants; one application and systems integration engineer; one project assistant; PhD candidates; master’s students and interns.

Over the years, the team has welcomed researchers from various backgrounds, representing 3 continents and numerous countries, including Portugal, Sweden, France, India, Switzerland, Brazil, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Spain, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Cuba. This diverse and dynamic team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.