ICFO at a glance 2014

ICFO AT A GLANCE

ICFO – The Institute of Photonic SciencesAv. Carl Friedrich Gauss, 3 | 08860 Castelldefels (Barcelona)

Tel. (+34) 93 553 4001 | Fax (+34) 93 553 4000 | [email protected] | www.icfo.eu

MINISTERIODE ECONOMÍAY COMPETITIVIDAD

GOBIERNODE ESPAÑA

ICFO is an accredited Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence

At ICFO we are passionate about advancing the frontiers of the science of light. Everything that goes on within our center is part of a shared mission to generate world-class research discoveries that will allow society to face the challenges of the future.

ICFO is made up of commit ted women and men who are driven to ask and answer new and difficult questions and who are grounded by the belief that what we do today can change the world. Reaching our ambitious goals requires determina-tion, ingenuity, innovation and the collaboration between ICFOnians and those who believe in and support the science and the power of light.

ICFO AT A GLANCE

History and Mission .................................................... 6Research .................................................................... 8CELLEX Foundation Barcelona ................................ 10International Leadership ............................................12Landmark Research ..................................................15Details of Significant Contributions ........................... 16ICFO Group Leaders ................................................ 25Research Staff & Students ....................................... 31Advancing Careers ................................................... 34Fostering Young Talent ............................................. 36KTT .......................................................................... 37

Focus programs .........................................................................38Spin-Offs ....................................................................................39Outreach .....................................................................................40

Administration and Services ......................................41International Consortia ............................................. 42

INDEX

ICFO at a Glance 6|

HISTORY AND MISSION

ICFO at a Glance |7

ICFO was created in 2002 by the regional Government of Catalonia and the Univer-sitat Politècnica de Catalunya · Barcelona Tech. The Institute started from scratch with the mission to become a world-leading, wide-scope research center in photonics, the scientific discipline devoted to the generation, transmission, detection, control and manipulation of light. ICFO hosts 300 researchers, organized in 23 research groups working in 60 state-of-the-art

research laboratories, equipped with the latest experimental facilities for nanofabri-cation, characterization, imaging and engi-neering. The Institute is located in a specially designed, 14.000 m2 building situ-ated in the Mediterranean Technology Park in Barcelona. The building was expanded in 2012 thanks to a generous donation from the Fundació Privada Cellex - the largest philanthropic donation secured to date by a scientific institution in Spain.

ICFO at a Glance 8|

RESEARCH

ICFO at a Glance |9

The ultimate objective of the research carried out at ICFO is to push the farthest frontiers of science and to develop advanced light-based technologies. ICFO aims to create new understanding, new solutions, and new tools based on light in four broad thematic areas: nonlinear photonics, quantum photonics, nanophotonics, and biophotonics.

ICFO regularly publishes highly cited papers in the leading topical journals. The Nature Publishing Index, an objective index which ranks institutional presence in Nature family

journals, included ICFO in its “Top 200” in 2012 and 2013, placing ICFO on par with much larger institutions in terms of absolute number of publications. A study published by the Administrative Headquarters of the Max Planck Institute also clearly demon-strates the excellence of ICFO research by ranking ICFO in the highest position of Physics institutions worldwide based on an analysis of highly cited papers. The Optical Society of America has selected research made in ICFO to belong to its “Optics of the Year” almost every year since the institute’s foundation in 2002.

ICFO at a Glance 10|

CELLEX FOUNDATION BARCELONA

ICFO at a Glance |11

The CELLEX Foundation Barcelona has played an important role in helping ICFO to develop into the world-leading research institute that it is today. ICFO is grateful for the support of Dr. Pere Mir and for the opportunities for research excellence that the support of his Foundation affords. Generous donations from the CELLEX Foun-dation Barcelona and the Mir-Puig Founda-tion make possible the Cellex “NEST” Program, and constitute the largest philan-thropic donation to a scientific institution in Spain to date.

The Cellex NEST program established a dedicated research fund to develop and support leading research programs of excel-lence at ICFO, as well as a tenure-track program, offering outstanding opportunities for young scientists aiming to start and lead

an independent research group with an innovative research program at the forefront of any branches of science that are based on or that use optics and photonics. The program offers excellent start-up packages, custom-designed laboratories in a new dedi-cated building with state-of-the-art facilities, and the most advanced engineering support.

In 2012, ICFO inaugurated the new CELLEX NEST Building, fully financed by the CELLEX Foundation Barcelona. The 4000m2

building completed the ICFO facility, containing unique formal and informal meeting areas, laboratories, and highly functional work areas. It is the home to the NEST Project which, when fully manned, will involve around fifty researchers, group leaders, post-doctoral researchers, PhD students and technicians.


INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP


The Spanish Ministry of Science and Inno-vation accredited ICFO as a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence, a distinction that has been awarded to the top research centers in the country. Centers which have been selected for this distinction perform cutting-edge basic research and are among the world’s best in their respective areas. The impact and international scientific leader-ship of these centers and units is essential for their recognition.

ICFO’s capacity and international leader-ship are best illustrated by the Group Leaders of the Institute. They have been recruited from around the world based on international scientific stature and potential for original contributions. In joining ICFO many have resigned tenure positions in top international institutions.

ICFOnians are the recipients of remarkable awards and honors, including: Seven Euro-pean Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants and 3 ERC Advanced Grant Awards; Koerber European Award 2003; OSA Allen Award 2004; Innova Award 2005; Otto Hahn Medal 2006; Coblentz Prize 2006; Humboldt Award 2007; European Fresnel Prize 2009 and 2013; Berthold Leibinger Innovationspreis 2010; Monturiol Medal 2010; IBM Faculty Award 2010; Le Prix La Recherche 2010; Joachim Hertz Award 2010; Photonics21 European Student Innovation Award 2011 and 2012; City of Barcelona Science Award 2011; Prín-cipe de Girona Award 2011; Huygens Science Prize 2011; Polish Science Foundation Award 2011; TR35 MIT-Spain Award 2012; ICO Award 2012; Fem Talent 2013; Gutenberg Science Award 2013; EPS Quantum Elec-tronics Prize 2013; EMBO Young Investigator Award 2013 among others.


ICFO

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December 2008 Vol. 19 No. 12 | $8.25

www.osa-opn.org

WOMEN SCIENTISTS | SUBMARINE PERISCOPES | OSA FOUNDATION

Optics & PhotonicsNews

2008Optics in

A JOURNAL DEDICATED

TO NANOSCIENCE AND

NANOTECHNOLOGY

OCTOBER 2009NANOVOLUME 9, NUMBER 10 pubs.acs.org/NanoLett

P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E A M E R I C A N C H E M I C A L S O C I E T Y

L E T T E R S

Nanoparticle Trapping with Resonant Optical Antennas

www.acs.org

Articles published week of 3 AUGUST 2009Volume 95 Number 5

A P P L I E DP H Y S I C SL E T T E R S

CAVITY QEDSingle atom serves single photons

NONLINEAR OPTICSWell-matched high harmonics

SUPERCONDUCTIVITYOn solid ground

The art of quantum networking

VOL.3 NO.4 APRIL 2007 www.nature.com/naturephysics

TWO-PHOTON EMISSION Semiconductor source

COLLOIDAL LEDS Bright and stable

FEMTOSECOND LASERS

Applications galore

Antennas for light

VOL.2 NO.4 APRIL 2008www.nature.com/naturephotonics

nphoton.2008.Apr.Cover.indd 1 17/3/08 09:32:33

Volume 229, Part 2, February 2008

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June 2004 Vol. 15 No. 6 / $8.25The Magazine of the Optical Society of AmericaopnopnThe Magazine of the Optical Society of AmericaThe Magazine of the Optical Society of America

Optics & Photonics NewsOptics & Photonics News

Optics inBarcelona

A Blue Sky History

Nanocomputing With Nanoclusters

INTRACELLULAR PROCESSESSwitched on with magnets

CARBON NANOTUBESLined up for future devices

SKYRMIONSMoving forward

A spin for all dimensions

MARCH 2013 VOL 8 NO 3www.nature.com/naturenanotechnology

APPLIC ATIONS - CENTERED RESEARCH IN OPTICS

ao.osa.org

ISSN: 1559-128X

Volume 51 • Issue 1 | January 1, 2012

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February 26, 2013 � vol. 110 � no. 9 � pp. 3199–3652

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Acetylation and the circadian clock

Brain metabolism and animal size

Insect antenna grooming

Bilin signaling in green algae

PNASIntracellular transport dynamics

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America www.pnas.org

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Nonlinear optics in spheres G. Kozyreff, J. L. Dominguez-Juarez, J. Martorell

LASER & PHOTONICSREVIEWS

www.lpr-journal.org Vol. 5 No. 6 November 2011

ISSN 1863-8880 Laser Photonics Rev., Vol. 5, No. 6 (November), 711–810 (2011) Journal Impact

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Articles published week of 24 MAY 2010Volume 96 Number 21

A P P L I E DP H Y S I C SL E T T E R S

Published by Cell Pressfor the Biophysical Society

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January 7, 2009

www.biophysj.org


� Milestone contributions to nanoanten-nas and single-molecule optics: Nature Photon. 2, 234 (2008); Science 329, 930 (2010); Nature 465, 905 (2010); Nature Photon. 5, 83 (2011); Nature Nanotech-nol 8, 512 (2013); Nature Commun 4, 1750 (2013); PNAS 110, 18386 (2013);

� Prominent contributions to plasmon nano-tweezing: Nature Phys. 3, 477 (2007); NanoLetters 9, 3386 (2009); Nature Phys. 5, 915 (2009); Nature Photon. 5, 349 (2011).

� Breakthrough contributions to quantum optics and quantum information: Nature Phys. 3, 256 (2007); Nature 464, 1021 (2010); Nature Phys. 6, 539 (2010); Nature Phys. 7, 17 (2011); Nature Phys. 7, 434 (2011); Nature 469, 508 (2011); Nature 471, 486 (2011); Nature Phys. 8, 588 (2012), Nature Photon. 7, 517 (2013); Nature Nano-technol. 8, 175 (2013)

� World-class reference reviews of ultracold matter physics Adv. Phys. 56, 243 (2007), Physics 6, 30 (2013), twisted photons Nature Phys. 3, 305 (2007), diffuse corre-lation spectroscopy Rep. Prog. Phys. 73, 076701 (2010), and soliton science Rev. Mod. Phys. 83, 247 (2011).

� World leading contributions in graphene photonics: Nature 487, 77 (2012); Nature Nanotechnol. 7, 363 (2012); Nature Phys. 9, 248 (2013); NanoLett 13, 2030 (2013); Phys Rev Lett 112, 223601 (2014).

� Ground-breaking results in quantum biol-ogy Science 340, 1448 (2013) and in bio-physics PNAS 109, 4869 (2012); Nano Lett. 12, 2107 (2012); PNAS 110, 3375 (2013); Biophys. J. 104, 968 (2013); Biophys. J. 104, 156 (2013).

� Landmark advances in nanophotonics, including carbon nanotubes, solar cells and photonic crystals: Nature Photon. 6, 529 (2012); Nature Mater. 11, 781-787 (2012); Nature Nanotechnol 8, 493 (2013).

� Internationally recognized technological innovations and the creation of successful spin-off companies (Radiantis, COSINGO, Signadyne, ProCareLight, HemoPhoton-ics); a strong patent portfolio and many industrial collaborations (with SEAT-Volk-swagen, BASF, Carl Zeiss, IBM, Corning, BBraun, Alter Technology, Emxys, Lidax, ABB, European Space Agency, etc.).

ICFO’s central mission is to make world-leading research discoveries and innovations. All of our programs, projects, facilities, processes, organization, strategic plans and attitude-building activities are geared towards such goals. Much of ICFO’s research activity has led to landmark achievements, including:

LANDMARK RESEARCH


DETAILS OF SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS

The first demonstration of light redirection by a nanoan-tenna [Nature Photon. 2, 234 (2008)]. Direct real-space imaging of plasmon modes in nano-antennas [Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 116805 (2008)]. Milestone in plasmonics: realiza-tion of a Yagi antenna for light [Science 329, 930 (2010)]. We captured the first nanoview of light inside a photonic crystal, using a needle of electrons [Nature Materials 11, 781 (2012)].

In collaboration with the Fresnel Institute (France) we real-ized the first nanodevice based on a photonic antenna inside a nanoaperture, capable of detecting individual biomolecules at ultra-high physiological concentrations, opening the door to the study of bimolecular reactions in vitro and in living cells in real time and at relevant concen-trations [Nature Nanotechnol. 8, 512-516 (2013)].

Observation of vibrational wave-packets and Rabi-oscilla-tions of a single molecule at ambient conditions [Nature 465, 905 (2010), Nature Phys. 7, 172 (2011)]. We discov-ered quantum coherent energy transfer over varying path-ways in single light-harvesting molecular complexes, opening up fundamental new avenues in quantum biology [Science 340, 1448 (2013)].

World-pioneering and world-leading contributions to plasmon optical nano-tweezing [Nature Phys. 3, 477 (2007); Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 186804 (2008); NanoLetters 9, 3386 (2009)]. Our latest advances reach the 10nm regime and set the current world record, opening thus new paths to trap single proteins and viruses with light [Nature Phys. 5, 915 (2009); invited review Nature Photon. 5, 349 (2011)].


ICFO WAS INCLUDED IN THE 2012 AND 2013 NATURE PUBLISHING INDEX-TOP 200

We have achieved the first experimental demonstration of non-invasive intracellular temperature mapping, first in vitro [Nano Lett. 12, 2107 (2012)] and more recently in vivo [ACSnano [online DOI: 10.1021/nn403659n] (2013)], and we showed its potential as an enabling tool for the devel-opment of thermal-induced cancer therapies.

We have developed an all-optical correlative imaging method that combines live-cell imaging with super-resolu-tion nanoscopy and achieves high spatiotemporal resolu-tion. Using this method, for the first time we could study how motor-proteins overcome roadblocks inside the cell to transport cargo from one location to another [PNAS 110, 3375 (2013)].

By taking advantage of the capability of the second-harmonic generation microscopy technique to obtain endogenous information from neurons, we have reported the first label-free optical imaging technique that allows monitoring molecular progression of ischemia in cultured neurons [Biophys. J. 104, 968 (2013)].

Together with the Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences (NL) we captured, for the first time, the initial steps leading to leukocyte adhesion using super-resolu-tion light microscopy and single-molecule techniques. We established a new paradigm of integrin-dependent leuko-cyte adhesion based on the lateral mobility of the receptor [PNAS 109, 4869 (2012)].



In the whispering gallery modes of a microsphere we achieved light generation using less than 100 molecules [Nature Commun. 2, 254 (2011)], opening the door to enhance light harvesting in thin film photovoltaics. In a polymer solar cell we introduced a highly transparent buffer layer, which yielded an optimal light harvesting maximizing conversion of sun photons into electrical charges [Adv. Opt. Materials 1, 37(2013)].

The first experiment conducted to demonstrate how to surpass the Heisenberg limit of measurement sensitivity [Nature 471, 486 (2011)]. The experiment culminated a five-year effort to build the required set-up, from scratch. The Heisenberg limit, related to the Heisenberg uncer-tainty principle, was long thought to be the ultimate limit of measurement sensitivity.

Record-breaking quantum light sources: brightest source of indistinguishable and entangled photon pairs, and atom-resonant heralded single photons [Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 053602 (2011)]. First use of quantum entanglement to make ultra-gentle measurements [Nature Photon. 7, 517-520 (2013)]. Brightest source of polarization entangled photons for quantum communication [Opt. Express 21, 11943-11951 (2013)].

Pioneering contributions to the definition of device-inde-pendent quantum information protocols. We put forward the proposal of quantum cryptography whose security is independent of the devices [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 230501 (2007)]. We theoretically proposed the first protocol for randomness generation and collaborated in its experi-mental implementation [Nature 464, 1021 (2010)].


Pioneering contributions to the distribution of entangle-ment and quantum correlations through quantum networks. In collaboration with the Max-Planck Institute for Quantum Optics, we proposed new protocols for the development of quantum communication in quantum networks [Nature Phys. 3, 256 (2007)], and introduced the concept of quantum complex networks [Nature Phys. 6, 539 (2010)].

We achieved the first experimental demonstration of a dimension witness, an experimentally measurable tool capable of unveiling information about the dimension of an ensemble of unknown quantum states [Nature Physics 8, 588 (2012)]. For this purpose, we created a multidimen-sional Hilbert space in the lab which made use of the spatial shape of photons.

The experimental generation of ultrabroadband biphotons with the narrowest Hong-Ou-Mandel contrast and band-width, making possible the acquisition of quantum images with an unprecedented spatial resolution, affording the world record in quantum coherence tomography resolu-tion [Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 183601 (2008)] in collaboration with U Boston and U Stanford.

We have put forward a number of key theoretical concepts for the development of quantum simulators. We reviewed the topic in Adv. Phys. 56, 243 (2007), a highly quoted paper. We have proposed the first quantum simulator of lattice gauge theories, i.e. fundamental theories that describe elementary particles, the standard model and quark confinement [Nature Comm. 4, 2615 (2013)].



Together with the University of Hamburg, we have designed novel methods of generating synthetic on-Abelian gauge fields and topological insulators in systems of ultracold atoms in shaken optical lattices [Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 145301 (2012)]. In related work we proposed quantum simulator of lattice gauge theories [Nature Commun. 4, 2615 (2013)].

Pioneering contributions to the potential of photons with orbital angular momentum to encode quantum informa-tion in multidimensional alphabets [Nature Phys. 3, 305 (2007)]. The first experimental demonstration of the exis-tence of Dyakonov surface waves, ending a 20-year world quest [Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 043903 (2009)]. World-leading contributions to soliton science and applications over two decades [reviewed in Rev. Mod. Phys. 83, 247 (2011)].

First attosecond laboratory on the Iberian Peninsula, 193 attosecond pulses demonstrated in 2010. Inception of few-cycle CEP-stable mid-IR pulses based on OPCPA [Opt. Lett., 35, 3204 (2010), patent WO2011157284]. First coherent supercontinuum in dielectrics for applications across imaging, spectroscopy and biology [Nature Commu-nications 3, 807 (2012)]. Observation of novel features in mid-IR tunneling photoionization [Sci. Rep. 3, 2765 (2013)].

The first demonstration of the absorption of single photons by single trapped ions by using a photon pair source so that the partner photon heralds the presence of the reso-nant photon at the atom. The experiment evidenced unex-plored interaction between a single absorber and a quantum light source in a unique way that, with improved control over the coupling, opened up important new avenues in quantum technology [Nature Phys. 7, 17 (2011)].


We achieved the first 3D optical manipulation of a single electron spin and demonstrated its application to magne-tometry [Nature Nanotechnol 8, 175 (2013)]. We also achieved the first demonstration of cooling of single nanoparticles levitating in an optical trap, a key step towards testing quantum mechanics with mesoscopic objects and towards ultra-sensitive metrology [Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 103603 (2012)].

First experimental comparison of contributions of light and charge density to momentum transferred from a plasmon to a dielectric sphere [Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 238101 (2006)]. The measurements of torques at the microscale using purpose-built optical tweezers and Brownian fluctuations [Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 210603 (2006)]. We combine optical trapping and surface-enhanced Raman scattering to establish for the first time a direct relationship between DNA’s extension and its chemical structure [Biophys. J. 104, 156 (2013)].

We obtained the first observation of the quantum storage of photonic polarization quantum qubits in a solid state device [Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 190504 (2012)]. We also demonstrated a quantum light source enabling the connection of the solid state quantum memory to the fiber telecommunication network, an important resource for the development of quantum repeaters [Phys.Rev.Lett 110, 220502 (2013), selected as viewpoint in Physics].

A new class of uniquely versatile laser sources covering an unprecedented spectral range from the UV to IR, for which we were awarded the prestigious international Berthold Leibinger Innovationspreis [2010]. This research led to the creation of a successful spin-off company, Radi-antis. We achieved new advances in mode-locking and frequency comb generation in OPOs [Opt. Express 21, 23365 (2013)], [Laser Photon. Rev. 7, L55 (2013)].



World-leading work, in cooperation with U Pennsylvania, in translation of diffuse correlation spectroscopy from animals to humans [reviewed in Rep. Prog. Phys. 73, 076701 (2010)]. In collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and U of Pennsylvania, we published clinical results on the use of diffuse optics to improve the manage-ment of children with congenital heart defects [J. Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 145:196–205 (2013)].

Nano-structured transparent electrode technologies for energy efficient photonics resulting in 6 patent applica-tions, 3 new invention disclosures, plus industrial collabo-rations with Ficosa International, SEAT-Volkswagen, BASF, Carl Zeiss, IBM and Corning Inc. Developed new class of transparent electrodes for efficient solar cells [Sol. Energ. Mat. Sol. C 107, 338 (2012)]. Created smoothest and thin-nest silver layers for plasmonics and transparent elec-trodes [ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 5, 3048 (2013)].

The lowest driving voltage and chirp free integrated electro-optic modulator for high bit rate (10G+) optical communication transmission and the highest bit rate source for quantum key distribution and quantum random number generation. Collaborations on-going with Oclaro Corporation, ABB and the European Space Agency (ESA) on the topic.

Collaborated with Thales Alenia Space, Alter Technology, Emxys, Lidax, Qutools to develop unique technology for ESA’s projects for quantum communications from the International Space Station to Earth. Demonstrated world’s fastest polarization encoded Quantum Key Distri-bution system to date, brightest entangled photon source and fastest quantum random number generator [Opt. Exp. 19, 3825 (2011)], [Opt. Express 19, 20665-20672 (2011)]and [Opt. Express 21, 11943-11951 (2013)].


We introduced groundbreaking platforms for colloidal nanocrystal solar cells to transform poorly performing materials into highly performing ones for photovoltaic applications [Nature Photonics 6, 529 (2012)]. We devel-oped photonic structures to increase light coupling into thin film PV [Adv. Mat. DOI: 101002/adma.201303674]. We devised new strategies to control the electronic properties of nanomaterials by tuning their stoichiometry at the atomic scale [Nat. Comm, 2013, accepted].

We achieved experimentally the first real-space images of graphene plasmons [Nature 487, 77 (2012)]. We eluci-dated, developed and characterized the first hybrid graphene - quantum dot phototransistor and observed ultrahigh sensitivity and unprecedented gain [Nature Nanotechnol 7, 363 (2012)]. We observed for the first time experimental evidence for hot carrier multiplication in graphene [Nature Physics 9, 248 (2013)].

We achieved the world-record in mechanical force measurement sensitivity, of about ten zeptoNewton in a 1 Hz bandwidth, using a carbon nanotube mechanical resonator at cryogenic temperatures [Nature Nanotechnol 8, (June 2013)]. This level of sensitivity opens the possi-bility to achieve resonant magnetic imaging of molecules with atomic resolution.

Working with researchers from CalTech and MPQ, we have shown how atoms interacting with nanophotonic systems can be used to simulate crystallization and self-organization in condensed matter systems [Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 113606 (2013)]. This work was highlighted by the journal as a Physics Focus article [Physics 6, 30 (2013)].


2003 17

200574

2007114

2008128

2009137

2010139

2002 4

2004 45

1325publications2002-2013

2011165

2012193

2013213

2006 96

This graph charts the growing number of contributions by ICFOnians to leading peer reviewed journals.


Nonlinear Optical Phenomena

LLUIS TORNER

Studies the nonlinear interaction of light with matter to design new ways for controlling light beams and signals.

∙ ICFO Founder and Director ∙ Fellow OSA, EPS, EOS ∙ GenCat Award 2000 ∙ Monturiol Medal 2010 ∙ Optoel Prize 2011 ∙ EPS Service Appreciation Award 2011 ∙ OSA Leadership Award 2011 ∙ Barcelona Speaker Mercè 2012

Quantum Information

Theory

ANTONIO ACÍN

Studies how to harness quantum physics for the design of information processing technologies.

∙ ICREA@ ICFO Professor ∙ Joined ICFO from U Geneva (CH) ∙ Le Prix La Recherche 2010 ∙ ERC Starting Grant ∙ ERC Consolidator Grant ∙ ERC Proof of Concept

NanoOpto Mechanics

ADRIAN BACHTOLD

Studies devices based on single nanoscale objects, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene.

∙ ICFO Professor ∙ Joined ICFO from the Catalan Nanotechnology Institute at UAB

∙ IBM Award of the Swiss Physical Society ∙ CNRS Medal ∙ EURYI Award ∙ ERC Starting Grant

Attoscience and Ultrafast Optics

JENS BIEGERT

Focuses on generating attosecond light pulses and on harnessing their applications to ultrafast processes.

∙ ICREA@ICFO Professor ∙ Joined ICFO from ETH Zurich (CH) ∙ OSA Allen Award 2004 ∙ Networking Chair Laserlab Europe ∙ PI ELI@ICFO

ICFO GROUP LEADERS


Theoretical Quantum-Nano

Photonics

DARRICK CHANG

Aims at merging quantum optics and nano-photonics.

∙ ICFO Professor ∙ Nest Fellow ∙ Joined ICFO from Caltech (USA) ∙ PI European FET Grasp

Medical Optics

TURGUT DURDURAN

Develops new optical imaging and monitoring techniques for the non-invasive measurements of the tissue well-being and function for clinical and biomedical applications.

∙ ICFO Professor ∙ Joined ICFO from U Pennsylvania (USA) ∙ PI Babylux@ICFO ∙ Spin-off HemoPhotonics

Optical Parametric Oscillators

MAJID EBRAHIM-ZADEH

Focuses on the development of novel light sources in spectral regions inaccessible to lasers.

∙ ICREA@ICFO Professor ∙ Resigned his tenure at U St Andrews (UK) to join ICFO

∙ Innova Award 2005 ∙ Berthold Leibinger Innovationspreis 2010 ∙ Spin-off Radiantis ∙ Fellow OSA, SPIE

Nanophotonics Theory

JAVIER GARCÍA DE ABAJO

Studies particles and waves, light and electrons, usually at the nanoscale, always with an eye on potential application to sensing and signal processing.

∙ ICREA@ ICFO Professor ∙ Joined ICFO from Instituto Rocasolano CSIC ∙ Fellow OSA, APS

ICFO GROUP LEADERS


TODAY, 25 INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED GROUP LEADERS WORK AT ICFO

Single Molecule Biophotonics

MARÍA GARCÍA-PARAJO

Develops advanced nanoimaging techniques to study biological processes at the molecular level.

∙ ICREA@ ICFO Professor ∙ Joined ICFO from IBEC. Formerly at U Twente (NL)

∙ Academy Research Fellow Award from the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences 1998-2002

∙ Coord European STREP Nanovista ∙ HFSP Advanced Grant 2012

Molecular Nano-Photonics

NIEK VAN HULST

Studies light-matter interactions at the nanometer scale, focusing on nano-antennas, femtosecond dynamics and molecular nano-photonics.

∙ ICREA@ ICFO Professor ∙ Resigned his tenure at U Twente (NL) to join ICFO

∙ Fellow OSA ∙ Royal Dutch Shell Research Award 1997 ∙ Koerber EU Science Award 2003 ∙ City of Barcelona Award 2010 ∙ ERC Advanced Grant

Solution-Processed

Nanophotonic Devices

GERASIMOS KONSTANTATOS

Studies a number of nanomaterials and solution-processed quantum dots for optoelectronics.

∙ ICFO Professor ∙ Nest Fellow ∙ Joined ICFO from U Toronto (CA) ∙ Ericsson Award in Telecom 2001 ∙ TR35 2012 MIT-Spain Award ∙ Coord European FET NanoMatCell ∙ EPS Fresnel Award 2013 ∙ ERC Proof-of-Concept CoPI

Nano-Optoelectronics

FRANK KOPPENS

Aims to integrate nano-optoelectronic devices with plasmonics and quantum emitters.

∙ ICFO Professor ∙ Nest Fellow ∙ Joined ICFO from Harvard U (USA) ∙ Christian Huygens Science Prize 2011 ∙ Coleader OptElec EU Graphene Flagship ∙ ERC Starting Grant ∙ ERC Proof of Concept


Advanced Fluorescence Imaging and

Biophysics

MELIKE LAKADAMYALI

Develops imaging techniques to study questions in cell biology and neuroscience.

∙ ICFO Professor ∙ Nest Fellow ∙ Joined ICFO from Harvard U (USA) ∙ EMBO Young Investigator ∙ ERC Starting Grant

Quantum Optics Theory

MACIEJ LEWENSTEIN

Studies problems from standard quantum optics to physics of matter in ultra-intense and ultra-short laser pulses.

∙ ICREA@ ICFO Professor ∙ Resigned his tenure at U Hannover (DE) to join ICFO

∙ Humboldt Research Award 2007 ∙ Joachim Hertz Foundation Prize U Hamburg 2010

∙ Science Prize Polish Science Foundation 2011 ∙ Gutenberg Research Award 2013 ∙ EPS Quantum Optics 2013 Prize ∙ 2 ERC Advanced Grants

Organic Nanostructured

Photovoltaics

JORDI MARTORELL

Studies nanostructured materials to enhance the performance of organic photovoltaic cells.

∙ UPC Professor ∙ GenCat Award 2001 ∙ Photonics21 Student Innovation Award 2013 to group member R. Betancur

∙ Coord European project SolProCell

Quantum Information with Cold Atoms and

Non-Classical Light

MORGAN MITCHELL

Studies quantum effects at the interface between light and matter.

∙ ICREA@ ICFO Professor ∙ Joined ICFO from U Toronto (CA) ∙ ERC Starting Grant ∙ ERC Proof of Concept CoPI

ICFO GROUP LEADERS


Quantum Engineering of

Light

JUAN P. TORRES

Studies the fundamental properties of light beams and the generation of quantum light states with engineered characteristics.

∙ UPC Professor ∙ GenCat Award 2003 ∙ PI Phorbitech@ICFO

Optoelectronics

VALERIO PRUNERI

Studies and develops new advanced materials and devices for the photonics industry.

∙ ICREA@ ICFO Professor ∙ Pirelli Research Fellow ∙ Philip Morris Prize ∙ Duran Farell Prize for Industrial Research 2012 ∙ Corning Incorporated Chair ∙ IBM Faculty Award ∙ Photonics21 Student Innovation Award 2011 to group member D.S. Ghosh

Plasmon Nano-Optics

ROMAIN QUIDANT

Studies the optical and thermal properties of metallic nanostructures and their applications to new optical functionalities and devices.

∙ ICREA@ ICFO Professor ∙ Joined ICFO from U Dijon (FR) ∙ EPS Fresnel Prize 2009 ∙ City of Barcelona Award 2010 ∙ Príncipe de Girona Impulsa Award 2011 ∙ ICO prize 2012 ∙ Coord European STREP SPEDOC ∙ ERC Starting Grant ∙ ERC Proof of Concept

Quantum Photonics with

Solids and Atoms

HUGUES DE RIEDMATTEN

Studies quantum light matter interfaces with solid state devices and cold atomic gases.

∙ ICREA@ICFO Professor ∙ Joined ICFO from U Geneva (CH) ∙ ERC Starting Grant


Ultracold Quantum Gases

LETICIA TARRUELL

Studies ultracold quantum gases as model systems for understanding strongly correlated systems and engineering novel materials.

∙ ICFO Professor ∙ Nest Fellow ∙ Joined ICFO from Institut d’Optique (FR)

Ultrafast Optical Dynamics of

Solids

SIMON WALL

Uses ultrashort pulses of laser light to manipulate and study the properties of materials.

∙ ICFO Professor ∙ Nest Fellow ∙ Joined ICFO from Fritz Haber Institut (DE)

ICFO GROUP LEADERS

DAVID ARTIGASAcademic Affairs Head

GONÇAL BADENESNPL Head

PABLO LOZA-ALVAREZSLN Head


The multi-disciplinary nature of photonics makes collaboration between specializa-tions essential. ICFOnians have back-grounds related to optics and photonics and their applications, including physics, engineering, mathematics, chemistry and biology. About 75% of ICFO’s research community is from outside Spain, hailing from all across Europe, the Americas, Oceania and Asia.

As an institution, ICFO strives to be a resource for science, technology and talent, and to provide researchers with unique skills to become successful and independent future leaders, both in the academic and industrial worlds.

ICFO Group Leaders

ICFO Group Leaders are expected to be active in competitive international science, consistently striving for leadership in their subfields, with an outstanding record of research achievements and publications in top-quality journals. Predominant recruit-ment considerations include potential for original scientif ic contributions and commitment to frontier research at the highest-international level.

The selection process is highly competi-tive, offering new Group Leaders excellent start-up conditions, as well as all possible support, training and advice on national and international regulations to acquire research grants, attract post-doctoral researchers and PhD students, etc.

RESEARCHSTAFF & STUDENTS

The ICFO research community is comprised of motivated and ambitious individuals from around the world and at all career levels, who perform specific assignments in our cutting edge facilities at the highest international level.

North America

Australia & OceaniaSouth America

Africa & Middle East

AsiaEurope

including Eastern Europe

9%

1%6%

2%

5%77%

North America

Australia & OceaniaSouth America

Africa & Middle East

AsiaEurope

including Eastern Europe

9%

1%6%

2%

5%77%

SCIENTISTS FROM MORE THAN 40 COUNTRIES ARE CARRYING OUT RESEARCH AT ICFO

ARGENTINA · ARMENIA · AUSTRALIA · AUSTRIA · BELGIUM · BRAZIL · CANADA CHINA · COLOMBIA · COSTA RICA · CROATIA · CUBA · CYPRUS · CZECH REPUBLIC FRANCE · GERMANY · GREECE · HUNGARY · INDIA · IRAN · ISRAEL · ITALY · JAPAN LITHUANIA · MEXICO · NETHERLANDS · NEW ZEALAND · PHILIPPINES · POLAND PORTUGAL · ROMANIA · RUSSIAN FEDERATION · SERBIA · SPAIN · SWEDEN SWITZERLAND · TURKEY · UNITED KINGDOM · USA · VENEZUELA


ADVANCING CAREERS

ICFO career development programs are based on a variety of components, including participation in cutting-edge science and technology, scientific lectures, specialized seminars and programs, technical workshops, lab tours and other dedicated events.

PhD and Postdoctoral Programs

ICFO welcomes postdoctoral researchers and PhD students who wish to enhance their scientific training and continue their career in research. They are integrated into an ICFO group, and have access to cutting-edge ex-perimental infrastructures, specialized semi-nars, tailor-made training programs and ac-tive mentoring by ICFO Group Leaders. The experience gained at ICFO allows them to grow assume even more responsibility as they continue their career at other academic or research institutions as well as in industry.

Post-doctoral researchers and PhD students are selected based on merit and potential, previous experience, personal achievements and suitability for the position. The recruit-ment process aims to attract exceptional re-searchers, motivated to work amongst the top scientists in their fields. Less than 10% of eligible candidates are eventually admitted to ICFO.

ICFO, in collaboration with the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC) as well as with other institutions, of-fers focused PhD programs in Photonics that target the most advanced topics in opti-cal sciences and technologies. PhD Students in these programs have access to cutting-edge experimental infrastructures, specialized semi-nars, tailor-made training programs and active mentoring by ICFO Group Leaders. Entrepre-neurship, commercialization techniques and seminars in the area of professional and personal development are also an integral part of the curricula.

� PhD in Photonics, offered by ICFO and UPC.

� Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate in Pho-tonics Engineering, Nanophotonics and Biophotonics, offered by Institute Fres-nel (Aix Marseille University), KIT (KSOP), UPC, LENS and ICFO.


ICFO+

Career Development activities at ICFO focus on equipping ICFOnians with the skills needed to become future leaders in the academic and industrial worlds. ESADE Business School and ICFO have partnered to create and deliver the custom made ‘From Science to Business’ program within ICFO+ which draws on the exper-tise and areas of excellence of both institu-tions. Other courses within ICFO+ focus on the development of personal and professional transferable skills, such as communication, entrepreneurial thinking, intellectual property protection, spin-off generation, and business administration.

On-going opportunities for knowledge exchange occur throughout the year in the form of specialized talks by entrepreneurs, business professionals and investors, visits to outstanding research infrastruc-tures and industries, and language courses.

ADVANCING CAREERS


Master Studies

Teaming up with Universities and Institu-tions in the Barcelona area, as well as in other European countries, ICFO par-ticipates in Master Programs in optics and photonic related areas. Students have the opportunity to accomplish the compulsory Master Thesis at ICFO.

� Master in Photonics (MSc) offered by UPC, UAB, UB and ICFO. This Master aims to educate future researchers and talented technology specialists, and promote entrepreneurial activity amongst students.

� Erasmus Mundus Master Course (EMMC) EUROPHOTONICS in Photonics Engi-neering, Nanophotonics and Biopho-tonics, offered by Aix Marseille University, KIT, UPC, UAB, UB and ICFO.

Internships

Various programs are in place to promote science and foster research careers of exceptionally talented young students, offering those with the potential for signifi-cant achievements, the opportunity to be involved in research life, as well as to have their first experience in a research project, at the very frontier of science in optics and photonics.

� Summer Fellows Program: Operating in the framework of the Fundació Catalunya-La Pedrera · Ignacio Cirac Program Chair at ICFO, this program offers undergraduate students in the last two years of their Master-equivalent or Engineering degree studies the opportunity to collaborate with ICFO researchers over the summer period.

� Student Internship Program: Undergrad-uate students from top Universities world-wide are invited to carry out an internship at ICFO to broaden their education and research training, either by accomplishing the final career project or participating in a research stay.

One of ICFO’s core missions is to offer opportunities for personal and professional growth to exceptional students, scientists, technicians and future stakeholders in the academic and industrial worlds. A broad range of tailor-made programs have been created to meet the needs of specific target audiences offering them an entry level perspective to the world of Photonics.

FOSTERING YOUNG TALENT


�� ICFO is proactive in translating newly generated knowledge into new tech-nologies, as illustrated by the more than 50 patent families in its portfolio. These include innovations in microscopy and optical manipulation, plasmonic devices, solar cells, ultra-thin film tech-nology, graphene photonics, advanced laser systems, advanced displays and compact sensors for use in hostile envi-ronments, to name but a few.

�� ICFO hosts an active Corporate Liaison Program that serves as a bridge between ICFO researchers and all kinds of indus-tries and corporations.

�� Examples of key industrial alliances with worldwide corporations are the Center of Excellence in Super-Resolution that Nikon Instruments (NL) has established at ICFO and the Corning-ICFO partner-

ship which includes a multi-year spon-sorship of a Chaired Faculty Professor-ship, a Corning Surfaces Laboratory, and sponsored research projects of mutual interest.

�� More than 30 projects are currently running with industrial partners. Salient examples are the collaborations with BASF (Germany) in photovoltaics and sensing; IBM (USA) in the field of renew-able energies; Zeiss (Germany) in advanced lithography, Alter Technology (Spain) in the aerospace sector; TFM Solar (Spain) in organic photovoltaics in buildings; Emxys (Spain) in fiber sensing for space vehicles; COMSA EMTE (Spain) in sensors for industrial plants; ABB (Switzerland) in electric field sensing in high-voltage infrastructures; BBraun (Spain) in the medical sector.

Part of ICFO’s mission is to offer the photonics industry scientific resources, technological advances, and talented people. The KTT team at ICFO plays a key role in fulfilling this goal while at the same time promoting world-class scientific and technological advances.

KTTKnowledge and Technology Transfer


Photonics plays an increasingly central role in a variety of applications for Life Sciences, most notably in the biomedical field. We conduct cutting-edge research and development in bio and nanophotonics with a special focus on advanced imaging modalities and techniques. Non-invasive diagnosis and pioneering therapies are examples of photonic applications that are targeting critical health problems such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Other examples of photonic applications in Life Sciences include integrated agrofood quality control, pathogen and biochemical detection and dermo-cosmetic treatments.

Photonics is at the core of all light-harvesting concepts and technologies like photovoltaics and solar cells. It also underlies lighting. To tackle the challenges in energy efficiency we are developing disruptive approaches for renewable energy applications. Examples of on-going projects include advanced nano-structured materials to enhance the performance of solar cells, solution processed nano-photonic materials for solar cells and night vision, organic LEDs, transparent electrodes and energy efficient sensors.

The optical fiber underlies high-speed communication. Light is also at the heart of integrated optoelectronic devices for data modulation and routing, optical data storage, and displays. We conduct research in classical communications and investigate disruptive approaches based on nanophotonics and quantum technologies. Applications include high-security transactions of commercial or strategic importance.

ICFO has established 3 focus programs in order to promote interactions among ICFO groups and multidisciplinary research projects.

KTTFocus Programs


COSINGO is your industrial partner to implement photonics solutions, providing optical and mechatronic engineering for custom developments and R&D expertise for collaborative projects. As a VAR of high-quality wavefront metrology and adaptive optics products, we enable you to improve the efficiency of optical systems.

ICFO is proactive in fostering entrepreneurial activities and spin-off creation. The center participates in incubator activities and seeks to attract venture capital investment. To date, ICFO has helped create 5 start-up companies, with additional initiatives in various stages of incubation.

KTTICFO Spin-offs

HEMOPHOTONICS translates light-based technologies into compact and customized systems for non-invasive measurement of cerebral hemodynamics for clinical and scientific research applications.

PROCARELIGHT offers customized light and laser safety solutions. We provide support to our customers for establishing safe laser working practices, guaranteeing the safety of their staff and ensuring compliance with legislation.

RADIANTIS is a specialist supplier of solutions for laser tuning, offering best-in-class frequency conversion systems, such as Optical Parametric Oscillators, Second, Third and Fourth Harmonic Generation Units.

SIGNADYNE is devoted to developing and commercializing high performance electronics in the field of control, test and measurement, with applications in scientific research and industry.


Technology Platforms & Clusters

Industry

Hospitals

UniversitiesMuseums

Artists

AudiovisualProducers

General Public

Schools

ScientistsFrom Other Fields

‘ICFOseum’ is ICFO’s exhibition space which showcases concepts and

applications of photonic sciences for diverse audiences.

ICFO is co-founder and coordinator of ECOP (European

Centres for Outreach in Photonics) Alliance.

ICFO has a team of specialized staff dedicated to the task of making science popular,

and also displays a wide range of activities designed for different

target audiences.

The program as a whole aims to promote the potential and pervasiveness of the science and technology of light and its industrial applications. A wealth of resources are avail-able online at outreach.icfo.eu.

As part of our commitment to scientific outreach that permeates all levels of Euro-pean society, ICFO has co-founded the Euro-pean Centres for Outreach in Photonics (ECOP: www.ecopalliance.org). ECOP is a long-lasting alliance of European research and innovation centres that are passionate about photonics and committed to enabling everyone to discover its amazing potential

and wonders. ECOP is one of the founding science partners of the International Year of Light and light-based technologies (IYL2015) a global initiative endorsed by the United Nations, and is the coordinating entity behind the pan-European project, “GoPhoton!”, which will enter into full force to coincide with IYL2015. GoPhoton! includes a wide range of activities to be carried out in eight different European cities, aiming to make Photonics a household word. The activities, all revolving around LIGHT, will include entertainment events, exhibitions, talks, congresses, and the possibility to visiting centers devoted to frontier research in Photonics.

ICFO actively promotes Outreach activities which aim to inspire students, teachers, fellow scientists, the general public and industry at large, demonstrating the power of light as a tool for research, technology, industry and society.

KTTOutreach @ ICFO


ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICESBehind the cutting edge research carried out at ICFO is a team of professionals who manage the day to day intricacies of the institute.

Research staff and students, administration and services work together towards a com-mon goal. Great care has been taken to build a structure at ICFO which allows researchers to concentrate on scientific discovery. Administration and services pay close attention to facilities maintenance, institutional finances, IT services, biblio-graphic assistance, engineering, project coordination, human resource management

and scientific communication (including seminars, workshops, guest speakers and graphic design). The interaction between the management and research areas is con-stant and fluid, ensuring a positive and pro-ductive working environment where science can flourish. ICFO is explicitly committed to continuously improving all internal circuits and processes, a spirit of a learning-organi-zation that permeates the whole institution.


ICFO has been involved in a large number of collaborations with some of Europe’s leading researchers through projects funded by the European Union, such as PLASMOCOM, FAST DOT, Q-ESSENCE, AQUTE, PHOR-BITEC, QCS, among others. ICFO has further-more been partner in many European networks and research consortia, such as QGATES, EMALI, COCOS, PHOREMOST, PLASMO-NANO-DEVICES, and in several collaborative projects supported by the Euro-pean Space Agency.

Currently, ICFO is the coordinator of Euro-pean projects, including, SOLPROCEL (solu-tion processed high performance transparent organic photovoltaic cells), GRASP (Gra-phene-based single-photon nonlinear optical devices), GoPhoton! (Raising awareness about the importance of Photonics, aiming at

having an impact on young minds, entrepre-neurs and society as a whole), NANOVISTA (advanced photonic antenna tools for bio-sensing and cellular nanoimaging), NANO-MATCELL (novel environmentally friendly solution processed nanomaterials for pan-chromatic solar cells) and NANOPHOTONICS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY (Network of Excellence). ICFO hosts and leads the recently created European Nanophotonics Association, which includes most of the top European institutions active in nanophotonics and its applications.

ICFO belongs to the European network of Excellence Photonics4Life Europe, to the Inte-grated Infrastructure Initiative Laserlab Europe (ICFO serves on the Management Board) and to the Biophotonics4Life World Consortium (ICFO is a South-European node).

INTERNATIONAL CONSORTIA

MESA+

VUB

UoM

IPHT / IPC

FZKIOGS

CNR IFAC

SSU

VTT

USTAN

Imperial

Strath

ICFO

LLCVULRC

ULLC

CELIA

LP3CLPU

IST

CLLC

CESTA

CLF

SLICLULI

LOA

GSI

MPQ ILC

USZ

INFLPRCUSBO

ULF-FORTH

LENS

MBI MUT

PALSFSU

LCVU

TUD

KTH

CSIC

UPC

CEA-LETI

US

Bilkent

UNITED KINGDOM

SWEDEN

SPAINPORTUGAL

RUSSIAN FEDERATIONNETHERLANDS

ITALY

GERMANY

FRANCE

FINLAND

BELGIUM

SLOVAKIA

POLAND

LITHUANIA

LATVIA

HUNGARY

CZECH REPUBLIC

GREECE

ROMANIA

TURKEY

Pictures by E. Blanco, Digivision & R. Josa.Layout by MineralGràfics.This content is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivs 3.0 Unported License. Except pictures that are copyrighted by ICFO.© 2014 images. ICFO - The Institute of Photonic Sciences.It remains forbidden the reproduction, distribution, transformation, manipulation, public communication or any one other act of total or partial exploitation, free or onerous of the images that appear in this publication without authorisation written of the headlines of the copyright.

JULY 2014

ICFO AT A GLANCE

ICFO – The Institute of Photonic SciencesAv. Carl Friedrich Gauss, 3 | 08860 Castelldefels (Barcelona)

Tel. (+34) 93 553 4001 | Fax (+34) 93 553 4000 | [email protected] | www.icfo.eu

MINISTERIODE ECONOMÍAY COMPETITIVIDAD

GOBIERNODE ESPAÑA

ICFO at a glance 2014

Documents

research groups

landmark research

icfo hosts

research staff students

icfo group leaders

widescope research center

science of light

catalunya barcelona