The NanoFabrication Lab (NFL) at ICFO is a transversal facility devoted to the fabrication and characterization of nanostructured photonic devices. This laboratory, which is open to users both within and outside ICFO, includes state of the art nanofabrication tools and techniques for a wide range of optical applications, ranging from biosensing to optical communications, and spanning a broad range of materials, including polymers, semiconductors, metals, or crystals, among others. The laboratory also includes tools for advanced material and device characterization.
The NFL is open to external collaborations with industry, research centers and Universities and all interested parties.
Interim Lab Head: Niek van Hulst
The Super-resolution Light Microscopy & Nanoscopy (SLN) Research Facility at ICFO is equipped with front-end microscopy techniques that are able to operate a step beyond the commercial state of the art. Our two research teams (SLN lab and SLN SIM) perform continuous R&D in most of the advanced light microscopy techniques and provide access and training to all types of users in the forefront of microscopy for the most demanding biomedical applications. The SLN is open to external collaborations with industry, research centers and Universities.
The SLN Facility at ICFO provides:
ICFO actively collaborates with industry leaders to help implement improvements on the most advanced commercially available microscopy platforms.
SLN Coordinator: Pablo Loza
The goal of the ICFO Advanced Engineering Lab (AEL) is to bring researchers closer to state of the art technologies in Electronics and Precision Mechanical Engineering. The AEL is dedicated to support the innovation and development carried out at ICFO's research labs.
The facility occupies some 200 m², distributed in four areas: Mechanical Workshop, Printed Circuits Board Workshop, Electronic Laboratory and a Technical Office. The lab provides state-of-the-art tools for electronic design, assembly and characterization as well as for micromechanical engineering.
A team of highly specialized engineers identifies commercial solutions and creates novel electronic and mechanical devices for the demanding variety of applications addressed by ICFO researchers.
Applications range from cutting-edge devices for ultrafast optoelectronics and space communications, ultrasensitive devices for quantum optics, nano and bio photonics, to optimization of optical systems and design of new optomechanical elements, among others.
The AEL is open to external collaborations with industry, research centers and Universities.
The Biology Lab (BIL) at ICFO is a transversal facility available to all eligible ICFO groups with the aim of providing scientific assistance and technical support to ICFO researchers covering their needs in biological sample handling, preparation and maintaining. The facility has been implemented to meet biosafety regulations to perform experiments involving biological samples up to biosafety level 2.
The Facility is prepared with equipment and tools to assist users in their needs regarding classical and last generation Molecular Biology and Biochemistry techniques as well as in vitro and in vivo practices.
The BIL offers scientific advice and hands-on training in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry techniques as well as technical support to conduct basic research activities involving living animals.
The BIL is open to external collaborations with industry, research centres and Universities.
The Post-Processing lab (PPL) is designed to support the processing, fabrication, and characterization of optical materials and components for fundamental and industrial research projects. The lab offers access to state-of-the-art dicing and polishing machines, 6" sputtering machine, electroplating benches, wire bonders, solar simulators, fluorimeters, and UV/VIS spectrophotometers, among other equipment. The PPL is open to both ICFO and non-ICFO researchers. Training and support are available.A team of highly specialized engineers identifies commercial solutions and creates novel electronic and mechanical devices for the demanding variety of applications addressed by ICFO researchers.
The Chemistry Lab (CHL) was set up to give ICFO researchers a place to carry out chemical experiments in a safe environment. The lab features three fume hoods as well as glassware, equipment and services to prepare solutions and perform chemical reactions. Researchers who have participated in a basic safety seminar are able to use this lab on a self-service basis.