One of the most rewarding activities we proud ourselves on at B-PHOT, is reaching out to young potentials to inspire them about photonics.  Once young minds get engaged with science, they no longer perceive technology and engineering as 'things for uber nerds' and are eager to start experimenting themselves.  Last week, Ioanna from the European Business School, finished her internship with us. During two weeks, she was on a mission to discover more about the world of fundamental and applied research in photonics. 

The combination of a photonic crystal with graphene offers a window of opportunity to develop a highly sensitive sensor that at the same time enhances the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the sensing device. Recently Iterio Degli-Eredi successfully presented his PhD research results on this new generation of biosensors and obtained the title of Doctor in Engineering.

Efficient spectral broadening of light in compact graphene-covered photonic chips has recently been successfully demonstrated in the frame of GRAPHENICS, a Future and Emerging Technologies (FET) ‘Young Explorers’ project led by professor Nathalie Vermeulen (VUB B-PHOT). The early-career researchers unveiled unexpected features in graphene’s nonlinear optical behaviour, playing a crucial role in the generation of spectrally broadband light on a chip.

In recent months, several warnings have been published about the potential risk of fried food for the health of millions of consumers. A sensitive subject in a country as Belgium where fries are recognized as a national symbol. That's why Minister Ben Weyts sent a writing to European Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis, responsible for health and food safety, to safeguard the traditional way of baking Belgian fries. Good news: photonics ensures the future of traditionally baked Belgian fries in a safe way, being a relief for every chip shop holder.