Introduction

Welcome to the first edition of SPOT ON Integrated Photonics! This new magazine brings TU/e research and related activities in integrated photonics to a broader audience.

TU/e has a strong track record of research and valorization in photonics, initially focusing on materials, devices and systems for optical communications. In recent years, we have put more emphasis on integrated photonics as enabling technology for a wide range of applications. At the same time, we have worked on completing the ecosystem for the development and commercialization of integrated photonic technologies. Our efforts have led to the creation of the PhotonDelta foundation and supported the growth of spin-offs, which have now become scale-ups. Integrated photonics research at TU/e has continued to flourish and grow, and now counts over 30 principal investigators. An important part of the long-term research is funded by a 10-years NWO Gravitation program “Research Centre for Integrated Nanophotonics”, while more applied activities are carried out together with industry in the framework of European and national programs. With this strong scientific basis, and a very dynamic environment, we are ready to pursue our ambition: Develop novel photonic technologies producing real impact on industry and society.

In this edition you will read about recent exciting scientific results of the Gravitation program, the PhotonDelta Application Bootcamps, a new student chapter, unusual doctorates, new spin-offs, personal grants and more. I hope you will share our enthusiasm for working in this field!

Andrea Fiore
Scientific Director, Institute for Photonic Integration