Research Area: Photonics

Leading research into photonics

The largest concentration of opticians in the Netherlands work together in the Photonics Research Area at the University of Twente. Experts from different disciplines work together in research and development of (components for) optical chips, the development of microscopic techniques and the application of optics in sensing, manufacturing and imaging. Theory, experiment and application go together

In our cluster, around eighty researchers are, among other things, engaged in research into photonic crystals in which light can be trapped, unbreakable security solutions based on quantum physica, advanced mirrors for the chip industry and extremely precise, miniscule lasers that can be used on chips. Moreover, our researchers in this domain work on cheap, light-based sensors that can be used to screen for traces of cancer or to check water pollution levels on a large scale.

Infrastructure and ecosystem

Thanks to our superior infrastructure, like the MESA+ Nanolab – the largest nanolab in the Netherlands – and the open culture, the Nanophotonics domain at MESA+ is among the best in the world. Our researchers and (PhD)-students come from all over the world. In our leading research, we actively cooperate with influential companies like Philips, ASML, LioniX and Thales.

Past & Present performance
Front runner NL united in Photon Delta

The Netherlands is leading in the field of photonics. With Photon Delta, a powerful, complementary ecosystem has been formed, making this power even more visible internationally. The MESA + Institute is a partner in Photon Delta.

Visit the Photon Delta website
Fraud-proof credit card with quantum physics

Researchers from the MESA+ Institute and the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) have developed a method based on quantum physics that make ID and credit cards impossible to hack. The research was published in The Optical Society’s (OSA) new journal Optica.

Read more about the fraud-proof credit card
Record laser on chip

Together with Lionix company researchers from MESA+ have developed the world’s most narrowband diode laser on a chip. This laser represents a breakthrough in the fast-growing field of photonics, and will bring applications like 5G internet and accurate GPS closer.

Read more about this record laser
The strength of Twente’s photonics ecosystem

The fast-growing field of photonics is at the heart of many innovations. Three photonics researchers at the UT's MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology talk about the opportunities it offers and explain the strength of the university’s photonics ecosystem.

Read & watch more about Twente's photonics ecosystem
Tracing the light inside LEDs

White LEDs can be made even more efficient and powerful, photonics researchers of the University of Twente and Philips Lighting now prove. They found a detailed way for describing the light that stays inside the LED by absorption and scattering. This is very valuable information for the design process.

Read more about tracing the light inside LEDs

Highlighted publications

Grants & Awards