PHOTONIC APPLICATIONS, STRUCTURES & MATERIALS LABORATORY (PhASMA)

Company/Organisation Profiles

The PHotonics Applications Structures and Materials (PHASMA ) laboratory was established at the Department of Materials Science, a fast-growing nanosciences oriented Department developing since 1999 at the University of Patras.

PHASMA is devoted to frontier research in Photonics. It envisions the blending of nanophase materials and functionalities induced by design, geometrical and structural manipulation in the micro and nanoscale as the route to scientific and technological innovation.
The laboratory develops on the strong basis of diverse complementary expertise, background and contributions of its team members. It promotes basic knowledge, at the same time preserving its application oriented character and technology vision. Aiming towards bridging the gap between academia and industry, PHASMA develops a network of actions spanning:

• Materials' theory and photonic structure design
• Photonic materials synthesis, growth and characterization
• Photonic functional structure fabrication and manipulation
• Functionality, performance evaluation and application.

PHASMA develops its programme in its fast growing infrastructure at the Department of Materials Science. It operates in close synergy with the Photonic Media Laboratory Clean Room Facility of the National Hellenic Research Foundation-TPCI.

The laboratory participates in a number of national and international competitive research projects, and a number of bilateral industrial R&D projects. 

A key component of its success lies in the establishment of strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the field of Photonics such as the ORC-U. Southampton (UK), Corning Europe (FR), U. Salento (IT), 3D Ltd (UK), and the High Performance Networks Group U. Bristol (UK).

Innovative Products and Services

The laboratory is currently active in a number of key fields

• ICT-Physical layer photonics and prototype devices.
• Photonic materials and technologies with emphasis on hybrid nanocomposites, diffractive, interferometric and resonator systems. 
• Micro- and nano-structured functional devices. 2-d and 3-d structural photonics.
• Optical design by full suite of design tools.
• Photonic integration and testing.
• Sensor and metrological systems.
• Security, protection and authentication technology for precious objects and cultural heritage.
• Food analysis.
• Environmental control, imaging and biophotonics.

Experience and Expertise

The laboratory's key expertise lies with all aspects of Photonic materials, structures and devices: Design, materials synthesis/growth, device fabrication and testing, applications and exploitation
The laboratory has a very strong R&D capacity in the field of materials growth and micro/nanofabrication (Physicochemical and laser growth of Photonic Materials, Polymer based Nanocomposites, Laser induced materials manipulation, Micro & Nanofabrication), as well as Novel functionalities, devices and systems integration (Optical Properties and Photonics Functionalities, Refractive, Plasmonic, Holographic, Photo-induced and Chemioptical effects) focusing on applications in Information, Environmental, Biomedical, Industrial and Security technologies. 
PHASMA has completed a number of R&D Externally funded projects dealing with  Photonic sensors,  Holographic systems, security and authentication, polymer photonics,  laser microfabrication, materials manipulation and optofluidics, and semiconductor nanostructures.