Future Optical Broadband Systems program funds research in optical sensing technologies

As co-applicant, AMOLF group leader Ewold Verhagen receives funding from the NWO program Future Optical Broadband Systems to break the existing technological and economic barriers in the application of optical sensing technologies in industrial systems. Andrea Fiore from TU Eindhoven leads the project called BroadSense. A total amount of 923.000 euros is available for the project, from NWO and industrial co-funders.

AMOLF group leader Ewold Verhagen at AMOLF. Credits: Floris Krelage

Ewold and his colleagues aim to push a new paradigm based on broadband optical sensing, optimized photonic and electronic readout and on holistic sensor system design. This allows for highly precise sensing of various physical parameters while correcting for temperature fluctuations. Ewold says he is looking forward to the collaboration, and to seeing how fundamentally new sensing principles can be applied in industrial sensing problems with immediate economic and societal relevance. These applications include the monitoring of static pressure and dynamic vibrations in industrial systems and wind turbines.

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Research highlights

Natural phenomena ‘hyperuniform disorder’ enables highly efficient, thin silicon solar cells

Silicon solar panels are rigid and heavy, and many rooftops cannot support them. This creates a need for thin, flexible solar cells that can be integrated into building materials. However, making silicon solar cells thinner makes it harder to trap light inside the material. Researchers in the 3D Photovoltaics group found a fascinating way to overcome this challenge using a phenomenon called hyperuniform disorder. They publish their findings in the journal ACS Photonics.

The researchers were able to make highly efficient silicon solar cell materials that are 30 times thinner than conventional ones. They managed to do this by integrating a layer of nanometer sized structures on top of the material. Up close, this pattern looks random, but it is remarkably when you step back: no clumps, no gaps, and no repeating pattern. This is called hyperuniform disorder (or HUD).

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People and recognition

Off Road grant for a better understanding of intestinal cells that communicate with the immune system

AMOLF postdoc Dr. Susanna Eli received an Off Road grant from ZonMw to investigate cells known as M cells in the gut lining that connect the intestine to the immune system. Understanding how M cells develop could ultimately contribute to better treatments for intestinal and immune-related diseases. The grant amounts to 100,000 euros.

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Events and outreach

Science for all ages at Wetenschapsdag 2026

Each year during the national Weekend of Science, AMOLF opens its doors to visitors of all ages to share our enthusiasm for science. AMOLF organizes Wetenschapsdag together with four other research organizations at Amsterdam Science Park: ARCNL, Nikhef, CWI, and University of Amsterdam.

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About AMOLF

Annual AMOLF Diversity Day focuses on Impostor Phenomenon

Once a year, the AMOLF Inclusion and Diversity team organizes Diversity Day for all AMOLF employees. On October 1, this year’s event took place with the theme Beyond Impostor Phenomenon – More Than Just Luck.

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