Open Technology Programme (OTP) funding

In the Open Technology Programme (OTP) call for proposals of NWO, Bruno Ehrler and Erik Garnett have received funding to carry out the research plan ‘Achieving Semiconductor Stability from the Ground Up’. The OTP call for proposals is open to excellent research aimed at the possible implementation of the results. In addition to the scientific contribution carried out by AMOLF, the following companies are involved: EDAX (subsidiary of Ametek), CL Solutions (part of Delmic), and Amsterdam Scientific Instruments (ASI). The total project receives 1.1 million euros.

Crystal structure of the perovskite material. Source: AMOLF

Research plan
Halide perovskites have emerged as the most exciting new semiconductor for optoelectronic devices (solar cells, LEDs, radiation detectors) over the last decade. Their performance matches or exceeds that of traditional semiconductors, but their relatively poor stability under a wide variety of stresses (chemical, electrical, light, heat) is limiting their commercialization. We will develop a new characterization tool that allows us to watch how halide perovskites change under light or electrical bias with nanometer spatial resolution. With this understanding we will control the halide perovskite (in)stability either to eliminate degradation or make programmable materials that can be trained to reconfigure their properties according to the desired output.
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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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