Nano- and Micro-scale Integration of Glass-on-Semiconductor for Photonic Components Engineering
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Institute of Materials Research
Abstract
The proposed Basic Technology project aims to achieve a quantum leap in integration techniques for photonic devices by developing and using a range of micro- and nano-scale engineering tools for chemically dissimilar photonic materials; e.g. the glass-based materials with inorganic semiconductors. We anticipate that new tools will have a major impact on existing and emerging photonic components space used from ultra-violet to mid-IR. Potential applications, which we aim to demonstrate, are in signal processing for telecommunications, mid-IR sources and chemical and biological sensor technology, bio-photonics and imaging, space exploration and environment monitoring, data storage, security and military. The Basic Technology consortium comprises of 4 thematic areas / Materials Engineering and passive waveguide devices, Optoelectronic pump sources, Active Devices, and Applications. Complementary research for these 4 areas brings together a multi-disciplinary team encompassing Materials, Optics and Laser Physics, Optoelectronic and Photonic Devices, and the Medical Science and Chemicals Technology. Internationally well-known academic expertise from Leeds (IMR, IMP), Sheffield (EE), Cambridge (Photonic Systems), Heriot-Watt (Nonlinear Optics) and St.Andrews (Physics and Bute Medical School) Universities will demonstrate the key objectives, derived from the photonic integration of glass and inorganic semiconductor materials. The Basic Technology Programme is led by the University of Leeds and is supported by partners from industry, namely BP Chemicals, Renishaw, GlaxoSmithKline, QinetiQ, and NASA Langley (VA, USA).
Publications
Jha A
(2007)
Spectroscopic characterization of signal gain and pump ESA in short-lengths of RE-doped tellurite fibers
in Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids
Zhang T
(2007)
Lattice strain dependent optical transitions in Ho3+-ion doped barium strontium titanate thin films
in Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
Jha A
(2007)
Rare-earth doped glass waveguides for visible, near-IR and mid-IR lasers and amplifiers
in Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
Shen S
(2007)
Tm3+-Ho3+ and Tm3+-Tb3+ energy transfer in tellurite glass
in Journal of Luminescence
Fusari F
(2008)
Spectroscopic and lasing performance of Tm3+-doped bulk TZN and TZNG tellurite glasses operating around 1.9 microm.
in Optics express
Fernandez TT
(2008)
Active waveguides written by femtosecond laser irradiation in an erbium-doped phospho-tellurite glass.
in Optics express
Evans C
(2009)
Numerical Rate Equation Modeling of a ${\sim {\hbox {2.1}}-}\mu{\hbox {m}}-{\rm Tm}^{3+}/{\rm Ho}^{3+}$ Co-Doped Tellurite Fiber Laser
in Journal of Lightwave Technology
| Description | The outcomes of this research demonstrated several new technologies which have been patented: a) Use of ultra fast laser induced plasma for modifying the surface of glass, crystals, polymers and semiconductors which has resulted in the development of technologies for integrated optics and novel optical circuits for transporting light from one material into another materials. b) Applications of this technology for blood glucose monitoring and biochemical sensor development. c) Technology transfer for advanced laser glass processing to Glass Technology Services in Chapeltown Sheffield. This is a joint venture operation with more than £350K investment between the University of Leeds and Glass Technology Services. d) Use of ultra fast lasers for restoring tooth enamel. |
| Exploitation Route | The research findings from the RCUK funded research have taken different courses: a) blood glucose monitoring has now spun out as a new company called the GLUCOSENSE supported by NetScientific UK in Cambridge. The project is led by Prof. Gin Jose, a newly appointed professor who was formerly Senior Research Fellow in the Basic Technology project. The investment from NetScientific in Glucosense is more than £300K with an aim to launch first prototype in 2016. Patient trials using NON-INVASIVE BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITOR is currently ongoing. b) IP portfolio on laser induced implantation technology has been built with the support from Impact Acceleration funding and and discussion with stakeholders are ongoing. c) Application of ultra fast lasers for the restoration of tooth and bone implant are progressing for technology development with EPSRC funded (EP/K020234/1), EU funded MC-IAPP, and a TSB funded projects. Two IP were generated and they were filed, one of which has now entered international examination phase. |
| Sectors | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Electronics,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| URL | http://www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/imr/research/photonic-materials/index.shtml |
| Description | In the Basic Technology project non-invasive blood glucose sensing was developed, as a consequence of the discovery of laser ion implantation. We have generated 2 patents which have now licensed to NetScientific Limited for commercialisation. A new company has been formed with more than £300K cash injection. . Patient trials have begun after a successful feasibility study in an NiHR funded project between May 2010 and August 2011. The exploitation aims to demonstrate the use of eyesafe lasers operating at 1500-2000 nm range for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring transcutaneously. Other metabolites and biomarkers are also included. For laser glass fabrication, the Joint Venture operation with Glass Technology Services has now developed the technology for Er(3+)-doped laser glass gain medium materials which is being discussed for TRL 6-8 level investment. Applications of lasers in dentistry and implants were also demonstrated. I-UK grant was won (Ref: TS/L004070/1). A new mode-locked laser project is led by GTS to support the development and potential exploitation of near-IR lasers by industry partners (TS/P013449/1). EP/M015165/1 and EP/M022854/1 research grants were won in Nov 2014, in which I have a co-I role in the area of materials. |
| Sector | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | EPSRC-IMPACT |
| Amount | £20,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | IMPACT (University of Leeds) |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2012 |
| End | 12/2012 |
| Description | EPSRC-LUMIN Project |
| Amount | £997,424 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/K020234/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2013 |
| End | 12/2016 |
| Description | Glucosense studentship |
| Amount | £120,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Netscientific UK |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2013 |
| End | 09/2016 |
| Description | INNOVATE UK (LIGHT-Miles) |
| Amount | £68,998 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | TS/K000977/1 |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2012 |
| End | 11/2013 |
| Description | Lasers for Industrial Processing |
| Amount | £24,936 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | TS/L007800/1 |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2014 |
| End | 03/2015 |
| Description | NIHR Research for Patient Benefit |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | II-FS-0909-13095 |
| Organisation | National Institute for Health Research |
| Department | Research for Patient Benefit |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2010 |
| End | 07/2011 |
| Description | Office of Naval Research |
| Amount | $40,000 (USD) |
| Funding ID | N68335-11-C-0035 |
| Organisation | US Navy |
| Department | US Office of Naval Research Global |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 01/2011 |
| End | 09/2011 |
| Description | Optimus phase-I (IAA) |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Leeds |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2014 |
| End | 12/2014 |
| Description | Pilot Manufacturing with Ultrafast Laser Plasma Implantation (ULPI) |
| Amount | £1,202,992 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/M022854/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2015 |
| End | 05/2016 |
| Description | Smart Proof of Market |
| Amount | £25,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2013 |
| End | 03/2014 |
| Description | ULTRA-GLASS |
| Amount | £730,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | TS/P013449/1 |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2017 |
| End | 07/2019 |
| Description | Ultrafast Laser Plasma Implantation- Seamless Integration of Functional Materials for Advanced Photonics |
| Amount | £2,483,247 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/M015165/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2015 |
| End | 03/2019 |
| Description | UoL-industry PoC funding |
| Amount | £135,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Netscientific UK |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2012 |
| End | 09/2013 |
| Description | YSF-Innovation Award |
| Amount | £69,990 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | YCF-2009 |
| Organisation | Yorkshire Forward |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2010 |
| End | 04/2011 |
| Title | ULPI pilot manufacturing facility |
| Description | A new manufacturing tool for femtosecond laser plasma implantation on large area substrates |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | New materials platform for Ultramatis Ltd, sensor materials for Glucosense. Other impacts are in progress. |
| URL | https://engineering.leeds.ac.uk/news/article/329/integrated-photonics-laboratory-opens-at-university... |
| Description | GTS secondment (IAA funded) |
| Organisation | Glass Technology Services |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Dr. Billy Richards was seconded to GTS (courtesy of IAA-KTS funding) to transfer knowledge on novel mid-infrared transmitting glasses to contribute to GTS' portfolio of expertise and research and development activities. Experimental work was carried out to scale up production of glasses based on research conducted in IMR, (SCAPE, UoL). This work resulted in JV spin out company Glass Manufacturing Services successfully bidding for TSB (Innovate UK) SMART PoM funding to assess the infrared materials market, and also forms a major strand of GTS' planned submission for AMSCI funding to create a UK centre of high-tech glass research and manufacturing. |
| Collaborator Contribution | GTS provided expertise on general glass manufacture and characterisation as well as personnel and facilities for scale-up manufacturing trials of novel mid-infrared transmitting glasses. |
| Impact | TSB SMART PoM funding. Planned AMSCI funding proposal (Dec '14 submission) |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Description | GTS secondment (industry funded) |
| Organisation | Glass Technology Services |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Dr. Billy Richards conducted a secondment to GTS (funded by GTS) to engage with the companies general research and development activities bringing knowledge and experience gained at IMR (SCAPE, UoL). This involved a wide range of glass based research conducted as part of GTS' grant funded projects in areas including Health and Defence & Security and Photonics. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Knowledge transfer was two-way, providing Dr. Richards with knowledge and experience of new research activities and directions. |
| Impact | Innovate UK funded project "BrightSlice" TS/L007800/1 |
| Start Year | 2013 |
| Title | Composition |
| Description | The present invention relates to a photosensitive composition comprising synthetic nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite or a synthetic precursor thereof doped with a rare earth ion, the use of the composition in restorative or cosmetic dentistry, a process for preparing the composition and a method of generating an image of an exposed dentinal surface of a tooth. |
| IP Reference | WO2012046082 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2012 |
| Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
| Impact | New EPSRC and EU grants for developing technology for preclinical translation have been received. |
| Title | GLASS |
| Description | The present invention relates to a dysprosium-doped tellurite or germanate glass characterised by a fluorescence peak in the mid-IR spectrum. |
| IP Reference | WO2014147398 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2014 |
| Licensed | Yes |
| Impact | Based on this patent, the licensee is planning to submit a proposal for AMSCI funding to develop a manufacturing capability for the glass described in this patent. |
| Company Name | VitriTech Ltd |
| Description | The company specializes in the area of manufacturing laser glasses and finished gain medium, phosphate materials for biological and cosmetics applications. The company acquired IP for expanding its business in health area. It is currently working on collaborative research with GTS in Chapeltown Sheffield and the University of Leeds in a joint research projects related with medical devices. |
| Year Established | 2015 |
| Impact | Technology for laser gain manufacturing has been licensed to this company from the University of Leeds. |
| Website | http://www.vitritech.co.uk/ |
| Description | Visit to Verbier in Switzerland in December and meeting the Net Scientific Group and business people for discussion on applications of lasers in medicine in general. We discussed the applications of lasers in non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The discussion group was split into diagnostics, patient care and investment opportunities. Research on non-invasive blood glucose monitoring was represented in all three groups, and the feedback was included in the business development plan of GLUCOSENSE which was formed earlier in the summer 2014, six months after the meeting in Switzerland took place. A Spin out (GLUCOSENSE) has now been formed with £500K support from Net Scientific Ltd in Cambridge and Prof. Gin Jose is a CTO of this company and AJ is non-executive member and shareholder. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |