Projects

European Space Agency (ESA) project „Bismides for InfraRed photoDetector applications“(BIRD)
The project is focused on the development of technology of novel semiconductor compounds – dilute bismides. Strong influence of Bi atoms incorporated into various A3B5 (GaAs, GaInAs, and InAs) semiconductors on their electronic band structure enables growth of bismides on different substrates materials (GaAs, InP, and GaSb) with much narrower bandgaps photosensitive at near- and mid-infrared wavelengths. The main objectives of the project are to verify the suitability of optimized bulk bismide layers technologies for two applications: i) as a materials with ~1 eV energy bandgap for highly efficient multijunction (3J or 4J) photovoltaic solar cells, and ii) as substrates for photodiodes and focal-plane-arrays sensitive at infrared wavelengths up to 4 mm.
Project duration 2016 01 18-2018 01 17
The Prime Contractor is State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC)
The project budget is 199 135 EURo

FP7 Marie Curie ITN project NOTEDEV (Novel terahertz devices)
NOTEDEV (Novel Type of Terahertz Devices) is a Marie Curie Initial Training Network that aims to tackle the terahertz gap. A consortium of leading European Universities and industrial partners are collaborating to conduct research and to train young physicists and device engineers in this field. Terahertz sources and detectors have powerful potential for applications in biology, medicine, security and non-destructive testing. Some devices are currently in operation, but to benefit from the full potential of Terahertz frequencies there is an urgent need for developments in efficient, cheap, reliable, scalable and portable THz devices. In the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, development of semiconducting THz components for Time-Domain Spectroscopy (TDS) systems activated by 1.55 μm femtosecond (fs) laser pulses is in progress.  These fs lasers would ensure a cost-effective and compact THz-TDS system.
Project duration 2014 10 01-2017 09 30
The Prime Contractor is Durham university, FTMC group leader is A. Krotkus
The project budget is 185 000 EUR

Project LAT-04/2016 (3500-P330) „Compact integrated THz components and spectroscopic THz imaging systems – KITKAS“, LAT-04/2016 (Research Council of Lithuania, 2016-2018). Coordinator – Irmantas Kašalynas

Project MIP-71/2015 „Bismuth quantum dots in GaAs matrix – BiNano“, (Research Council of Lithuania, 2015-2017).  Coordinator – Renata Butkutė (Dalius Seliuta)

Project MIP-14281 „Active metamaterial investigation and application for terahertz switching and modulation“ (Research Council of Lithuania, 2014 – 2017) Coordinator – Žilvinas Kancleris (Dalius Seliuta).

RCL Student Semester 2023 Internship Project (DJ). Multifrequency THz frequency range holography with the delay line. The project contributes to solving global challenges in the fields of medicine, biology and forensics. Terahertz holography is a potential way to detect even slightly damaged or altered tissues, which would contribute to the early identification and treatment of diseases. Narcotic substances have properties that allow them to be clearly identified with terahertz radiation, so the development of this area contributes to solving problems related to the distribution of narcotic substances. Project value: 4800.0 EUR

RCL Student Semester 2023 Internship Project (LM). Flexible metalenses for beam-shaping in THz frequency range. The project contributes to the improvement of separation/detection systems by reducing the need for energy-consuming moving parts and improving the separation technology itself, offering non-invasive, non-ionizing and real-field separation of objects. In addition, the project provided the student with various R&D and innovation skills, including simulation and characterization of optical elements, experiment automation, etc. Project value: 4800.0 EUR

RCL Student Summer 2023 Internship Project (DJ). 3D lens fabrication in THz frequency range. To research and develop low-cost and easy-to-manufacture lenses manufactured using 3D printing technology. In addition, the project aims to provide the student with various R&D&I skills, including simulation and characterization of optical elements, experiment automation, etc. Project value: 3600.0 EUR

RCL Student Semester 2024 Internship Project (LM). Development of large aperture diffractive optics for communication systems. The project contributes to the development of information and communication technologies by offering diffractive optical elements that ensure the directionality of signal propagation, a necessary factor for high-speed and long-distance communication systems. In addition, the project provided the student with various R&D and innovation skills, including simulation and characterization of optical elements, experiment automation, etc. Project value: 4800.0 EUR

RCL Student Summer 2024 Internship Project (VC). Characterization and development of the novel object detection metamaterial-based system employing phase resolving imaging techniques. Demonstration of the operation of the metastructure-enhanced homodyne imaging system. Additionally, the project aims to equip the student with various R&D&I skills, including optomechanical setup design and construction, metasurface simulation, experiment automatization etc. Project value: 4000.0 EUR

RCL Student Summer 2024 Internship Project (KS). Optical components for structured terahertz beam shaping: design, fabrication and characterization. The project produced three types of commercially unavailable beamforming elements. The availability of technology for manufacturing optical components was increased by the widely available 3D printing technology. In addition, the project provided the student with various R&D and innovation skills including optoelectronics, radiation phase manipulation, optical component design, and optical system characterization. Project value: 4000.0 EUR

RCL Student Summer 2024 Internship Project (MS). Characterization of the THz antenna coupled edge-FET designed for THz wave detection. Demonstration of a GaN-based HEMT as a THz detector, with characterization of its THz responsivity. Additionally, the project aims to equip the student with various R&D&I skills, including cleanroom sample development, optical and electrical measurements of semiconductor-based HEMTs, and material selection for THz applications. Project value: 4000.0 EUR

RCL Student Summer 2024 Internship Project (ED). Photoreflectance and photoluminescence study of bismuth δ-doping of GaAs/AlAs quantum wells. The project focused on investigating the impact of Bi δ-doping on the optical properties and electronic structure of GaAs/AlAs quantum wells. Doping traditional semiconductor quantum structures with impurities significantly enhances their functionality. A comprehensive study of how Bi δ-doping affects the optical properties of GaAs/AlAs quantum wells contributes to the optimization of modern semiconductor devices—reducing their size and energy consumption while increasing their efficiency and functionality. During the internship, the student acquired R&D&I skills, including the characterization of quantum structures using various non-invasive spectroscopic methods, process optimization, etc. Project value: 4000.0 EUR

RCL Student Summer 2023 Internship Project (ED). Investigation of the emission efficiency of GaAsBi quantum wells. The project focused on investigating the emission efficiency of GaAsBi quantum wells. An improved ABB* method enables quantitative evaluation of non-radiative recombination processes in GaAsBi quantum structures. This approach facilitates more effective optimization of GaAsBi layer growth and significantly contributes to the development of efficient light sources operating in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range without the need for additional cooling.During the internship, the student also acquired R&D&I skills, including the characterization of the optical properties of quantum structures, the development of analytical methods, data-driven optimization of technological processes, etc. Project value: 3600.0 EUR

RCL Student Semester 2024  Internship Project (ED). Investigation of the optical properties of annealed GaAsBi quantum wells with parabolic AlGaAs barriers. The project investigates the effect of annealing on the emission intensity from GaAsBi quantum wells with parabolic AlGaAs barriers, aiming to enhance the emission efficiency of GaAsBi quantum wells by increasing carrier capture into the quantum well and reducing the concentration of non-radiative recombination centers. The obtained results will significantly contribute to the development of advanced light sources operating in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range without the need for additional cooling. Additionally, during the internship, the student acquired R&D&I skills, including the characterization of optical properties of quantum structures, experimental design, data-driven optimization of technological processes, etc. Project value: 4800.0 EUR

RCL Student Semester 2023  Internship Project (ED). Investigation of the barrier shape dependence of the photoluminescence of GaAsBi/AlGaAs quantum wells. The project investigated the effect of gradient AlGaAs barriers on the emission intensity from GaAsBi quantum wells, aiming to enhance the emission efficiency of GaAsBi quantum wells by increasing carrier capture into the quantum well. During the project, the design of the gradient AlGaAs barrier and the growth conditions were optimized. The results obtained will significantly contribute to the development of advanced light sources operating in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range without the need for additional cooling. Additionally, during the internship, the student acquired R&D&I skills, including the characterization of optical properties of quantum structures, experimental design, data-driven optimization of technological processes, etc. Project value: 4800.0 EUR

RCL Student Summer 2024 Internship Project (IG) Employing the artificial neural networks for objects identification and classification via their images in terahertz frequency range. During the internship, a dataset of terahertz images of various objects was collected, which was later used to train a classifying convolutional neural network. The trained model was able to recognize objects similar to the training data as well as objects not seen by the model before. The trained neural network model achieved an accuracy of 0.97. Project value: 4000.0 EUR

RCL Student Summer 2023 Internship Project (IG). Modeling and experimental investigation of the properties of thermal terahertz radiation sources with metasurfaces. During the internship project, metasurface designs were modeled, and based on these designs, terahertz thermal sources with metallic metasurfaces were fabricated. Experimentally, their radiation spectra were measured, and the dependence on the geometric dimensions of the metasurfaces in the frequency range from 0.7 THz to 3.5 THz was determined. Project value: 3600.0 EUR

RCL Student Semester 2023 Internship Project (IG). Investigation of the spectral properties of thermal terahertz radiation sources with semiconductor metasurfaces. In this internship project, thermal terahertz sources with doped semiconductor metasurfaces were investigated, demonstrating higher efficiency and narrower resonance lines compared to devices with metallic metasurfaces. Additionally, control over the resonance frequency was demonstrated by varying the doping level, which is not possible using the metallic metasurfaces. Project value: 4800.0 EUR

RCL Student Summer 2023 Internship Project (RB). Optimization of technological conditions of the active medium of near-infrared microlasers. The project aims to grow GaAsBi quantum wells with strong emission in the 1.00 - 1.20 um wavelength range, intended for monitoring atmospheric pollution (CO2, methane, black carbon, etc.) or for medical purposes, e.g. skin cancer prevention, exhaled air analysis, in order to identify minimal changes in organ functioning. Project value: 3600.0 EUR

RCL Student Semester 2024 Internship Project (RB).Development of p-AlGaAs cladding layer technology for laser diode integration on Si platform. The research is important for further diode integration processes on silicon. The developed technology would allow the use of high-quality substrates with minimal defect density and accurate measurement of substrate temperature. Although the processing process would be much more complex and longer, it would facilitate integration on the Si platform and improve heat dissipation. Project value: 4800.0 EUR

RCL Student Summer 2023 Internship Project (AV).  Investigation of bismuth quantum dots formed in GaAsBi structures using methods with submicrometer spatial resolution. The project explores bismuth quantum dot formation in GaAsBi structures to understand how growth conditions affect their homogeneity and optical properties. Using submicrometer-resolution photoluminescence and atomic force microscopy, the study aims to optimize material quality and provide insights for developing advanced optoelectronic devices. Project value: 3600.0 EUR

Sergejus Orlovas. Project value: 46500.0 EUR

RCL Group project (LM). Innovative compact meta-surface based polarization resolved terahertz imaging system with phase-sensitive detection. The project developed an innovative imaging system based on metasurfaces in the terahertz (THz) frequency range. Metasurface-based beam control elements reduce the overall system size, increase cost-effectiveness, and provide additional functionality not available with classical optical components. Project value: 149921.0 EUR

RCL Group project (ED). Study of optical properties of bismuth quantum dots. The project investigates the optical properties of Bi quantum dots formed due to segregation  in GaAsBi, aiming to apply them in the development of light sources operating in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range. The optical response of these Bi quantum dots is particularly relevant for data transmission over optical fibers at 1300 and 1550 nm wavelengths, and it exhibits minimal temperature dependence. Bi quantum dot-based lasers could operate without additional cooling, thereby significantly reducing both energy consumption and device size. Project value: 199944.54 EUR

RCL Group project (RB). A3B5 Nanostructure-Based Near Infrared Lasers. The project focuses on two objectives: first, the low power, small size and weight sources (one or matrix) for applications in wireless sensing systems, and secondly, fixed system with integrated narrow linewidth and high power NIR lasers for remote applications.  Project value: 149994.0 EUR

RCL Group project (JD). Epitaxial narrowband thermal emitters for thermophotovoltaic and mid-infrared applications. The EPITHERM project developed innovative, fully epitaxial narrowband thermal emitters for mid-infrared (MIR) range (4–15 µm) applications. Based on semiconductor heterostructures and epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) properties, these emitters feature a narrow and temperature-stable emission band and are fabricated without complex metallic structures. Such MIR sources are promising for thermophotovoltaics (TPV), where they can efficiently convert industrial waste heat into electricity. In environmental monitoring, they enable the development of portable sensors for detecting air pollutants or other gases in specific MIR windows. In industrial processes, such as monitoring the curing of coatings (e.g., UV lacquer) or material analysis, these emitters can offer a lower-cost alternative to lasers or other sources in certain wavelength ranges. Due to their simplicity, stability, and narrowband emission, they may also find applications in specific scientific or space exploration areas, such as calibration sources or infrared beacons. Project value: 148305.0 EUR

Design and benchmarks of laser manufactured photonic elements in nonparaxial imaging. Structured light – electromagnetic waves with a strong spatial inhomogeneity of amplitude, phase, and polarization – has occupied far-reaching positions in both optical research and applications. In a recent publication (Light: Science and Applications) we have shown that structured nonparaxial THz light in the form of Airy, Bessel, and Gaussian beams can be generated in a compact way using exclusively silicon diffractive optics prepared by femtosecond laser ablation technology. The accelerating nature of the generated structured light is demonstrated via THz imaging of objects partially obscured by an opaque beam block. Unlike conventional paraxial approaches, when a combination of a lens and a cubic phase (or amplitude) mask creates a nondiffracting Airy beam, we demonstrated simultaneous lensless non-paraxial THz Airy beam generation and its application in imaging systems. Images of single objects, imaging with a controllable placed obstacle, and imaging of stacked graphene layers are presented, revealing the potential of the approach to inspecting the quality of 2D materials. Structured nonparaxial THz illumination was investigated both theoretically and experimentally with appropriate extensive benchmarks. The structured THz illumination consistently outperforms the conventional one in resolution and contrast, thus opening new frontiers of structured light applications in imaging, as it enables sophisticated estimates of the optical properties of the investigated structures. In this proposal, we design, manufacture, inspect and benchmark various photonic elements microfabricated using high-power laser ablation of SI wafers. We plan not only an extension of photonic elements for the structured nonparaxial illumination of targets but also to use produced photonic for light collection in single pixel nonparaxial imaging. The light collection is usually performed using lenses, so we will benchmark the photonic elements against conventional lenses. Project value: 149949.0 EUR

Development of a terahertz imaging system based on homodyne detection and beamforming techniques and investigation of realistic applications in preparation for the HORIZON EIC Pathfinder interdisciplinary project application (CPVA No 10-38-T-0012). To prepare to apply to the European Horizon calls for an interdisciplinary project assessing the optimisation and real-world applications of a terahertz imaging system based on homodyne detection and beamforming techniques. orizonaccelerator. Project value: 29954.58 EUR

Phase-sensitive sub-thermal imaging enriched with spatial filtering techniques and neural networks (CPVA No 10-038-T-0030). Preparing to apply for the ERC Starting Grant Call 2025 under the European Horizon Programme" assessing the need for a Phase-Sensitive Terahertz Imaging System enriched with spatial filtering techniques and neural networks. Project value: 29790.49 EUR

RCL Technology development project "Broadband photoconductive antennas". The project developed commercial 7 THz spectral bandwidth photoconductive antennas for terahertz time-domain spectroscopy systems. THz-TDS spectrometers are used in a wide range of applications due to their ability to non-destructively probe materials and their high sensitivity to molecular vibrations. In biomedicine, they are used for the diagnosis of skin and breast cancer, for non-invasive testing of teeth or burns, and in the pharmaceutical industry for monitoring tablet coatings and compositions. In the analysis of chemical and biological materials, THz-TDS helps to identify molecules by their unique absorption spectra, which are particularly sensitive to water content, making them suitable for the analysis of the freshness of food or the hydration of tissues, as well as for the study of the dynamics of protein. The instrument is used in gas spectroscopy to analyze the composition of exhaled human gases to diagnose diseases.  In the field of security and non-destructive testing, THz-TDS allows the detection of hidden objects under clothing and the assessment of the condition of composites or painted surfaces, e.g. to detect delamination or corrosion. In the electronics field, the instrument allows to investigate the lifetimes and mobility of free charge carriers in semiconducting materials. Project value: 145367.0 EUR

RCL Lithuania-Taiwan project (IK). Research on maskless green technology for manufacturing GaN and Ga2O3 power devices using laser micromachining. Project value: 199997.0 EUR

RCL Lithuania-Taiwan project (RB). Photonics solutions for the integration of laser diodes and UTC-diodes based on GaAsBi into optical circuits. Long term impact concerns the bismide technologies applications in photonics systems as flexible NIR LD components and renewable energy resource for space applications as the 1 eV pn junction in tandem solar cells could be integrated on satellites. It is worth mentioning that huge economic impact will lay on bismide operation at room temperature due to their unique feature of a considerably small bandgap sensitivity to temperature variation. Consequently, additional cooling infrastructure will not be necessary. This would, in turn, allow the reduction of the integrated circuits and system size and price. Project value: 200000.0 EUR

RCL Lithuania-Latvia-Taiwan project (RB). Development of dual-wavelength microlaser technology based on A3B5-Bi nanostructures for application in sensors. The goal of proposal is to develop A3B5-Bi nanostructure-based double-wavelength laser technology on GaAs platform for NIR sensing applications, focusing on reflectance blood oximetry. A double NIR wavelengths semiconductor laser prototype will be assembled and its suitability for invisible monitoring of blood oxygen saturation examined. Complex study of the nanostructures and laser components will be carried out to highlight the critical technological parameters. Project value: 56250.0 EUR

Starting feasibility project "Multi-frequency digital terahertz holography" (CPVA No 10-38-T-0218). To prepare to apply to the European Horizon calls for a project to test a research idea on multi-frequency digital terahertz holography, leading to an application for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) postdoctoral fellowship call. Project value: 29914.38 EUR

Starting feasibility project "Development, optimization and feasibility study of semiconducting low-loss GaAs metasurfaces for terahertz frequency optoelectronics in preparation for submission of HORIZON EIC Pathfinder interdisciplinary project application" (CPVA No 10-038-T-0024). Samples with metallic and semiconductor metasurfaces operating in the terahertz frequency range were fabricated and investigated using GaAs semiconductor technology. By applying machine learning methods, it was demonstrated that the geometry of the meta-element can be optimized for a selected resonant frequency. The obtained results suggest that the proposed MTEP idea is promising and can be realized within the framework of the EIC Pathfinder funding instrument. Project value: 29973.9 EUR

Starting feasibility project "Formation of Bismuth Quantum Dots by Segregation Method" (CPVA No 10-038-T-0057). The aim of the submitted project was to develop the technology of bismide quantum nanostructures - wells and dots - and to analyze the possibility of applying it to lasers and LEDs operating in the NIR range at room temperature and in the environment. The project focused on the 1.0 - 1.5 μm wavelength range intended for quantum communication systems. Project value: 29769.6 EUR

Starting feasibility project "NIR emitters based on bismide nanostructures into systems" (CPVA No 10-038-T-0064). The project addressed technological and technical issues. The main technological focus was on the application of bismide quantum wells in the source active medium, which would emit in the 1.0-1.1 μm spectral range. The priority technical issue was to investigate the possibilities of flexible packaging and their adaptation for integration in different sensors. Project value: 29801.89 EUR

R&D contract Nr. 3500-S627 "Development of 3.1 μm and 3.3 μm emissino wavelength QCL chips“  Indian Defense Instutute of Advanced Technology. The project is dedicated to the development of broadly tunable Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs). During the project, active media were developed, allowing the tuning of the emission wavelength in the range from 3 to 3.5 μm. Epitaxial structures were transferred to Indian partners. Project value: 66000.0 EUR

During the Polaris project, FTMC successfully completed all tasks related to the fabrication of MWIR QCL laser diodes, their characterization, and testing of fiber-optic components for a laser communication terminal. The produced QCL lasers, mounted in C-mount packages, achieved threshold currents of 2.83–3.15 kA/cm² and operating temperatures up to 108.7 °C. Fiber-optic component tests confirmed their suitability under extreme temperatures (-30 °C to 50 °C), ensuring stable operation of the laser communication terminal. Four lasers were delivered for further integration. Project value: 96708.0 EUR

LT-UA, Egidijus Vanagas. Project value: 99998.0 EUR

Bismide-based Intersubband devices for Mid-Infrared Applications project (ESA Contract No. 4000127012/19/NL/SC). The project focused on the development of a high-operational-temperature Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) diode, specifically designed for methane leak detection. A key milestone in this endeavor was the successful integration of Bismuth layers into the active region of the QCLs. These layers were precisely grown using the molecular beam epitaxy technique, a critical process that contributed significantly to the enhanced performance of the lasers. These lasers, capable of emitting at a wavelength of 3.4 μm in a pulsed mode, demonstrated operational capabilities at temperatures near 370K. The project not only achieved its primary objective of creating an efficient laser diode for environmental monitoring but also made a substantial contribution to the field of IR optoelectronics. The incorporation of the Bismuth layers via molecular beam epitaxy in the QCLs' active region is a notable advancement, highlighting the project's success in pushing the boundaries of laser technology and material science. Project value: 179247.0 EUR

Infra Red BIsmuth-based Sources, Contract No 4000122271/17/NL/SC. Project was focused on the development of high power VECSEL devices emitting in the NIR spectral range for application in space.  Project value: 199995.0 EUR

Single-photon sources in hBN for free-space quantum key distribution. This project aims to develop practical quantum key distribution (QKD) systems for secure free-space communications. The focus will be on creating single-photon sources based on atomic defects in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), which are crucial components for realizing QKD. Due to their room-temperature operation and compatibility with non-cryogenic detectors, the proposed QKD system will harness the potential of compact systems suitable for city-range, satellite-based, and transportable quantum 4 links. Project value: 299981.66 EUR