Progetto KIC Raw materials OPTNEWOPT
Reduction of the use of rare materials in optoelectronic and photonic devices
OPTNEWOPT targets to study the reduction of the use or the substitution of indium, gallium and germanium in optoelectronic and photonic devices.OPTNEWOPT proposes to study and develop new materials and processes for the substitution of indium, gallium and germanium in optoelectronic and photonic devices, as well as support European laboratories and companies working in this sector. The great increase of the consumption of indium, gallium and germanium in the last years, because of the strong demand for photovoltaic panels, displays, LEDs, photodetectors, etc., and the geographical positions of the production sites (Europe imports most of these materials, and mines and recovers few or nothing of them), have induced large oscillations of their prices. Therefore, the reduction of the use of In, Ga and Ge is a fundamental issue to be solved for the development of future photonic devices. OPTNEWOPT partnership extensive competence in materials, processes, devices, and characterization techniques is perfectly suited to offer a range of solutions and support to the possible customers.