On March 20th, Brussels became the epicentre of innovation as it hosted the culmination of two landmark projects:; the final conference for the  SiComb and SiC Nano for PicoGeo. Both initiatives, supported by the European Commission under the pioneering Horizon 2020 FET-Open Programme, have pushed the boundaries of technology with their exploration into silicon carbide (SiC), opening new frontiers in the creation of compact, high-efficiency devices and advanced systems for geophysical monitoring. The conference, featuring a series of enriching debates and an exchange of exciting ideas, represented a pivotal moment to review the results achieved by SiComb and SiC Nano for PicoGeo projects, as well as a forward-looking discussion on the future trajectory of research and application in the field. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the potential of these projects to redefine what’s possible in technology and geophysical exploration.   

Central to the day’s discussions was the SiC Nano for PicoGeo project, steered under the expert coordination of Francesco La Via from CNR IMM, Catania. The project embarked on an ambitious journey to harness the unique properties of silicon carbide for geophysical monitoring devices, demonstrating the material's vast potential in creating compact, high-efficiency systems. With his extensive background in SiC research and development, Francesco La Via brought invaluable insight and leadership to the project, propelling it towards significant technological innovations. 

A notable focus was placed on how SiC Nano for PicoGeo addressed the challenges of utilizing silicon carbide in geophysical monitoring devices. The project underscored SiC’s suitability for a wide range of applications, thanks to its capability to operate across an ultra-wideband. This characteristic makes it particularly advantageous for environmental and geophysical analysis, offering a versatile solution that extends beyond the limitations of traditional materials. 

The event provided a platform for in-depth dialogue between experts, coordinated by Laura Vivani of Moverim Consulting, a partner in both SiComb and SiC Nano for PicoGeo. The benefits and challenges related to the fabrication and characterization of SiC were discussed during the round tables. Three different round tables saw the active participation of various project partners of SiComb and SiC Nano for PicoGeo and leading researchers in optical technologies. These moments of comparison allowed for a deeper understanding of the different aspects of the work done, from the technical challenges overcome to the significant results achieved. In particular, the importance of close collaboration between the academic and industrial worlds for the project's success was highlighted, emphasizing how technology transfer represents a key factor for innovation.  

During the first round table: "SiC fabrication and characterization: benefits, challenges and main results obtained by the two projects in terms of innovation and effective utilization of the material within devices," 

Peter Wellmann, professor of materials science at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and leader of the work package focusing on Material Growth of the SiComb project, chaired the session, introducing the speakers and moderating the debate. Among the participants, Yaoqin Lu, a Ph.D. student at DTU, shared his studies on SiC-based photonic devices, highlighting the importance of the material for the fabrication and characterization of innovative platforms. Jana Schultheiß, engaged in research on the crystalline growth of SiC at FAU, discussed the challenges and successes in obtaining high-quality 3C-SiC layers, which are fundamental for advancing devices. Marcin Zielinski of NOVASiC and Didier Chaussende of CNRS further deepened the theme, touching on critical aspects such as reducing surface roughness and optimising deposition processes for MEMS applications.  

 Questions raised during the debate ranged from using 3C-SiC in their projects to the impact of stress and defects on the material's mechanical and optical properties. These queries allowed for an exploration of the advantages of SiC in integrated photonics and strategies for further improving the quality of the layers produced. One of the highlights was the discussion on the effect of yield in the realization of MEMS and the main parameters that influence this yield, providing valuable insights on how to address these challenges innovatively. The Q&A session with the audience allowed for further depth, highlighting the difficulties in manufacturing integrated circuits on SiC platforms and exploring new directions to overcome these obstacles.  

In conclusion, the round table highlighted the crucial role of silicon carbide in emerging technologies, demonstrating how collaboration between research institutes and industry is fundamental to transforming scientific discoveries into concrete solutions. Thanks to the deep knowledge shared by the speakers and interactions with the audience, the event offered a comprehensive overview of the state of the art of SiC, outlining a promising future for this advanced material.  

Round table 2: “Lessons learned and future directions: Silicon Carbide’s Role in advanced applications and its potential in the market.”   

Implementation insights from the second-round table highlighted the prototyping phase as critical for the success of any R&D project. Moderated by Nicola Aresi from SISGEO, this session delved into the encountered challenges, adopted strategies for risk mitigation, and lessons learned throughout the prototyping process.  

Nicola Aresi, with a background in electronic engineering from Politecnico di Milano and experience in R&D, emphasized proactive risk management during prototyping. Valentina Bertana, a post-doc researcher at Politecnico di Torino, shared her work on using additive manufacturing for printed electronics and integrated systems, showing how it reduces implementation risks in prototyping by optimizing device packaging and interconnections. Dimitris Kalavrouziotis from NVIDIA discussed the importance of photonic design and lab testing of prototypes, focusing on optical interconnects and switching for data centre  networks and AI systems. His insights demonstrated how close R&D collaboration can overcome technical challenges, leading to significant innovations. Luca Belsito from CNR-IMM – partner in SiC Nano for the PicoGeo project - covered the fabrication and characterization of MEMS and the development of electronic readout systems. His work on optoelectronic readout for sensor resonance functionality highlighted innovative solutions in prototype packaging to improve device precision and functionality. Luigi Carleo from INGV presented on ground deformation and volcanic eruption monitoring systems, focusing on the strain meter developed in the PicoGeo project. He addressed testing phase challenges and their impact on measurements, underlining the importance of precision in high-accuracy geophysical applications.   

 The Q&A session allowed  aallowed a deeper exploration of unexpected challenges, main difficulties, and project successes. The discussion showed that a collaborative approach and innovation led to significant outcomes despite hurdles. In summary, this round table underlined the importance of risk mitigation and continuous learning in the prototyping phase, with shared insights emphasizing the crucial role of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative technologies in overcoming challenges and creating functional prototypes for new practical applications.   

Round Table 3: Future steps: Bridging innovation from research to market  

The third -round table focused on the future of the developed innovations and how research outcomes connect to the market. Moderated by Haiyan Ou from DTU and Francesco La Via from SiC Nano for PicoGeo, the session offered unique perspectives on potential applications and the significance of bridging the gap between research and industry.   

Mikael Syväjärvi from ALMINICA highlighted the critical role of knowledge transfer for creating impact, pointing out how interactive workshops, data sharing for digitalization, sustainability values, and open innovation can build trust and expand opportunities, effectively linking innovation to market demand.  

Luca Belsito from CNR-IMM and Luigi Carleo from INGV shared their research's potential applications beyond geophysics, exploring how innovations could be adapted to new contexts and the scientific community's real interests in these areas. Paraskevas Bakopoulos from NVIDIA focused on the current landscape of data centre connectivity and AI systems, discussing frequency comb applications in this field. His analysis underlined the importance of optical interconnections and the shift to integrated optics for enhancing computing system performance and sustainability.  

The Q&A session provided insights into new sensor applications in other research fields and potential industrial applications benefiting from the newly developed strainmeter's micro deformation measurements. This round table emphasized effective strategies for transferring innovation from research to market, with AI and digitalization as key enablers. The commitment to overcoming barriers between research and practical applications signals a promising path for SiComb and SiC Nano for PicoGeo projects, with potential impacts extending far beyond geophysics.   

In conclusion, the final conference for the SiComb and SiC Nano for PicoGeo projects represented a crucial moment to value and share the achievements in silicon carbide research, showcasing this material's vast potential in optical applications. Thanks to the support from the European Commission and the collaboration between academic partners, it was possible to explore and expand the frontiers of SiC-based technologies, opening new perspectives for innovation and sustainable development.   

We wish to express our deepest gratitude to all the partners who collaborated with SIC Nano for Picogeo, for their commitment, knowledge-sharing, and teamwork that made the success of these projects possible. A special thanks are extended to Francesco La Via, the SiC Nano for PicoGeo project coordinator, whose leadership and visionary approach steered the team towards remarkable achievements and pioneering innovations in silicon carbide applications. The active participation and keen interest demonstrated by attendees, both online and in person, greatly enriched the conference, making it a pivotal moment for exchange and collective advancement. The discussions during the round tables were particularly illuminating, highlighting the critical role of cooperation between academia and industry in translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions with the power to transform society positively the future, we hope to continue collaborating with all involved partners and to welcome new opportunities for research and development. The conference highlighted not only the successes achieved but also the challenges to be faced and future opportunities, demonstrating how ongoing dialogue and joint research are crucial for advancing in the field of advanced technologies. We are eager to see how these innovations will be implemented and what new horizons will be opened thanks to the joint efforts of all involved partners. Your dedication and commitment are the key to scientific and technological progress, and together, we can continue to push the boundaries of innovation for a better future.  

 

 

 

The SiC Nano for Picogeo website is designed by Promoscience
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 720827