Under the Microscope Guest Prof. Humeyra Caglayan Receives EUR 2.1 Million NWO Grant
We’re excited to highlight Prof. Humeyra Caglayan, our recent Under the Microscope podcast guest, who secured research grant of EUR 2.1 million from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) to advance broadband photonics and integrated optical systems. The project, Heliopyxis (Sun in a Box), aims to push the boundaries of integrated photonics by developing compact, broadband optical interfaces that precisely manipulate light across the UV to NIR spectrum, powered by advances in broadband metaphotonics.
The project – Hybrid Metasurface-Integrated Photonic Systems for On-Chip Light Coupling and Manipulation from UV to IR – develops innoatice optical systems that use light for sensing Heliopyxis develops innovative optical systems that use light for sensing, communication, and data processing. Traditional optics are often large and costly, limiting their use. By integrating advanced materials and nanotechnology onto small chips, this project creates compact, efficient, and scalable devices. These innovations will enhance medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and semiconductor manufacturing, improving precision and reducing costs. The project focuses on making these advanced systems widely accessible, addressing global challenges in sustainability and technological efficiency while fostering breakthroughs in healthcare, agriculture, and high-speed communications. This ensures a future where powerful optical tools are available to everyone.
Featured on Our Science Podcast – Under the Microscope
Prof. Humeyra Caglayan joined us on Episode 233 of Under the Microscope, where she shared insights on metaphotonics, integrated optics, and the future of light-based technologies in industry.
Her scientific vision — now backed by NWO funding — continues to shape how broadband photonic systems can unlock smarter, faster, and more precise tools for innovation-driven sectors.
📣 Congratulations, Prof. Humeyra Caglayan
From fundamental research to impactful application, Prof. Caglayan’s leadership in photonics exemplifies the values we champion at The Science Talk. We’re proud to have featured her perspective and excited to follow the progress of the Heliopyxis project.
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