AEL – Advanced Engineering Lab

According to the researchers' need to build new experimental research structures and components, the Advanced Engineering Laboratory (AEL) strives to bring researchers closer to the latest technologies in electronics and precision mechanical engineering. AEL is dedicated to supporting the innovation and development carried out in ICFO's research laboratories. The installation occupies about 200 m2, which offers the latest generation tools for electronic design, assembly and characterization, as well as for micromechanical engineering. It includes the Mechanics and Electronics Workshops

Facility

Mechanical Workshop

Highly specialized technicians and engineers work closely with researchers to define mechanical solutions that adapt to the unique needs of each laboratory and experimental set-up.

The workshop aims to assist in the identification of commercial solutions and works to adapt acquired components to laboratory requirements. When no commercially available component conforms to the needs of the research, the workshop, in close collaboration with researchers, designs and manufactures custom-made mechanical solutions.

Applications range from cutting-edge devices for ultrafast optoelectronics and space communications, ultrasensitive devices for quantum optics, nano and bio photonics, to optimization of optical systems and design of new optomechanical elements, among others. Each solution is as novel as the research for which it was custom designed.

Laboratory Space Exploitation

Researchers receive support in the construction of novel set-ups. Examples include the manufacturing of vacuum chambers, installation of protective doors and curtains, design of organizational systems, and custom made support structures.

Adaptation of commercially available equipment

Equipment that meets the technical specifications for research may require adaptation or mechanical configuration to conform to laboratory set-ups.



Custom-made research components

In keeping with researchers’ technical requirements, the workshop designs and manufactures novel components of all kinds to specification.

Consultation Services

Workshop technicians advise researchers on optimization of space, procurement of materials and components, and outsourcing of services as needed.

Form 2 & 3 Printers by Formlab

High resolution, resin-based 3D printer for in-house production with desktop steroelithography. Facilitates creation of components made ro researcher specifications.

Electronic Workshop

The nature and complexity of the experiments carried out in ICFO’s laboratories call for high-performance electronic and optoelectronic technologies.

The Electronics workshop is a support facility that aims to assist in the identification of commercial solutions and to adapt acquired components to laboratory requirements. Often commercially available components do not meet unique needs, in which case, the experts in the Electronic workshop work closely with researchers to find solutions including the custom design and manufacture of the necessary electronic circuits.

Technical Office

Computers are available for the design and simulation of electronic circuits.

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing workshop

Space and tools for the rapid manufacturing of prototypes of PCBs adequate to the needs of specific set-ups, based on design specifications.

PCB assembly area

An assortment of professional equipment allows for the soldering and mounting of electronic devices.

Electronic Laboratory

Once the electronic circuits are assembled their operation can be verified by means of suitable electronic test equipment.

Institutional Contacts / Head of Facilities

Provisional Contacts

Xavier Menino Pizarro | Mechanics Head |  xavier.menino@icfo.eu  | +34 935534010

Electronics Workshop

José Carlos Cifuentes |  jose.carlos.cifuentes@icfo.eu  | + 34 935534029

Mechanics Head

Xavier Menino Pizarro |  xavier.menino@icfo.eu  | +34 935534010

Dr. Pablo Loza-Alvarez | Facilities Coordinator |  pablo.loza@icfo.eu  | 93 553 4068 - 93 554 2259 |  ORCID 

CERCA Institutes

Owners

Centres CERCA List

Equipments & Services Offered

The installation occupies about 200 m2, which offers the latest generation tools for electronic design, assembly and characterization, as well as for micromechanical engineering

Categorització

RIS3CAT domains & other

RIS3CAT Domains

CERCA GINYS Categories

GINYS-ICFO-004

Access procedure & Fares

Obert