2008 Press Releases
22.09.2008
The first ever quantum dot in Ireland designed to lead to faster broadband speeds, has been "grown" by researchers at UCC's Tyndall National Institute and the Cork Institute of Technology (CIT).
Quantum dots are extremely small structures which can be used to emit light in a much more efficient and reliable manner than current technologies. Using light to transmit broadband internet and telephone signals allows far greater speed and capacity than the traditional copper wires and electrical signals.
Unveiling a plaque today (Monday, September 22nd 2008) at Tyndall National Institute to mark the successful research collaboration between UCC's Tyndall National Institute and Cork Institute of Technology, the Minister for Education & Science, Mr Batt O'Keeffe, said that pooling and optimising institutional resources and infrastructures throughout Ireland would ensure rapid progression in delivering value from our research to Irish industry. "On this occasion, I would like to announce the first ever fabrication of quantum dots for telecommunications technologies in Ireland," he added.
Twenty-one researchers from CIT, including 14 PhD students, are based at Tyndall National Institute, UCC. These highly-skilled researchers and students benefit from access to state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities and expertise at the Tyndall National Institute.
As the demand increases for delivering more information at faster speeds through optical fibre, telecommunications operators need faster, cheaper and more efficient signal-processing devices. To achieve this goal, world-leading researchers at Tyndall and CIT have developed a number of devices for manipulating light which can benefit from these quantum dot structures.
"This development represents an important milestone for the consolidation of Ireland's position as one of the European leaders in photonics research," said Minister O'Keeffe, adding, "I am delighted to learn that the equipment used to enable this growth in quantum dots was funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) through the Government's Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions Programme (PRTLI)".
"Launched in 1998, the PRTLI has invested €865 million in strengthening national research capabilities through investment in human and physical infrastructure. The ultimate aim of the PRTLI is to propel Ireland towards establishing an international profile as a premier location for carrying out world-class research and development and this collaboration between Tyndall National Institute and CIT demonstrates that objective," said Minister O'Keeffe.
Dr Brendan Murphy, CIT President, said: "The CIT/Tyndall experience of cross-disciplinary and inter-institutional co-operation is a mutually beneficial and efficient way of achieving our goals. We have demonstrated the value of such co-operation and we are exploring other similar collaborations. The collaboration not only enhances the quality of our Institution's research, but also the quality of teaching at postgraduate and undergraduate levels."
Professor Roger Whatmore, CEO of Tyndall National Institute, said: "Through the HEA, Science Foundation Ireland and Enterprise Ireland funding, the Tyndall/CIT partnership has acquired state-of-the-art facilities attracting and retaining world-leading experts to further our progress in research and educate and train our students."
Picture: Mr Batt O'Keeffe, Minister for Education & Science marks successful research collaboration between Tyndall National Institute and Cork Institute of Technology. Pictured with the Minister are UCC President, Dr Michael Murphy (left), Dr Brendan Murphy, CIT President (right) and Professor Roger Whatmore, CEO, Tyndall National Institute (at rear).
846MMcS