Center description

The Optics and Photonics Center, called MAScIR Photonics Center(MPC), the first of its kind in Africa, focuses on the development of advanced technologies in the field of optics and photonics,firmly grounded on a know how; e.g. scientific and technological knowledge, and a state-of-the-art technical platform that allows it to develop photonic systems and materials, and characterize their different properties. The center’s research covers a broad spectrum of topics ranging from fundamental to applied fields, and in-depth research covering areas of national and international interest in the field of nanotechnology,and renewable energies, mainly photovoltaics; from materials to solar cells,andplasmonics, and biophotonic systems for health; e.g. thermal phototherapy with gold nanoparticles, and biosensors based on waveguides and plasmon technology, and nanomaterials, as well as information technologies, and 3D laser micro- nanoprinting, and remote sensing for precision agriculture, including LIDAR technology. The areas of competence of the center extend beyond these topics.

MPC carries out research and development work with Moroccan universities, such as UM5R at Rabat and UM6P at Benguerir, and industries, such as OCP, through joint projects,and gives MAScIR its African and international dimension with projects carried out jointly with several African countries, within the framework of the African Laser Center (ALC in English) whose presidency is joint between Morocco and South Africa. MPCworks on projects with Europeanscoutries, within the framework of the H2020 program; and with Asian countries, such as Japan via the twinning with Osaka University in the field of nano-functional photonics: study of new nano-optical / photonics functions resulting from interaction of photon materials and nanostructures. Our center also posses collaboration with Canada through the Laval Photonics Center COPL, and USA in particular for the organization of international conferences in photonics (SPIE). Such a network gives the center an important place in the international R&D chessboard and guarantees an influence and benchmarking at the international level.

R&D THEMES:
  • Agrophotonic
  • Green Photonics
  • Bio Photonics
  • Photonics Materials
RESEARCH AREAS:
  • Development of highly sensitive sensors based on plasmonic technology;
  • Development of thin films for solar energy harvesting;
  • Elaboration of solar cell devices based on thin film technology;
  • Simulation and optimization of photonic devices;
  • Development of transparent conductive oxides by physical and chemical methods;
  • Test and evaluation of solar cell panels;
  • Plasmonics: Development of SPR and Fano and Nanoparticle sensors;
  • Holography and optical tweezing;
  • Photochemistry;
  • LIDAR technology & Optical Spectroscopy (Raman; IR): Remote sensing for precision agriculture
  • Functional materials for photonics: smart materials and molecular machines
  • Nanoparticles for plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT);
  • Laser 3D printing technology for micro- nano-objects.
SKILLS DOMAINS:
  • Nanotechnology;
  • Nanomaterials;
  • Optical systems & Photonics;
  • Solar cells and PV panels;
  • Optical sensors;
  • Bio-sensors;
  • Thin layers and optoelectronic components;
  • Embedded systems ;
  • Spectroscopy;
  • Electronics and tele-communications;
  • Optical fiber ;
  • Remotesensing
  • Teledection ;
  • Aerial image processing;
  • Custom-made optical setups.
AREAS OF ACTIVITY (with industrials):
  • Automotive: development of materials, sensors, and 3D printed objects;
  • Environment: detection of impurities in water and air, green energy, conversion efficiency and yield.
  • Phosphates: characterization of phosphate resources and purification of silicon.
  • Chemistry: quality control system (Resins & Organic based energy efficiency products).
  • Agriculture: smart and precision agriculture, soil mapping, and fertilizers.
  • Health: bio-photonic devices and development of micro- nanostructures.