LPD
The Device Research laboratory (LPD) was founded in 1972 by José Ellis Ripper Filho after his return from Bell Laboratories in the United States. Initially called the Semiconductor Devices Group, the laboratory was established in the Department of Applied Physics at IFGW.
Initial Origins and Objectives
LPD was created with the mission of researching lasers needed for fiber optic communications in Brazil. This initiative was part of a broader Solid State Physics research program at IFGW, which included three main lines:
- Production of devices (lasers, transistors, diodes)
- Study of basic construction processes
- Basic solid-state physics research
Historical Development
In 1972, the laboratory established an important partnership with Telebrás through the Laser Communication System Project. This collaboration was fundamental for the development of optical communications in Brazil.
Current Research
Currently, LPD maintains its profile of linking basic and applied research, focusing on areas such as:
- Integrated photonics
- Optomechanics
- Quantum Optics
- Silicon photonics
- Optoelectronics
- Quantum Information Processing
- Nanolasers
All these areas compose what the laboratory calls NANOPHOTONICS.
Current Leadership
LPD is currently coordinated by Prof. Newton C. Frateschi, who also serves as coordinator of the Integrated Photonics Laboratory-SISFOTON. The laboratory is integrated with important research and development initiatives, including partnerships with the Semiconductor Components and Nanotechnology Center (CCSNano) and the National Nanotechnology Laboratory (LNNano). The laboratory continues to be a reference in research and development of optoelectronic and photonic devices, maintaining its tradition of excellence started over 50 years ago.