Koppens, Frank

Biography

Prof. Frank Koppens obtained his PhD in experimental physics at Delft University, at the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, The Netherlands. After a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, since August 2010, Koppens is a group leader at the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO). He has received the Christiaan Hugyensprijs 2012, the Premis Nacional de Reserca, the IUPAP young scientist prize in optics, and four ERC awards (Starting grant, Consolidator grant and two proof-of-concept grants). Prof. Koppens is leader of the optoelectronics workpackage of the graphene flagship (1B€ project for 10 years). Since Dec. 2015, Koppens is ICREA professor. In total, Koppens has published more than 40 refereed papers (H-index 34), with more than 10.000 citations.

Research Interest

The quantum nano-optoelectronic group, led by Prof. Koppens, studies interactions between light and matter at extreme limits. Several unique and novel techniques are exploited to confine light to nano-meter lengths scales and study physical processes at ultra-fast timescales. Central in these studies are the rich variety of novel materials that are only one atom thick: graphene and 2d materials. These materials exhibit fascinating properties that we have just begun to discover. Also novel quantum and topological materials and their interactions with nano-scale light are being studied. In addition to the new science and physics, the group develops new concepts for photo-detection, imaging systems, optical modulation, nano-scale light processing and switching, as well as flexible and wearable health and fitness devices. We aim to build prototypes of these disruptive technologies, in collaboration with industry. The group works closely with the Graphene Flagship program, the largest European initiative with 1 Billion Euro funding for ten years.