Research projects

Scope of this cooperative project between Silicon Austria Labs GmbH and ams AG was the development of a simulation testbench to virtually execute compliance tests of components before they are actually fabricated.

Automated mobility systems are presently moving towards more complex urban traffic scenarios. The iLIDS4SAM project will enable this transition by developing high performance, low-cost LiDAR sensors with increased field of view and resolution.

QSense4Power will – for the first time - utilize point defects in Silicon Carbide as intrinsic quantum Sensors for diagnostics on real-world power electronics devices. Potential applications will span all stages of development, fabrication up to electrical test operation.

Creation of a powerful model­ling and MEMS (MEMS = microelectromecha­nical systems) design toolbox for advanced wafer level MEMS inte­gra­tion

Forward-looking quantum sensorics project for life science and consumer applications.

The project "SensSemicon" deals with the development of a networked wireless sensor system to make semiconductor production machines fit for Industry 4.0.

The RETINA project brings together Austrian and Slovenian research institutions from the field of material sciences. Due to the access to a central network, especially companies in the border region should benefit.

In the "EFiPaS" project, everything revolves around the detection and characterization of fine dust particles - mobile and everywhere. The user can then use a smartphone or "intelligent wearables" to obtain up-to-date information about particles in the environment and protect him/her self from pollution.

Austrian lead project “Sustainable Photovoltaics – PVRe²” is researching targeted and sustainable recycling and advanced material development.

Novel Extrusion Processes for Next Generation Light Management Films.

The project BI-FACE aims to develop technically as well as economically novel bifacial PV systems to exploit the enormous potential of this technology.

The OLEDSOLAR project is about developing innovative critical manufacturing processes for eco-compatible and economic production of opto-electronic devices, including OLEDs, OPVs and CIGS solar cells, in Europe.

The project "Smart lightweight 4.0" unifies the competencies of three research institutions in Carinthia and represents at the same time a link to the cross-cutting topic Industry 4.0.

The aim of the "SILENSE" project is to combine voice and gesture control and to improve the interaction between humans and machines.

The research project OptPV4.0 aims to optimize the operations and maintenance procedures of photovoltaic power plants in order to improve and secure their energy yield and thus their economic viability.

The overall goal of the ShredIT4.0 project is to optimize the operation of industrial shredders to reduce production costs and increase throughput.

The UltimateGaN project focuses on the next generation GaN technology particularly addressing major objectives along and across the entire vertical value chain of power and radio frequency (RF) electronics.

The project Power2Power will enable innovations and create opportunities from possible disruptions by providing cost-effective high-power electronics components.

Research and integration of an MEMS switch enable advances in this new gambling idea: Miniaturisation and the improvements in RFID chips for casinos make them more practical for players and increase chances of market success for the company.

Villach wants to be a "Smart City" by addressing upcoming urban electricity challenges in a holistic way - from a technological, economical and socio-ecological perspective.

The cooperative project "Smart Energy" fosters nationawide collaboration from Italy and Austria in the area of energy technologies.

The project "power base" is researching on energy saving electronics for the future.

Micro acoustic devices are ubiquitous. They are core signal processing components in every smart phone (SAW RF Filters) and can also be used to accurately sense temperature and deformations in harsh environment. In order to develop ever more performing micro acoustic components and sensors for various applications, SAL needed a high-performing simulation tool.

The specially designed one-dimensional MOEMS scanner can greatly simplify and therefore speed up application development of MOEMS-based systems.

The MEMFIS project (ultrasmall MEMS FTIR spectrometer) has set itself the target of making the analysis of substances mobile, reliable and suitable for industrial processes. Microsystems technology enables testing on site in real time.

The high-temperature SAW gas sensor project is aimed at developing a miniaturised sensor for detecting exhaust gas. Integrated in the exhaust gas flow, it will be designed to monitor and minimise emissions.

InnoModu reseachers are working on the next generation of photovoltaic cells and modules.

The OptiSens project focuses on research into smart printed sensors that can be used for in-situ analysis of impedance, temperature and protons in wood composites. A Linz-based company, Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH, is in charge of the project.

The terahertz probing of photovoltaic substrates (TIPS) project uses terahertz radiation as a new tool in photovoltaics, for more accurate quality control and as a non-destructive test method.

PV@Fassade researchers are currently designing building-integrated photovoltaics that are both efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

The objective of the TACO project (three-dimensional adaptive camera with object detection and foveation) is to improve robots’ sensing systems and help them to interact with their environment in a more natural way.

The purpose of the SAWHOT project (Surface Acoustic Wave wireless sensors for High Operating Temperature environments) is to improve the performance of wireless SAW sensors at extreme temperatures.

Electronic development for the future and further development of smart cities: The development of a smart charger for electric vehicles has meant that the socket has also become smart. With a smartphone, vehicles can for example be charged automatically.

The ENIAC JU project EPT300 aims to develop and implement technology to achieve full-scale production of power devices on 300mm wafers. This will place European fabs at the forefront of power semiconductor manufacturing worldwide.

EVAnetz targets the conception and subsequent experimental validation of a non-destructive, inline-capable analysis method for determining the degree of crosslinking of the elastomeric ethylene/vinyl acetate encapsulants in PV modules.

Europe has core competencies in power semiconductor technologies directly impacting everyday life in applications like eco-friendly solar power generation, extended range automotive mobility, lower power consumption in illumination or smarter and more powerful medical-diagnostic appliances.

Raman micro-spectrometry was established as a dependable metrology tool for efficient, targeted R&D in semiconductor processing. Enabling a precise measurement of mechanical stresses in semiconductor materials in a contact-free process, as well as the detection and quantification of changes in the material’s structure itself, the results of the joint COMET efforts provide a valuable tool for manufacturing optimization and quality control.

Raman imaging: attractive, alternative technique for sorting glass: During this project, we turned Raman spectroscopy, which was purely a laboratory technique, into one suitable for industry in several steps.

New sensor development for better baking results: The specially developed SAW sensors enable wireless measurements at extreme temperatures and provide pressure information during the baking process.

For the very first time, the researchers of the competence center ASSIC were more than double the pulse energy of an ultra-compact and –robust solid state laser, 30 mJ to 65 mJ.

In this project, a novel magnetic map has led to the development of a 4-axis multimedia control element based on magnetic sensors thus replacing state-of-the-art systems based on three optical encoders, light guides and touch buttons.

The research project OPtima wants to improve the production of plastic components for semiconductor machines.

Wired probes carry a very high risk of infection and slow down the healing process. A specially developed wireless sensor can monitor the pressure in the brain without leads, enabling the patient to recover better and faster.

The project INFINITY has the goal to adapt the photovoltaic system to different climatic and regional requirements. The holistic approach includes research along the entire value chain, beginning with materials, components, modules and the holistic pv-system.

The combination of two key technologies: Terahertz radiation will pave the way for new developments in the photovoltaic industry.

Amongst all the “fine dust”, in particular nanoparticles emitted by combustion processes pose serious health concerns. In a joint effort, researchers of the competence centre ASSIC developed a new, highly accurate optical sensor for such ultra-small pollutants.

The project, named IoSense is derived from the “Internet of Sensors”. The focus lies in the development and implementation of cost-effective production lines for sensors and sensor systems needed for the Internet of Things (IoT). The project, leaded by Infineon Technologies Dresden, is one of the most important European pilot line projects.