About OOE
The OOE group is active within the 4 different research clusters (energy conversion/storage, sustainable materials, sensors and healthcare materials) at the Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec) and actively collaborates with other groups and departments within the institute.
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Introduction to OOE
The OOE group was founded in 2018 within the Physics department at Hasselt University, with the aim to solve fundamental questions in the field of molecular and hybrid opto-electronics with applications such as light emitting diodes, solar cells and sensors. Our key competencies are the characterization of new semiconductor materials with the aim of understanding important electronic processes on the molecular scale, as well as integration of these new materials into devices. We strongly benefit from daily interactions with the synthetic chemistry groups within the Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec) which allows us to tailor the molecular properties to optimize the performance of new and existing applications. We conduct both fundamental and more applied research and have a strong focus on Ph.D. training. The group is experienced in joint scientific R&D within European, national and regional projects, and servicing for industry.
The Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec)
The Institute for Materials Research (imo), based at the Hasselt University campus in Diepenbeek, has built a vast expertise in the field of materials science since its foundation in 1990. In 2001, a strategic alliance was established with imec, based in Leuven. Imec founded imomec, an associated laboratory within the premises of imo. As such, imo-imomec is a joint research institute where fundamental research, strategic basic research, and application-oriented research is conducted. In 2015, UHasselt/imo-imomec joined EnergyVille in Genk to carry out its energy-related research.
About 160 FTE's are employed at imo-imomec, of which about 80 students are preparing their Ph.D. The team is strongly multidisciplinary: chemists, physicists, and engineers are working together to develop the material systems of tomorrow. Anno 2022, imo-imomec can rely on more than 5000 m2 of state-of-the-art lab infrastructure, divided over four different locations.
The core competence of imo-imomec is the development and characterization of new material systems with potential use in sustainability and health. In the domain of sustainability, imo-imomec focuses on energy conversion, energy storage, and sustainable materials. In the domain of health, the focus of the research programs relates to the development of advanced technologies for sensing via dedicated analytical techniques and systems for sensing based on quantum technologies.
Hasselt University
Hasselt University (UHasselt; located in the northeast part of Belgium) is a young and dynamic center of expertise for teaching, research, and service provision. UHasselt regards an active contribution to a sustainable and innovative region as its social responsibility. It aspires to be a hub in this innovation web. Hasselt University, therefore, attaches great importance to cooperation with other centers of expertise, companies, government agencies, and organizations in Limburg and beyond.
As one of the drivers of regional innovation, Hasselt University focuses specifically on:
● educating students so that they become highly-skilled, employable professionals;
● conducting applied and fundamental research in specific fields and encouraging practical applications from that research;
● spreading its knowledge and expertise through collaboration with industry and other external partners;
● developing foreign partnerships.
Contact
Prof. dr. ir. Koen Vandewal
Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
Materials physics & engineering
Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium