GRAPHICS aims at developing novel chip-based photonic devices for all-optical signal processing in graphene/ semiconductor hybrid platforms. The resulting architectures will be the cornerstone of a disruptive optical routing and processing technology on silicon chips for communications as well as Datacom and interconnect applications. These will also pave the way towards the photonic-microelectronic convergence, through the realization of CMOS compatible platforms. Our research program will focus on two main classes of nonlinear optical devices: (1) integrated pulsed III-V/ Si microlasers, and (2) all-optical signal processing devices, relying on two distinct nonlinear features of graphene, i.e. its saturable absorption and its nonlinear Kerr response, respectively. In addition, the capability of tuning graphene properties electrically will allow us to create fundamentally flexible and reconfigurable intelligent optical devices. The two classes of nonlinear devices targeted in the project represent significant achievements in their own right. However, they share some scientific and technological challenges. For instance, relevant strategies must be found for enhancing the typically low interaction of light with the monolayer of carbon atoms, as needed for the device miniaturization. Here, we will combine graphene with the nanophotonic toolbox -microcavities, or slow light photonic crystals- to enhance the light-graphene interaction and realize compact chip-scale devices. More fundamentally, these two classes of nonlinear devices will jointly contribute to shape the long-term vision of a fully integrated photonic platform, in which the pulsed microlaser delivers directly on-chip the optical peak power necessary to trigger all other "intelligent" devices onto the same circuit. GRAPHICS will therefore help to "draw" a novel generation of photonic integrated circuits and architectures, with graphene playing a key role, to be used for managing high-speed optical data.

E3I ECLAUSion, a joint venture between Ecole Centrale de Lyon (ECL) and RMIT University, Melbourne Australia aims to build a highly nurturing and multi-faceted PhD training environment that would benefit the emergence (‘eclosion’) of the next generation - 10 doctoral fellows in 2 cohorts- of not only highly skilled researchers but also entrepreneurs with an international mind-set and interdisciplinary training. Specifically ECLAUSion, in line with the MSCA guidelines, the EU principles for Innovative doctoral training and the code of conduct, aims to i) Reinforce research excellence in ECL in partnership with RMIT and increase scientific output and international visibility; ii) Expand on existing doctoral programs by attracting highly promising international early career researchers to ECL and providing a nurturing environment with global reach (both in terms of scientific supervision, mentoring, working conditions, administrative support and social life). We envision two calls being organized, with 5 doctoral contracts per call being offered (total number of PhDs offered 10) so that every researcher can receive their PhD degree during the 5 years program; iii) Educate and train these ESRs; enhance their research and transferable skills with a 3i dimension by offering them Interdisciplinary research options, exposure to Industry (both at local, regional and international levels), and an inherently International network to maximise their opportunities and their emergence into successful professionals in their future careers iv) Leverage the existing rich biotech and ICT local/regional/global ecosystem and capitalise on it to develop new synergies between academia and the private sectors and more generally v) Strengthen EU-Australia research collaboration in key areas for investment and growth in particular in Health; Biotechnology, Environment; Energy; Information and communications technologies; Nanotechnologies, materials and production technology.

There is increasing evidence that today’s turbojet technology is limited by instabilities arising from non-linear coupling between aerodynamic, aeroelastic and aeroacoustic phenomena. These multi-physical processes are going to become even more important in future architectures, which utilize Ultra-High-Bypass Ratio and lightweight composite fan designs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and noise. However, enormous knowledge gaps currently exist concerning these processes and the resulting stability boundaries. To fill these gaps, and to promote the development of efficient and quiet concepts, a comprehensive research programme will be carried out in Project CATANA. The programme will provide an open-test-case fan stage and employ unprecedented instrumentation to perform extensive investigations into the nature of multi-physical instabilities. The carbon-fibre fan stage is currently being developed at Ecole Centrale de Lyon and will be aerodynamically and structurally representative of near future low-speed fans. Multi-physical experiments are planned which allow transient investigations with synchronous measurements of aerodynamic, structure-dynamic and acoustic phenomena. The research concept combines complementary measurement systems and enables the detection of interactive mechanisms where individual systems are insufficient. To improve the coherence of the aeroelastic results, a study on structural mistuning and intake geometry will be carried out to understand and quantify the sensitivity of occurring instability mechanisms. The database will be completed by a detailed structural analysis of the stage providing modal characteristics of the rotor blades, including structural damping under rotation. The participating laboratories of Ecole Centrale de Lyon and the Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics have the experience to challenge the demanding research initiative with the ambition to provide a reference benchmark for the European research community.