kick-off meeting

ATHENA EU project kicks off

September 19, 2024

IFAE Technical Division

The kick-off meeting of the ATHENA (Advanced Technologies for High value ImagNg Application) project took place earlier this month in Grenoble.

Jorge Jimenez and Cristobal Padilla attended the ATHENA kick-off meeting in representation of IFAE, since the institution leads the work packages of VLWIR detector characterization and communication.

ATHENA is a Horizon Europe project within the Chips-JU, that aims at strengthening European economy in high-tech imaging technologies. It intends to do so with three main approaches.

First, by using 3D stacking technologies for better sensor integration and advanced 2D/3D imaging features.

Second, by moving μbolometer production from 200mm to 300mm CMOS wafers, improving cost efficiency and enabling more advanced functionalities, including affordable LWIR optics.

Third, by developing new methods for growing and doping materials to enable future production of VLWIR detectors.

These innovations will open up new applications in areas such as automated systems (for industry, security, and border control), healthcare, consumer technology, and earth and climate monitoring.

ATHENA brings together a strong European consortium of leading research organizations, major industry players, and end-users. Together, they will design, develop, and test these new imaging technologies, setting the foundation for their large-scale adoption and industrial use.

Aligned with the EU’s Chips Act and the Electronics, Components and Systems Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda, ATHENA not only focuses on developing new sensors and chips but also on integrating them into larger systems. This project will play a key role in boosting Europe’s technological leadership, industrial competitiveness, and sovereignty.

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