UOSE with new FCT projects approved

In the context of the R&D Project Competition from the Foundation for Science and Technology - FCT which took place on 2006, the Optoelectronics and Electronic Systems (UOSE) had two of its applications approved. The two projects, Optic Algae and Welding, began being worked on recently.

The Optic Algae project is led by Xavier Malcata, professor at the Biotechnology School from the Universidade Católica do Porto. This project's aim is to decrease microalgae manufacturing costs in photobioreactors. This will be done through the improvement of the illumination process, luminous absorption and gaseous transfer.

Using special fiber optics which enable remote illumination and CO2 transfer simultaneously and efficiently, it will be possible to develop a new reactor configuration.

The Welding project is led by Paulo Tavares de Castro, professor at the Faculty of Engineering from the University of Porto (FEUP). This project's main goal is to apply fiber optics Bragg sensors in welding processes such as Friction Stir Welding (FSW) and Laser Beam Welding (LBW).

This will enable an active monitoring of the processes' thermal characteristics and a validation of its respective numeric models.