Light - Nanooptics - Stain-glass – Luminano

The Luminano Joint Laboratory - Light - Nano-Optics – Stained Glass combines the expertise in nanotechnology from the L2n laboratory (Light, Nanomaterials, Nanotechnologies) UMR 7076 of CNRS and the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT) with the glass material expertise of the Manufacture Vincent-Petit (MVP), established in Troyes since its origins. This collaboration is driven by two main needs:
1- The world of stained glass and artistic glass seeks to innovate in terms of coloration to create monumental works on monolithic glass, without lead assembly, in contrast to traditional techniques. To integrate into modern architecture, this industry aims to develop so-called "technical" stained glass that meets the needs and constraints of modern buildings (self-cleaning glass, thermal glazing, etc.).
2- The production of glass containing nanotechnologies is typically reserved for small surfaces, while traditional glass painting techniques allow for the deposition of nanoparticles on large surfaces at low cost (such as silver stain painting). One of the challenges is thus to functionalize large glass surfaces at low cost for direct applications of nanotechnologies such as UV/VIS converters for solar panels, photonic waveguides, or smart glasses with, for example, catalytic properties.
Therefore, the research focus of this LabCom includes exploring new nanostructured materials for stained glass, improving manufacturing techniques at the nanoscale, and optimizing the optical properties of the finished products. A secondary focus will be dedicated to the characterization of ancient glasses. Indeed, many historical pieces entrusted to MVP for restoration have not been fully characterized due to budget constraints and the lack of specialized equipment. This laboratory will enable the use of both the L2n's expertise in optical and structural spectroscopy and MVP's knowledge of the history of techniques, all to better understand these ancient treasures during their restoration. It is therefore noted that the activities of this LabCom are interdisciplinary and primarily fall under the CNRS Engineering activities but also under the CNRS Humanities and Social Sciences activities, making it particularly unique.
The objectives of Luminano are organized around two main areas:
• The first research axis, for 80% of the time, focuses on creating lead-free coloration for the production of artistic stained glass that complies with current construction standards, both in terms of physical resistance and thermal insulation. The first prototypes of nanoparticle-based glass paints are expected after 12 months of research, with a patent filing planned after 24 months.
• 20% of the research time will be dedicated to the development of non-destructive characterization methodologies and tools for ancient stained glass, integrated from the start of the project and deployed throughout the laboratory's lifespan based on conservation and restoration needs.
This innovative partnership aims to bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial applications in the field of nanotechnology applied to stained glass, propelling this discipline into the 21st century. This LabCom will be a direct link between the arts and science, and will therefore develop a unique, clearly interdisciplinary approach.