Photonic Technologies

Specific Mission

The research unit aims at the exploring the physics and new applications in the framework of the light-matter interaction at different scale, from nano to macro. More specifically, our activity is organized in two main directions, namely dielectric nanophotonics and light-responsive polymer technology.

In dealing with dielectric nanophotonics, we design, fabricate and characterize structures and devices for light manipulation and radiation management such as: dielectric 2D cavities, surface-guiding photonic crystals, metasurfaces and grating couplers, chiral nanostructures for structured light. Specifically, we work on the study of novel light sources by integrating individual emitters (quantum dots, defected 2D semiconductors) onto dielectric nanostructures in classical and single-photon regimes.
As for light-responsive polymer technology, we develop new materials and fabrication techniques to provide actuators and active optical elements suitable for application in soft-robotics and biomedical fields.
The research unit has also expertise in the design and fabrication of micro-optical elements for context-specific practical uses.

Main Research Topics

  • Design, fabrication and characterization of nanophotonic structures for engineered sources and sensing devices
  • Integration of 2D defected semiconductors within dielectric photonic structures for engineered classical and single-photon sources
  • Structuring light-responsive polymers for soft-robotics, microfluidics and applications in biotechnology
  • Design and simulations of micro-optical elements

Main Partnerships

  • University of Eastern Finland, Finland
  • FEMTO-ST, France
  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
  • INRiM, Italy
  • Università di Torino, Italy
  • IRCCS Candiolo, Italy
  • Università di Genova, Italy
  • Politecnico di Milano, Italy

Projects and publications

Reference laboratories

Permanent staff
PhD, Post-docs and Grant researchers