Photonics

About the Domain

Photonics plays a key role in addressing major technological challenges in fields like healthcare, telecommunications, and computing. By integrating signal processing and sensor fusion, photonics drives innovation, transforms industries, and favours new possibilities. At INESC TEC, our research focuses on innovative applications, from advanced sensing technologies to quantum simulators.

We introduce several competences to develop advanced detection solutions and disruptive technologies with applications ranging from healthcare to energy, computing, mining and industry. Some include:

Advanced Fiber Technologies and Distributed Sensing

Bio and Chemical Optical Sensors

Micromachining and nanofabrication

Spectral Imaging and Quantum Technologies

Research Challenges

The Photonics scientific domain explores optical phenomena as a unique toolbox for cutting-edge science and technology, exploiting symbiotic S&T for a sustainable research model. Fundamental research leads to novel sensing systems and inventive technology, while using emerging technology enables innovation in real-world applications, materialising the impact of science, and diversifying funding opportunities. Our research challenges for the next five years include:

Main Achievements

Our research in Photonics led to scientific and technological advances with impact in areas like environmental monitoring, space industry, and medical devices. By combining high-precision optical sensors, microfabrication, and new approaches to simulation and detection, we develop robust and highly sensitive solutions to real-world challenges.

Ultrahigh-Sensitivity Sensors

By combining two interferometers with slightly different interference frequencies, we explore the optical Vernier effect to achieve unprecedented sensitivities. Using fibre-optic-based configurations, we have set world records in refractometric sensitivity and developed new approaches that harness higher-order harmonics and multimodal interference. More information available here and here.

Specialised Sensors for Chemical and Biological Detection

We develop optical sensors with chemical and biological receptors for active monitoring of gas and liquid environments. Based on resonant phenomena such as surface plasmons, these solutions offer high sensitivity, real-time detection, and low cost. We explore sensors based on Bloch waves and customise plasmonic nanomaterials for high-sensitivity operation in the near-infrared. Publication here.

Advances in Femtosecond Laser Micromachining

Micromachining with femtosecond laser pulses enables the fabrication of monolithic, robust optical devices, overcoming challenges related to alignment, mechanical stability, and miniaturisation. We developed manufacturing techniques for high-quality optofluidic devices, including the first monolithic fabrication of a resonant microdisk coupled to a waveguide suspended in a microfluidic channel. Publications here and here.