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Photonics
About Domain
<p>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:</p>
Advanced Fiber Technologies and Distributed Sensing
Bio and Chemical Optical Sensors
Micromachining and nanofabrication
Spectral Imaging and Quantum Technologies
Challenges
<p>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:</p>
Main achievements
<p>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.</p>
Ultrahigh-Sensitivity Sensors
<p>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 <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-76324-7" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lpor.202000588" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
Specialised Sensors for Chemical and Biological Detection
<p>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 <a href="https://opg.optica.org/ol/abstract.cfm?uri=ol-48-3-727" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
Advances in Femtosecond Laser Micromachining
<p>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 <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9186043" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-88682-x" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>