Background: Optical sensing

Sensors measure physical, chemical or biological parameters that are critical to humans and to the environment - for example to monitor air quality or plant growth. In particular, light can be used to sense many important quantities non-invasively and optical sensing has become a very active field in both research and industry. Our group has recently developed novel nanophotonic sensing concepts, based on light confinement at the nanoscale. In particular, we demonstrated fiber-tip sensors able to measure tiny environmental changes at a distance, and spectral sensors which can determine the properties of materials from their spectrum. In the framework of a European project and a very large national photonics initiative, we intend to further explore and push the limits of these two sensor technologies and demonstrate their potential in practical applications

Project description

Two PhD studentships are available, one on fiber-tip sensors for air quality monitoring, another on spectral sensors for healthcare and agrofood. The selected candidates will perform cutting-edge research in nanophotonic sensing, including simulations, nanofabrication, optical characterization and validation in a specific application case, in collaboration with industrial partners.

The projects will be supervised by Prof. A. Fiore. The PhD students will be integrated in a young, dynamic and highly collaborative team active in this research area.