CLIP brings together the expertise and resources of academics and researchers at the University of Insubria working in the field of photonics.
Our activities span both fundamental and applied research, encompassing theoretical developments, numerical modelling, and experimental work. Visit the pages of our Research Groups and Labs to learn more.
Research Groups and Labs
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Ultrafast Nonlinear Optics Lab (UNO)
We develop innovative approaches to generating ultrashort laser pulses and apply them to explore light–matter interactions. Our lab has a strong track record in advancing laser micromachining of technologically significant materials, including glass, sapphire, diamond and silicon carbide.
Light Scattering Lab
We develop scattering techniques—from X-rays to visible light—to study the structure and dynamics of colloidal nanomaterials like quantum dots and nanocrystals. Their tunable properties enable applications in photovoltaics, lighting, catalysis, and bioimaging.
Quantum Optics Lab (InsLight)
Main research activities include some important topics of light-matter interaction, such as nonlinear optics, quantum optics, quantum information and characterization of classes of photodetectors operating in the mesoscopic intensity domain.
Photonics Modelling Group
We model the dynamics of lasers and frequency combs for applications in communications, clocks, and astronomy. On the quantum side, we study entangled photon pair sources with high-dimensional entanglement, relevant for quantum imaging, spectroscopy, and microscopy.
Quantum and Ultrafast Photonics Lab (QUP)
We advance the frontiers of ultrafast quantum optics, with applications such as quantum-enhanced microscopy and THz sensing, and focus on the generation and detection of optical radiation in the infrared spectral region.
Insubria Laboratory of Advanced Fluorescence Spectroscopy (INSPECT)
We develop and employ advanced fluorescence techniques to develop new insights into biomolecular conformational dynamics, novel drugs and drug delivery systems, and novel materials for sensing.
Our research
CLIP covers a wide spectrum of photonics research and applications.
We advance ultrafast and quantum photonics—from quantum state generation and light–matter interaction to femtosecond laser control—alongside expertise in micromachining of advanced materials, ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy, and 3D beam shaping.
Our work in fluorescence spectroscopy and single-molecule techniques drives new insights in biomolecular dynamics, drug delivery, and sensing.
Equally, we pursue advanced theoretical and computational modelling of laser nonlinear dynamics and complex photonic systems, providing essential foundations and guiding experimental progress.
These combined strengths support collaborations across science, industry, and medicine.
Our expertise
- Quantum Photonics and Quantum Information: we develop quantum light sources, photon-number-resolving detection, quantum communication protocols (including underwater), and advanced quantum imaging techniques.
- Ultrafast Science and Laser–Matter Interaction: our research focuses on ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy, time-resolved far-infrared studies (0.1-10 THz), 3D beam shaping, and the laser control of extreme phenomena such as electric discharges.
- Advanced Microfabrication and Photonic Devices: we specialize in micromachining diamond, silicon carbide, Gorilla Glass, and other materials for microfluidics, sensing, and integrated photonics, as well as in designing innovative LED-based lighting systems.
- Biomedical Photonics and Spectroscopy: we apply advanced fluorescence spectroscopy and single-molecule techniques to study biomolecular dynamics, drug delivery systems, contrast agents for diagnostics, and pharmaceutical photostability.
- Light Scattering and Material Characterization: we investigate nanocrystalline and disordered materials across scales using scattering techniques from X-rays to visible light, linking structural and dynamic properties to material functionality.
- Modeling and Theoretical Research: our work includes modeling laser nonlinear dynamics, complex photonic systems, and simulations of light–matter interaction and fluid dynamics for applications in microfluidics and material science.