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Applied Photonics

From fundamental science to real-world innovation: at our Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP), we explore optical phenomena as a unique toolbox for innovation in micro- and nanofabrication, optical, physical, and biochemical sensors, and platforms for analogue simulation and quantum computing.


Our researchers focus on developing systems capable of operating in contexts where precise and reliable sensing is essential (industry, environment or biomedicine), as well as nonlinear optical devices for building quantum analogue simulations and computing platforms. Our advances in photonic sensing enable their use in extreme environments, e.g., outer space or deep sea.


Based on a non-siloed organisation, the solutions we develop through the study of light and photons require multidisciplinarity and close, cooperative work across our various research domains.


With our expertise in photonics and electronic systems integration, we explore the potential for technology transfer to the emerging national and international photonics industry.

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Featured Projects

ELIANA

Electric Field-Assisted Immobilization of Anisotropic Nanoparticles to Excite Surface Plasmon Polaritons

2026-2027

QUANTHOS

QUANTHOS - Fotónica Integrada Topológica Quântica

2026-2027

MIDAS

Monitorização de cabos aéreos usando HDAS

2026-2026

SMARTBOGIE

SMARTBOGIE – Solução Inovadora para a Mobilidade Ferroviária de Mercadorias

2025-2028

WaveSense

Advanced Nanotech-based Optical System Using Electromagnetic Surface Waves excitation for Ultra-Sensitive Detection of Water Contaminants

2025-2028

QuAC

Quantum fluids of light for All-optical Computing

2025-2027

ATLAS

Atlantic Tracking with Lightwave Acoustic Sensing

2025-2028

HyperQuIm

Hyperspectral Quantum Imaging with Undetected Photons

2025-2027

eSPRcancer

Nova Ferramenta para o Diagnóstico do Cancro

2025-2028

ACLART

artificial intelligence-driven in silico simulation for prediction of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction clinical outcomes

2025-2028

OGS

Portuguese Optical Ground Station

2025-2026

SPECTRA3D

Spectral Imaging and Augmented Reality for Disruptive Cultural Heritage Interpretation

2025-2027

NextGenPFL

Next generation of paraxial fluids of light for versatile analogue quantum simulators

2025-2027

PEXAI

Spectral characterization of textile materials

2025-2025

OBSERVA

Optical Signals and Acoustic Surveillance Observatory

2025-2026

POEMS

PORTUGUESE COMPETENCE CENTRE IN SEMICONDUCTORS

2025-2029

INESCTEC.OCEAN

Centre of Excellence in Ocean Research and Engineering

2025-2030

GEOSENSE

Polarization Harnessing in Submarine Optical Cables for Global Geophysical Sensing

2025-2026

PRR_Infra_25-26

PRR Funding for R&D Unit Infrastructures 2025-2026

2025-2026

BolsasFCT_Gestao

Funding FCT PhD Grants - Management

2025-9999

NovaLente

Nova Lente para dispositivos LED

2024-2025

SEAGUARD

Sea Environmental Awareness and Guard enhanced with Unmanned AI Robotic Detection

2024-2027

LIBScan

Desenvolvimento de um espetrómetro transportável LIBS com mapeamento rápido

2024-2027

Corksurf2

Calibration of CorkSurf Analyser

2024-2025

Glass_ID

Technology assessment for glass recycling

2024-2024

MKD

Multimodal Knowledge Distillation: a disruptive approach to spectral imaging and sensor fusion for industrial applications

2023-2024

LIBS_1_2023

Análise de composição e distribuição elementar pela técnica LIBS de amostras minerais

2023-2023

INNOAQUA

Innovative Approaches for an Integrated Use of Algae in Sustainable Aquaculture Practices and High-Value Food Applications

2023-2027

SUBMERSE

SUBMarine cablEs for ReSearch and Exploration

2023-2026

MODAS

Monitoring the Oceans with Distributed Acoustic Sensing

2023-2026

QuantELM

QuantELM: from Ultrafast optical processors to Quantum Extreme Learning Machines with integrated optics

2023-2024

ATE

Alliance for Energy Transition

2023-2026

PhenoBot-LA8.1

PhenoBot Fotónica Inteligente para Fenotipagem de Culturas Agro-Alimentares - LA 8.1 Agricultura de Precisão

2022-2025

PhenoBot-LA8.3

PhenoBot Fotónica Inteligente para Fenotipagem de Culturas Agro-Alimentares - LA 8.3 Tecnologia

2022-2025

PhenoBot-LA8.4

PhenoBot Fotónica Inteligente para Fenotipagem de Culturas Agro-Alimentares - LA 8.4 Dados

2022-2025

PhenoBot-LA8.5

PhenoBot - Fotónica Inteligente para Fenotipagem de Culturas Agro-Alimentares - LA 8.5 Conhecimento

2022-2025

AgendaTransform

Agenda para a transformação digital do setor florestal para uma economia resiliente e hipocarbónica

2022-2026

Wine4Cast-LA8.1

Previsão espácio-temporal da produtividade vitivinícola para usabilidade multi-ator: integração de sensores ótico-fotónicos remotos, inteligência artificial e cenários climáticos

2022-2025

Wine4Cast-LA8.3

Previsão espácio-temporal da produtividade vitivinícola para usabilidade multi-ator: integração de sensores ótico-fotónicos remotos, inteligência artificial e cenários climáticos

2022-2025

Wine4Cast-LA8.4

Previsão espácio-temporal da produtividade vitivinícola para usabilidade multi-ator: integração de sensores ótico-fotónicos remotos, inteligência artificial e cenários climáticos

2022-2025

Wine4Cast-LA8.5

Previsão espácio-temporal da produtividade vitivinícola para usabilidade multi-ator: integração de sensores ótico-fotónicos remotos, inteligência artificial e cenários climáticos

2022-2025

SMARTCAP

Light-activated cap for catheters sterilization

2022-2026

OmicBots

High-Throughput Integrative Omic-Robots Platform for a Next Generation Physiology-based Precision Viticulture

2022-2026

MYTAG

Dispositivos de monitorização ambiental universais baseados na análise Inteligente de dispersão ótica amplificada com polímeros de impressão molecular

2022-2025

LIRA

Optical Fiber Micro-Kelvin Temperature Sensor Network For Sensitive Optical Payloads

2021-2025

HfPT

Health from Portugal

2021-2026

EUSCORES

EUropean - Scalable and Complementary Offshore Renewable Energy Sources

2021-2027

DFOSREN

DFOS – distributed fibre optic sensing para deteção de colisões nas linhas aéreas de muito alta tensão

2021-2025

SpecTOM_BIPProof2020

Programa de atribuição de apoios para prova de conceito da Universidade do Porto

2021-2021

GREENPEG

Análise de composição elementar pela técnica LIBS

2020-2021

LightBrain

LightBrain - a light speed neuromorphic chip with quantum fluids of light

2020-2022

CorkSurf

Analisador de composição e homogeneidade de tratamentos de superfície por espectroscopia de plasma induzido por laser

2020-2023

CaVaLi

Cadeia de valor do lítio

2020-2023

SMARTFARM40

Soluções inteligentes para uma agricultura sustentável, preditiva e autónoma

2020-2023

inSITE

inSITE. Insitu ore grading system using LIBS in harsh environments

2020-2022

CA18130

European Network for Chemical Elemental Analysis by Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence

2020-2020

HotQFL

Quantum Fluids of Light in Hot Atomic Vapors

2020-2023

FOOD4U

Real-time monitoring of fresh food quality with optical sensors

2019-2020

SmartEcotec

Viabilidade de Implementação de Sistema de Inteligência Artificial para o Diagnóstico, Previsão e Controlo Multivariado de Unidades de Tratamento de Lixiviados

2019-2020

WiPTherm

Innovative WIreless Power devices Using micro-Thermoelectric Generators arrays for Nanosatellites

2019-2023

OpTweezers

Consultoria, aconselhamento técnico e acesso a infraestrutura de fabrico e teste de pinças óticas

2019-2022

ESAPlastics

De-risk assessment: spectrometer for marine litter

2019-2021

EFAR

Cabeças sensoras para corrente contínua

2019-2019

FlexOPlan

Planeamento Operacional da Potência Ativa e Reativa na Interface entre TSO e DSO

2019-2021

LED

Consultoria especializada em sistemas óticos

2018-2020

SENVIB

Sensor ótico de vibração para aplicações em transformadores

2018-2018

MetBots

Metabolomic robots with self-learning artificial intelligence for precision agriculture

2018-2021

GreenNanoSensing

Quantum nanoSensing for renewable energy and environmental management

2018-2022

ENDOR

Endoscope based on new optical fibre technology for Raman spectroscopy

2018-2021

SolSensors

Development of advanced fibre optic sensors to monitor the durability of concrete and reinforced concrete structures

2018-2021

SAFEWATER

On chip whispering gallery mode optical microcavities for emerging microcontaminant determination in waters

2018-2021

FLAPSYS

Fiber laser plasma spectroscopy system for real time element analysis

2018-2022

MINDOG

Adaptação de 3 sensores de H2S para incorporação em sistemas de deteção de flatulência canina

2017-2019

TEC4Sea

Modular Platform for Research, Test and Validation of Technologies supporting a Sustainable Blue Economy

2017-2022

INFANTE

Sistema de apresentação da "Maquete do Porto Mediaval", do Museu Casa do Infante

2017-2017

AGRINUPES

Integrated monitoring and control of water, nutrients and plant protection products towards a sustainable agricultural sector

2017-2020

Femto3D

Fabricação tridimensional de dispositivos ópticos integrados por escrita directa com laser femtosegundo

2016-2017

CORAL-SENSORS

CORAL – Sustainable Ocean Exploitation: Tools and Sensors

2016-2018

TECCON2

Acordo de Cooperação em P&D entre INESC P&D Brasil e INESCTEC para participação no projeto TECCON2

2016-2020

STRONGMAR-CRAS

STRengthening MARritime Technology Research Center

2016-2018

CORAL-TOOLS

CORAL – Sustainable Ocean Exploitation: Tools and Sensors

2016-2018

MarineEye

MarinEye - A prototype for multitrophic oceanic monitoring

2015-2017

NanoStima-RL1

NanoSTIMA - Macro-to-Nano Human Sensing Technologies

2015-2019

VAMOS

Viable Alternative Mine Operating System

2015-2019

EYEFRY

Cooking oils degradation assessment system

2014-2015

Re-Learning

Human motor re-learning by sensor information fusion

2014-2015

GOPA

Environmental processes management and optimisation

2013-2014

Spin_Fonao

Magnetic-induced ferroelectricity unravelled through spin-phonon coupling

2013-2015

InCell

Optical fibre tweezers for single cell manipulation and analysis

2013-2014

SNIFFER

Sensor devices network for food supply chain security

2013-2016

ThermaMonitor

System based on optical fibre sensors to monitor temperature in electrical machines

2013-2014

Sensing

Network Sensing for Critical Systems Monitoring

2013-2015

Cyclops

Single-Pixel Imaging Lidar based on Compressive Sensing

2013-2014

SmartGrids

Smart Grids

2013-2015

Cooperation

Cooperation and Perception for Augmented Autonomy

2013-2015

Ecoal-MGT

Ecological Management of Coal Waste Piles

2012-2015

IORT

The effect of shielding on dose distributions in intra-operative electron radiotherapy: a Monte Carlo simulation study

2012-2015

E-Coli

Lab-on-a-chip: E.coli rapid detection

2012-2012

SPR

Plasmonics Based Fibre Optic Sensing with Enhanced Performance

2012-2014

WineBioCode

Biosensor Development for Wine Traceability in the Douro Region

2012-2015

NanoWires

Optical Fibre NanoWires

2012-2012

FLUOROCT

Dose distribution mapping and Monte Carlo simulations in CT-fluoroscopy

2011-2014

Wood

Numerical and experimental study of cohesive laws in bonded wood joints

2011-2014

AQUAMONITOR

Optical fiber sensors for water quality monitoring applied to the determination of dissolved carbon dioxide in aquaculture

2011-2013

Nanovalor

Pole of Competitiveness in Nanotechnology for the enhancement of R&D potential in the Euroregion Galicia-Northern Portugal

2011-2014

MicroNanoCarolina

Expanding activity in optics and optoelectronics: micro and nonofabrication technologies

2010-2012

Multiferroicos

Multiferroic and Magnetoelectric materials for spintronics: obstacles and interfaces

2010-2013

FIBDOSE

Fibre dosimeters for in vitro and in vivo dosimetry in External Radiotherapy and Brachytherapy

2010-2013

SmartCoat

Optical fibre sensors embedded in composite materials to monitor physical parameters

2010-2012

TECCON

Optical fibre sensors to supervise, control and protect electric power systems

2010-2013

SensEFil

Monitoring filament wound vessels using optical sensors embedded in composite reinforcement

2010-2012

MCP

Antibacterial and osteogenic behaviour of Modified Calcium Phosphates (MCP): in vitro and in vivo evaluation

2010-2013

Hybrid

Hybrid electro-optical microfluidic device for single cell analysis

2010-2013

WaveTune

Monitoring systems based on optical fibre technology

2010-2011

SensingVed

Intelligent monitoring system based on sensor networks

2010-2010

Microphyte

Sensors for a new and more competitive bioprocess for the production of hydrogen

2010-2013

SensKanoe

Sensing systems applied to canoes

2009-2012

Mobiles

Sustainable electric mobility - Solutions for the logistics associated with electric vehicle battery charging

2009-2012

SkateMus

Music generation from skater movements

2009-2009

TunLas

Optical fibre tunable lasers

2009-2017

Memimetria

System to measure the thickness of materials using interferometric imaging setups

2008-2010

Biomotion

Perception of biological motion - integrating psychophysics, neurophysiology and computational modeling

2008-2012

Bioswim

Body Interface System based on Wearable Integrated Monitoring

2008-2011

Endurance0

Optical fibre Bragg sensors to monitor structures in Civil Engineering

2008-2010

Nanocrystalline

Glass Ceramics with Non Linear Optical Properties

2008-2011

AmdraphydII

Advanced Monitoring and Diagnosis of the Physical Dynamics of the Estuary of Aveiro

2008-2009

Oreo2

Self-patternable organic/inorganic hybrids for low cost integrated optics devices

2008-2010

SenRONS

Optical fibre sensors to determine reactive oxygen and nitric oxide in biological systems

2008-2011

Motion

Monitoring and compensaTion of Impairments in Optical Networks

2007-2010

Welding

Optical fibre Bragg sensors for friction stir welding (FSW) and laser beam welding (LBW) modeling

2007-2009

Biopelvic

Study of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders

2007-2010

Optic-Algae

Hybrid photobioreactors containing microstructured optical fibres for operations with microalgae

2007-2010

SmartBio

HIP Femoral Prosthesis for in vivo loosening data acqusition

2007-2010

NextGenPCF

Next Generation Photonic Crystal Fibres

2006-2009

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Publications

CAP Publications

View all Publications

2026

Sensors: The Building Blocks of a Technology-Driven Future

Authors
Farahi, F; Santos, JL;

Publication
IEEE Sensors Reviews

Abstract

2026

Optical Harmonic Vernier Effect: Conditions Required for Effective Sensitivity Amplification

Authors
Robalinho, P; Piaia, V; Ribeiro, AL; Silva, S; Frazao, O;

Publication
JOURNAL OF LIGHTWAVE TECHNOLOGY

Abstract
This paper presents the conditions required for effective sensitivity amplification in the optical harmonic Vernier effect. Two distinct cases are analyzed: in the first, the sensor cavity is the shortest, while in the second, it is the longest. Based on the proposed theoretical model, supported by experimental results, it is concluded that, in the first case, the sensitivity associated with the spectral extremes increases with the order of the harmonic states. In contrast, in the second case, the sensitivity at the spectral extremes remains constant, regardless of the harmonic order. To evaluate the effectiveness of applying the optical Vernier effect and to differentiate between the two cases, a new formulation of the magnification factor (M-factor) is introduced. This leads to the definition of a novel figure of merit for the optical Vernier effect, denoted as (FoM(Vernier)). In Case 1, where harmonics are generated by increasing the reference cavity, the figure of merit assumes a value of (m + 1). In Case 2, where harmonics are generated by increasing the sensor cavity, the figure of merit remains constant at 1, regardless of the state order (whether fundamental or harmonic). This study also concludes that the observed increase in sensitivity is apparent rather than intrinsic, as the sensitivity curve produced by the optical Vernier effect mirrors that of a conventional interferometer.

2026

Virtual Vernier Effect Harmonics for Enhanced Fabry-Perot Interferometer Sensing

Authors
Robalinho, P; Piaia, V; Lobo-Ribeiro, A; Silva, S; Frazao, O;

Publication
IEEE PHOTONICS TECHNOLOGY LETTERS

Abstract
The present letter proposes the implementation of Vernier-effect harmonics through the virtualization of different reference cavities. A Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI), actuated by a piezoelectric transducer (PZT), was employed as the sensing element. Subsequently, the sensitivity of the dynamic range was investigated for both the individual interferometer and the implementation of the Virtual Vernier effect. A sensitivity of (8 +/- 0.05)x10(-3) nm/nm was achieved for the single sensor measurement. Considering the implementation of the Vernier effect, the following sensitivities were obtained: (65.6 +/- 0.08)x10(-3) nm/nm for the fundamental, (132 +/- 1)x10-3 nm/nm for the first harmonic, and (192 +/- 1)x10(-3) nm/nm for the second harmonic. Furthermore, a maximum dynamic range of 11.25 mu m and a maximum resolution of 5 pm were achieved. This study highlights the advantages of simultaneously measuring both a single sensor cavity and a harmonic of the Virtual Vernier effect, in order to achieve large dynamic ranges along with high resolution.

2026

Accurate Determination of the Temperature Sensitivity of UV-Induced Fiber Bragg Gratings

Authors
Cosme, M; Pota, M; Preizal, J; Caldas, P; Oliveira, R; Nogueira, R; Araújo, FM; Cruz, JL; Rego, GM;

Publication
SENSORS

Abstract
Over the past 18 months, we have performed hundreds of temperature characterizations of fiber Bragg gratings inscribed in different germanium-doped silica glass fibers. Under experimental conditions, the main conclusions are as follows: the temperature dependence of the temperature gauge factor or the normalized temperature sensitivity, K-T, was found to be quadratic in the -50-200 degrees C range, while it may be considered linear for the -20-100 degrees C range; K-T values at 20 degrees C vary from 5.176 x 10(-6) K-1, for a B/Ge co-doped fiber up to 6.724 x 10(-6) K-1, for a highly Ge-doped fiber; K-T does not depend on the hydrogen-loading process or the gratings coupling strength; K-T is essentially independent of wavelength in the 1500-1600 nm range, its value being accurately determined with a relative error similar to 0.2%; based on the accurate value of K-T = 6.165 x 10(-6) K-1, at 20 degrees C, obtained for gratings inscribed in the SMF-28 fiber, we calculated a value of 19.4 x 10(-6) K-1 for the thermo-optic coefficient of bulk germanium glass; and gratings produced by femtosecond-laser radiation and UV-laser radiation exhibit comparable values of K-T. The previous achievements allow, by having knowledge of K-T for a single grating, the accurate determination of the temperature dependence of the Bragg wavelength for any other grating inscribed in the same fiber; the presented methodology enables one to determine the unknown gratings' temperature sensitivity, typically with an error of 0.01 pm/degrees C, being, therefore, very useful in research labs and computer simulations. Thus, expressions for the temperature dependence of K-T for gratings inscribed in several fibers are given, as well as an expression for K-T as a function of the effective refractive index. We have also fully analyzed the potential sources of error in K-T determination.

2026

Minimizing LIBS damage in the analysis of decorative tiles using RGB data clustering

Authors
Cavaco, R; Capela, D; Jorge, PA; Silva, NA; Guimarães, D;

Publication
Journal of Cultural Heritage

Abstract