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    Facts & Numbers
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    Presentation

    Presentation

    At CAP we perform R&D in applied photonics, principally focusing on optical fibre technology.

    We are oriented towards applied research and development in optical fibre sources, optical fibre communication, optical fibre sensors and microfabrication (thin films and integrated optics).

    Our group is always looking for opportunities for technology transfer to industrial companies using its specific competencies in optoelectronics and systems integration.

    Latest News
    Photonics

    If you're driving, don't stop, but make sure to check the variable-message signs on Portuguese roads: some feature INESC TEC technology

    The variable-message signs on Portuguese roads are now more efficient thanks to a technology developed by INESC TEC, which aims to improve the visibility of LED lights and reduce sun glare in adverse conditions.

    27th January 2025

    Robotics

    Once again, INESC TEC broke the Portuguese record with robots descending to a depth of 830m in the largest robotic exercise in the world

    REPMUS - Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned Systems, the largest operational experimentation exercise of unmanned systems in the world, took place in Portugal yet again, between September 9 and 27 (Troia and Sesimbra).

    17th October 2024

    Photonics

    INESC TEC researcher elected Fellow of the European Optical Society

    Orlando Frazão, researcher at INESC TEC, was appointed Fellow of the European Optical Society (EOS) for the current year, acknowledging his vast career in applied photonics - namely in fibre-optic sensors.

    02nd October 2024

    INESC TEC with five FCT exploratory projects approved in four R&D areas

    Telecommunications and Multimedia, Applied Photonics, High-assurance Software and Advanced Computing Systems – these are the four domains that INESC TEC researchers will explore within the scope of the five projects that were approved through the Call for Exploratory Projects promoted by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

    02nd October 2024

    Photonics

    INESC TEC participated in the 19th edition of the Summer School - FCUP

    Several INESC TEC researchers participated in the 19th edition of the Physics Summer School of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP). Through project mentoring and guided visits to the laboratories, the institution's researchers showed the 61 students who participated in this activity the differentiating role that INESC TEC plays in the interface between academia, science and technology.

    04th September 2024

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    001
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    Featured Projects

    NextGenPFL

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

    2025-2027

    OBSERVA

    Optical Signals and Acoustic Surveillance Observatory

    2025-2026

    POEMS

    PORTUGUESE COMPETENCE CENTRE IN SEMICONDUCTORS

    2025-2029

    GEOSENSE

    Polarization Harnessing in Submarine Optical Cables for Global Geophysical Sensing

    2025-2026

    INESCTEC.OCEAN

    Centre of Excellence in Ocean Research and Engineering

    2025-2030

    SEAGUARD

    Sea Environmental Awareness and Guard enhanced with Unmanned AI Robotic Detection

    2024-2027

    Glass_ID

    Technology assessment for glass recycling

    2024-2024

    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

    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

    2022-2025

    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

    2021-2025

    EUSCORES

    EUropean - Scalable and Complementary Offshore Renewable Energy Sources

    2021-2025

    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

    Team
    Paulo Vicente Marques

    Centre Coordinator

    Ireneu Dias

    Centre Coordinator

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    002

    Laboratories

    Laboratory of Microfabrication

    Imaging Laboratory

    Publications

    CAP Publications

    View all Publications

    2025

    Improving LIBS-based mineral identification with Raman imaging and spectral knowledge distillation

    Authors
    Lopes, T; Cavaco, R; Capela, D; Dias, F; Teixeira, J; Monteiro, CS; Lima, A; Guimaraes, D; Jorge, PAS; Silva, NA;

    Publication
    TALANTA

    Abstract
    Combining data from different sensing modalities has been a promising research topic for building better and more reliable data-driven models. In particular, it is known that multimodal spectral imaging can improve the analytical capabilities of standalone spectroscopy techniques through fusion, hyphenation, or knowledge distillation techniques. In this manuscript, we focus on the latter, exploring how one can increase the performance of a Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy system for mineral classification problems using additional spectral imaging techniques. Specifically, focusing on a scenario where Raman spectroscopy delivers accurate mineral classification performance, we show how to deploy a knowledge distillation pipeline where Raman spectroscopy may act as an autonomous supervisor for LIBS. For a case study concerning a challenging Li-bearing mineral identification of spodumene and petalite, our results demonstrate the advantages of this method in improving the performance of a single-technique system. LIBS trained with labels obtained by Raman presents an enhanced classification performance. Furthermore, leveraging the interpretability of the model deployed, the workflow opens opportunities for the deployment of assisted feature discovery pipelines, which may impact future academic and industrial applications.

    CloseRead Abstract

    2025

    Advancing automated mineral identification through LIBS imaging for lithium-bearing mineral species

    Authors
    Capela, D; Lopes, T; Dias, F; Ferreira, MFS; Teixeira, J; Lima, A; Jorge, PAS; Silva, NA; Guimaraes, D;

    Publication
    SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY

    Abstract
    Mineral identification is a challenging task in geological sciences, which often implies multiple analyses of the physical and chemical properties of the samples for an accurate result. This task is particularly critical for the mining industry, where proper and fast mineral identification may translate into major efficiency and performance gains, such as in the case of the lithium mining industry. In this study, a mineral identification algorithm optimized for analyzing lithium-bearing samples using Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) imaging, is put to the test with a set of representative samples. The algorithm incorporates advanced spectral processing techniques-baseline removal, Gaussian filtering, and data normalization-alongside unsupervised clustering to generate interpretable classification maps and auxiliary charts. These enhancements facilitate rapid and precise labelling of mineral compositions, significantly improving the interpretability and interactivity of the user interface. Extensive testing on diverse mineral samples with varying complexities confirmed the algorithm's robustness and broad applicability. Challenges related to sample granulometry and LIBS resolution were identified, suggesting future directions for optimizing system resolution to enhance classification accuracy in complex mineral matrices. The integration of this advanced algorithm with LIBS technology holds the potential to accelerate the mineral evaluation, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable mineral exploration.

    CloseRead Abstract

    2025

    High-Birefringence and Quarter-Wave Plates at 1550 nm Using Azopolymers

    Authors
    Soares, B; Silva, S; Ribeiro, P; Frazao, O;

    Publication
    IEEE PHOTONICS TECHNOLOGY LETTERS

    Abstract
    Azobenzenes are a class of compounds which allow the writing and erasure of linear birefringence along any desired direction, through their ability to photoisomerize. This property enables applications requiring polarization control, which, despite extensive exploration in the visible spectrum, have yet to be fully capitalized in the infrared region. This study aims to systematically characterize the creation and relaxation of induced linear birefringence dynamics in azopolymers thin films for the 1550 nm region. Maximum birefringence values as high as 6.02 x 10(-2) were attained during the recording phase with a 445 nm pump laser, that stabilized at 5.40 x 10(-2) during the relaxation phase, achieved for a 2.4 mu m sample. In addition, a maximum phase shift of Delta Phi = 0.54 pi stabilizing at Delta Phi = 0.50 pi, was observed for a 9.7 mu m sample with a 532 nm writing laser. Accordingly, this shows the promising potential of azopolymers for many applications.

    CloseRead Abstract

    2025

    Gold-coated silver nanorods on side-polished singlemode optical fibers for remote sensing at optical telecommunication wavelengths

    Authors
    dos Santos, PSS; Mendes, JP; Pastoriza-Santos, I; Juste, JP; de Almeida, JMMM; Coelho, LCC;

    Publication
    SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL

    Abstract
    The lower refractive index sensitivity (RIS) of plasmonic nanoparticles (NP) in comparison to their plasmonic thin films counterparts hindered their wide adoption for wavelength-based sensor designs, wasting the NP characteristic field locality. In this context, high aspect-ratio colloidal core-shell Ag@Au nanorods (NRs) are demonstrated to operate effectively at telecommunication wavelengths, showing RIS of 1720 nm/RIU at 1350 nm (O-band) and 2325 nm/RIU at 1550 nm (L-band), representing a five-fold improvement compared to similar Au NRs operating at equivalent wavelengths. Also, these NRs combine the superior optical performance of Ag with the Au chemical stability and biocompatibility. Next, using a side-polished optical fiber, we detected glyphosate, achieving a detection limit improvement from 724 to 85 mg/L by shifting from the O to the C/L optical bands. This work combines the significant scalability and cost-effective advantages of colloidal NPs with enhanced RIS, showing a promising approach suitable for both point-of-care and long-range sensing applications at superior performance than comparable thin film-based sensors in either environmental monitoring and other fields.

    CloseRead Abstract

    2025

    Optimization of Magnetoplasmonic Behavior in Ag/Fe Bilayer Nanostructures Towards Refractometric Sensing

    Authors
    Carvalho, JPM; Dias, BS; Coelho, LCC; de Almeida, JMMM;

    Publication
    SENSORS

    Abstract
    Magneto-optic surface plasmon resonances (MOSPRs) rely on the interaction of magnetic fields with surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) to modulate plasmonic bands with magnetic fields and enhance magneto-optical activity. In the present work, a study on the magnetoplasmonic behavior of Ag/Fe bilayers is carried out by VIS-NIR spectroscopy and backed with SQUID measurements, determining the thickness-dependent magnetization of thin-film samples. The MOSPR sensing properties of Ag/Fe planar bilayers are simulated using Berreman's matrix formalism, from which an optimized structure composed of 15 nm of Ag and 12.5 nm of Fe is obtained. The selected structure is fabricated and characterized for refractive index (RI) sensitivity, reaching 4946 RIU-1 and returning an effective enhancement of refractometric sensitivity after magneto-optical modulation. A new optimized and cobalt-free magnetoplasmonic Ag/Fe bilayer structure is studied, fabricated, and characterized for the first time towards refractometric sensing, to the best of our knowledge. This configuration exhibits potential for enhancing refractometric sensitivity via magneto-optical modulation, thus paving the way towards a simpler, more accessible, and safe type of RI sensor with potential applications in chemical sensors and biosensors.

    CloseRead Abstract

    Facts & Figures

    36Researchers

    2016

    3R&D Employees

    2020

    14Senior Researchers

    2016

    View all Facts & Figures
    Contacts
    Paulo Vicente Marques

    Coordinator

    +351220402301

    paulo.v.marques@inesctec.pt

    Ireneu Dias

    Coordinator

    +351220402301

    ireneu.dias@inesctec.pt