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About

About

I graduated in Applied Physics (Optics and Lasers) at the University of Minho (1996), obtained the MSc in Optoelectronics and Lasers at the Physics Department of the University of Porto (2000); in 2006 I concluded a PhD program at Porto University in collaboration with the Department of Physics and Optical Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, NC, USA, with work in luminescence based optical fibre systems for biochemical sensing applications using quantum dots. Since 1997 I have been involved in several research and technology transfer projects related to optical fibre sensing technology, developing new sensing configurations and interrogation techniques for optical sensors. I am, since 2007 a Senior researcher at INESC TEC reponsible for the Biochemical Sensors team, where we explore the potential of optical fibre and integrated optics technologies in environmental and medical applications framed by several R&D projects. I have more than 200 publications in the fields of sensors in national and international conferences and peer reviewed journals, I am author of 3 book chapters and also hold one patent. I am a member of SPIE and SPOF.

Interest
Topics
Details

Details

  • Name

    Pedro Jorge
  • Role

    Area Manager
  • Since

    01st July 1997
  • Nationality

    Portugal
  • Centre

    Applied Photonics
  • Contacts

    +351220402301
    pedro.jorge@inesctec.pt
036
Publications

2026

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

Authors
Cavaco, R; Capela, D; Jorge, PAS; Silva, NA; Guimaraes, D;

Publication
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

Abstract
Spectral analysis of cultural heritage materials offers valuable insights into the restoration and preservation of historical artifacts, revealing details about the materials used and the manufacturing techniques employed. However, given their historical and artistic significance, the extraction of elemental information from these fragile samples poses a unique challenge, as these objects must be examined using minimally invasive methods to prevent irreversible damage. Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is one such technique, providing a rapid and detailed elemental characterization. Yet, extensive LIBS analysis can still compromise the integrity of these delicate objects. In this work, a novel approach that integrates spectral and RGB data clustering to significantly reduce the number of LIBS measurements required is introduced. By segmenting the material into visually and chemically distinct clusters, this method enables targeted LIBS analysis using only a few representative shots per cluster, thus preserving the integrity of cultural heritage artifacts while still delivering reliable compositional insights. (c) 2026 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

2026

Real-Time Probing of Molecular Affinity Using Optical Tweezers

Authors
Teixeira, J; Ribeiro, JA; Monteiro, M; Silva, NA; Jorge, PAS;

Publication
SENSORS

Abstract
The ability to assess molecular binding kinetics in real time is critical for advancing our understanding of molecular interactions in biochemical and biotechnological systems. This work presents a novel optical tweezer (OT)-based method to monitor molecular affinity in real time, focusing on the high-affinity streptavidin-biotin system as a model. Transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microparticles functionalized with streptavidin were trapped before, during, and after binding with biotinylated bovine serum albumin (biotin-BSA), enabling the analysis of forward-scattered signals to detect nanoscale changes in particle size. By applying the Power Spectral Density method, the friction coefficient of individual particles was calculated, allowing for real-time tracking of binding dynamics and the estimation of the association rate constant (kon approximate to 106M-1s-1). These results are consistent with literature values and demonstrate the potential of this OT-based approach for non-invasive, label-free detection of molecular interactions. Compared to existing techniques, such as atomic force microscopy and cantilever-based sensors, this method offers significant advantages, including real-time monitoring, adaptability to different bioaffinity systems, and compatibility with miniaturized setups. This work establishes a foundation for using OT-based tools to monitor high-affinity molecular interactions in real time. While demonstrated here using biotinylated BSA as a model ligand, future studies will explore the method's applicability to smaller ligands and more subtle surface modifications.

2025

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for surface analysis of solid-state anode-less battery

Authors
Capela, D; Baptista, MC; Gomes, BM; Jorge, PAS; Silva, NA; Braga, MH; Guimaraes, D;

Publication
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES

Abstract
Solid-state batteries are prominent in today's research landscape due to their advantages in capacity and safety. This work explores anode-less all-solid-state batteries, a configuration with industrial benefits as it avoids handling alkali metal anodes, albeit with room for improvement. To elucidate the intricacies of these batteries, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) served as a pivotal analytical tool, primarily focusing on the negative current collector surface where Li+ nucleation occurs from the Li-rich electrolyte. The use of a fiber-laser for breakdown spectroscopy offers advantages over conventional lasers by producing high beam quality, enabling minimal spot size, and ensuring excellent spatial resolution. LIBS is an asset to verify Li presence, discerning its source, assessing nucleation and distinguishing it from electrolyte-derived Li. For instance, in this work utilizing Li2.99Ba0.005ClO as the electrolyte, LIBS is crucial to elucidate the relationship between Li and other elements like Cl, Zn, or Fe, shedding light on key battery performance aspects. LIBS demonstrated a high potential for verifying in situ Li metal nucleation in anode-less cells. This study highlights its effectiveness in conceptual and product development and advanced quality testing. The application of a clustering method enhanced result interpretability and the distinction between electrolyte and in situ anode regions.

2025

Beyond Human Vision: Unlocking the Potential of Augmented Reality for Spectral Imaging

Authors
Cavaco, R; Lopes, T; Capela, D; Guimaraes, D; Jorge, PAS; Silva, NA;

Publication
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL

Abstract
Spectral imaging is a broad term that refers to the use of a spectroscopy technique to analyze sample surfaces, collecting and representing spatially referenced signals. Depending on the technique utilized, it allows the user to reveal features and properties of objects that are invisible to the human eye, such as chemical or molecular composition. However, the interpretability and interaction with the results are often limited to screen visualization of two-dimensional representations. To surpass such limitations, augmented reality emerges as a promising technology, assisted by recent developments in the integration of spectral imaging datasets onto three-dimensional models. Building on this context, this work explores the integration of spectral imaging with augmented reality, aiming to create an immersive toolset to increase the interpretability and interactivity of the results of spectral imaging analysis. The procedure follows a two-step approach, starting from the integration of spectral maps onto a three-dimensional models, and proceeding with the development of an interactive interface to allow immersive visualization and interaction with the results. The approach and tool developed present the opportunity for a user-centric extension of reality, enabling more intuitive and comprehensive analyses with the potential to drive advancements in various research domains.

2025

From waste to resource: LIBS methodology development for rapid quality assessment of recycled wood

Authors
Capela, D; Pessanha, S; Lopes, T; Cavaco, R; Teixeira, J; Ferreira, MFS; Magalhaes, P; Jorge, PAS; Silva, NA; Guimaraes, D;

Publication
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Abstract
Management and reuse of wood waste can be a challenging process due to the frequent presence of hazardous contaminants. Conventional detection methods are often limited by the need for excessive sample preparation and lengthy and expensive analysis. Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a rapid and micro- destructive technique that can be a promising alternative, providing in-situ and real-time analysis, with minimal to no sample preparation required. In this study, LIBS imaging was used to analyze wood waste samples to determine the presence of contaminants such as As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sb, and Ti. For this analysis, a methodology based on detecting three lines per element was developed, offering a screening method that can be easily adapted to perform qualitative analysis in industrial contexts with high throughput operations. For the LIBS experimental lines selection, control and reference samples, and a pilot set of 10 wood wastes were analysed. Results were validated by two different X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) systems, an imaging XRF and a handheld XRF, that provided spatial elemental information and spectral information, respectively. The results obtained highlighted LIBS ability to detect highly contaminated samples and the importance of using a 3-line criteria to mitigate spectral interferences and discard outliers. To increase the dataset, a LIBS large-scale study was performed using 100 samples. These results were only corroborated by the XRF-handheld system, as it provides a faster alternative. In particular cases, ICP-MS analysis was also performed. The success rates achieved, mostly above 88 %, confirm the capability of LIBS to perform this analysis, contributing to more sustainable waste management practices and facilitating the quick identifi- cation and remediation of contaminated materials.