Nanophotonics

We study the interaction between light and nanostructured materials to explore new optoelectronic phenomena with applications in photocatalysis and energy conversion. We employ advanced optical technologies that allow us to manipulate and control nanoparticles at the single particle level, and to study them with a variety of microscopy and optical spectroscopy techniques.
Our focus is on metallic nanoparticles, which act as nano-antennas that efficiently collect light and are sources of electromagnetic field, charge, and heat at the nanoscale. These extraordinary capabilities have given rise to the field of study called nanoplasmonics and motivated the use of NPs in numerous applications.

We are currently developing three research lines: optical printing of nanoparticles, thermoplasmonics, and plasmon-assisted chemistry. In all of them we seek to answer some of the open questions in the area, among which we investigate applications in the fields of photocatalysis, photonic-plasmonic crystals, optothermal control of fluids in microchannels, and photothermal therapies, in close collaboration with different national and international groups.

Current projects
Optical printing of nanoparticles
Thermoplasmonics
Plasmon-assisted chemistry