Focus
The research group covers, over a wide range, different aspects of optical measurements focusing on optical sensors and instrumentation, laser development and characterization, optical frequency standards in the near infrared (NIR), and electro-optical measurements.
One of the most relevant research topics is the study and the development of novel contactless measurement instrumentation, using non-conventional electro-optical methods, such as the optical self mixing technique or other new interferometric schemes. The group is developing novel high-resolution laser vibrometers, velocimeters, distance-meters, and flow-meters, for emerging biomedical applications too.
Another main research topic pertains to laser amplitude and frequency noise characterization, and active stabilization of optical oscillators.
Most relevant research activities:
- Optical interferometry;
- Design and development of novel optical sensors (position, velocity, vibration, thickness);
- Stabilized laser sources and frequency standards;
- Characterization of novel single frequency NIR lasers for optical frequency metrology;
- Optical flow measurements (international patent WO2010106479);
- A new automatic safety system, for protection from accidents, for chainsaw users (international patent WO/2007/060698);
- Biomedical images elaboration;
- Optical power meter calibration and optical power measurement;
- Laser scanning and 3D image reconstruction;
- Prototyping sensors for specific industrial applications;
- Design and development of dedicated measurement instrumentation;
- Electromagnetic characterization of devices and systems.
The research activity is developed in the Measurement Laboratory, located in the basement of the building 20 of the Department of Electronics and Information (DEI). The Laboratory covers an area of 80 m2, equipped with optical tables, laser sources, electronic and optical instrumentation. It is equipped also for simulation and development of prototype circuit boards and optical systems.
