The research at ICFO focuses on the science and technology based on light for applications in health,
renewable energy, and
information technologies.
Health The Super-resolution Light Microscopy & Nanoscopy (SLN) facility at ICFO is a Euro‐BioImaging (EuBI) specialized imaging facility node, providing biological and medical imaging services for life scientists world-wide. Available techniques include super resolution STORM and STED, Lattice light sheet, Light sheet fluorescence, Raman and SERS, Fluorescence (Confocal, Multispectral Confocal, FRET, FRAP, etc.), Multiphoton (TPEF, THG, SHG), Optical Tweezers and Femtosecond nanosurgery. ICFO's SLN facility is part of the European
CORBEL and
LaserLab research infrastructures. Research is being conducted in the field of medical optics, and several programs and initiatives have been established with local hospitals, healthcare centers, biomedical research centers, universities, among others to integrate photonic based technologies in healthcare services.
Energy Photonics is at the core of light-harvesting concepts and technologies like
photovoltaics and
solar cells. To tackle the challenges in energy efficiency, researchers at ICFO are developing new approaches to renewable energy applications. Examples of on-going projects include low-cost highly efficient transparent solar cells, organic LEDs, transparent photonic devices, smart windows, energy efficient optoelectronic devices, photoelectric, thermoelectric and electromechanical transducers, and energy efficient sensors. The center also performs research in nanophotonics, such as nano-structured materials, nano-cavities, nano-antennas, and nano-photonic devices.
Information ICFO conducts experimental and theoretical research in classical and quantum communication systems, developing new photonic materials and quantum technologies. ==Education==