Our Research
The work of IONs builds on several years of research in the field of luminescent and plasmonic nanoparticles and multifunctional optical-magnetic coordination compounds. We approach the development of new optical technologies in a holistic way, from establishing colloidal synthesis protocols, to unveiling structure-properties relationships, passing through the implementation of advanced signal analysis algorithms to achieve augmented functionalities for imaging and sensing.
Novel optical molecules and nanomaterials
In our fully-equipped wet-chemistry laboratory, we develop optical nanomaterials based on:
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Lanthanide-doped nanoparticles.
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Transition metal-doped nanoparticles.
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Quantum dots.
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Metal complexes.
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Semiconductor plasmonic nanocrystals.
Advanced imaging and sensing
Our visible and near-infrared (NIR) optical materials are employed in fields including:
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in vitro and in vivo imaging and sensing.
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theranostic platforms.
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environmental sensing.
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In pursuit of the best performance and augmented functionalities, we implement machine learning algorithms for signal and image analysis.
Smart nanocomposites
Through careful control of surface chemistry and molecular structure, we incorporate our optical materials in versatile matrices to be used for:
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smart prosthetic implants.
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safety tags.