Applied Optics Complutense Group

The Applied Optics Complutense Group (AOCG) deploys its research activity in a variety of fields focused on the practical implementation of Optics for a wide array of applications in Engineering and Science. The group is composed of around 20 researchers organized in research teams with a significant permeability and flexibility between them. Our lines of research are oriented to the use of light and optical systems in metrology, optical sensing, ophthalmic and visual optics, image processing, micro-optics, and nanophotonics.
The group has obtained a continuous funding through competitive calls for the development of research projects, both national and internationally. Another important funding source has been the collaboration with companies and institutions to solve engineering problems with the aid of optics, image processing, and optical instrumentation. Also, in every area, we have contributed with the fundamental analysis of the optical mechanism explaining the operation of the device. For example, the area of micro-optics and nanophotonics has generated an important background in the computational and efficient solution of light propagators and basic radiation-matter interaction. Our labs are organized with strong flexibility to adapt them to the given problem or project. They are located at the Faculty of Physics, and at the Faculty of Optics and Optometry.

One of our current research interest in Applied Optics is focused on the integration of nanostructures and nanomaterials with diffractive optical elements. In the recent years, we have witnessed a growing activity to expand the optical shop portfolio by complementing the refractive (or reflective) classical optics, and the diffractive optics, with a new approach that is based on the full electromagnetic interaction of light with subwavelength structures. This addition has been named as resonant optics, or flat optics. It provides optical devices with resonant optical elements having a response related with the material characteristics and strongly dependent on the geometry. Our first approach has been the modeling and computational analysis of the interaction of these elements for a variety of applications in biomedical sensing, and industrial metrology. Since our laboratories are not equipped with high-cost nanofabrication facilities, we are applying low-cost nanostructuring techniques to compare the results with those elements manufactured with electron beam lithography and other commonly used nanofabrication tools. At the same time, our research activity continuously use the specialized fabrication and testing services of the Complutense University (electron-microscopy, laser ablation processing, etc.).The proposed merging of nanophotonic structures and concepts with microoptics and diffractive optical elements will be applied to practical devices. As an example, our recent advances in the integration of nanostructures with solar cells, has made possible to propose refractometric sensors fully interrogated using the optoelectronic response of the devices.

Graduated in Physics or Electrical Engineering with robust knowledge of electromagnetism and optics. A master in Optics will be valuable, although not required. Desired skills: experience in python and matlab programing, with some experience in multi-physics packages. Knowledge of optical bench systems: light sources, modulators, detectors and cameras. Fluency in English or Spanish.