The Applied Photonics & Light-Matter Interactions Division covers a wide range of activities relative to modern light science and its application in the research of the properties of novel materials using advanced spectroscopic and imaging methods. 

The Photonic Materials and Devices Laboratory  focuses on the research of materials, light propagation effects, designs, and fabrication methods for the development of Photonic Devices, with emphasis in optical fiber sensors, resonators, and microstructured optical fiber devices.  Nonlinear Lithography utilizes the nonlinear optical response of materials to achieve high-resolution 3D patterning beyond the diffraction limit. Ultra-fast Laser Micro- and Nano-Processing employs ultra-fast lasers for precise and rapid material modification at the micro- and nano- scales. Diagnostic Methodologies and Instrumentation comprises of activities in ultrafast and nonlinear interactions of light with bulk and nanostructured materials, analytical spectroscopy and instrumentation for the analysis of solids and liquids, opto-sensing research in photophysics/chemistry involving micro/nanostructured materials. Photonics for Heritage Science applies photonics technologies  such as imaging, laser spectroscopy and ablation, to study and preserve cultural heritage objects and Monuments. Biophotonics  is focused on developing key enabling technologies for microscopic, mesoscopic and macroscopic imaging and tissue engineering and their application for biological and medical studies.