Our Story

The QUANTOS Research team is inserted in the Centre of Applied Photonics of INESC TEC.

Our research team focuses on the development of experimental and computational techniques across nonlinear and quantum optics, with applications ranging from analogue quantum simulations using paraxial fluids of light to optical computing and quantum imaging. We investigate the dynamics of light in complex media—such as photorefractive crystals and multimode fibers—exploring phenomena like superfluidity, turbulence, and topological states. Advanced wavefront shaping, holography, and real-time control systems play a central role in our experimental toolkit.

In parallel, we develop advanced spectroscopic and spectral imaging systems, integrating LIBS, Raman, XRF, and hyperspectral imaging for minerals characterization, industrial process monitoring, and cultural heritage diagnostics. These efforts connect our expertise in light–matter interaction with real-world sensing and imaging challenges.

We actively pursue the translation of our research into practical technologies, with ongoing projects in optical sensing, machine learning with light, and spectral analysis . By combining optical engineering, data fusion, and immersive visualization (AR/VR), we create intelligent and interpretable frameworks for multimodal analysis. Our interdisciplinary approach enables collaboration with industrial partners, particularly in areas such as optical metrology, environmental sensing, and integrated photonic systems, reinforcing the link between fundamental photonics research and applied spectroscopy.