One of the areas IRC NANO specialises in is the nanophotonics-based engineering of light/matter interactions at subwavelength scales. Our work is grounded in a core paradigm: harnessing the synergy between soft and hard bonding of matter to unlock exceptional material properties.

One of our key approaches involves assembling optically active laser matrices from monocrystalline nanoparticles. These are aligned under a magnetic field through soft bonding, then sintered to form poreless, highly transparent textured components through hard bonding – a process that significantly enhances the efficiency and quantum yield of anisotropic laser matrices.

We are also advancing the use of laser tweezers for the precision assembly of nanostructures from nanoparticles, alongside cold sintering techniques that open new possibilities for the nanomanufacturing of optical-grade components.
Our photocatalytic research focuses on nanomaterials that enable green hydrogen production through the splitting of water or alcohols, as well as the inactivation of harmful bacteria, viruses, and organic contaminants in the environment.