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ICFO

Logo: ICFO - The Institute of Photonic Sciences, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons4

Photonic sciences research institute in Spain

ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences (in Catalan: Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, in Spanish: Instituto de Ciencias Fotónicas) is a research center devoted to the science and technology of light. Located in Castelldefels (Barcelona, Spain), ICFO was created in 2002 by the Government of Catalonia and the Technical University of Catalonia. The Institute is a research center that covers various fields of physics and optics, from theoretical to applied aspects.2 It employed 400 people in 2018.1 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

2002Founded1
  • HeadquartersMediterranean Technology Park, Spain1
  • Websitewww.icfo.eu
  • Legal formFundación3
  • Kind of organizationGovernment entity1
  • LEI959800201400053705823
  • StatusActive3
  • LEI statusLapsed (not renewed)3
  • Registered addressAv.Carl Friedrich Gauss 3, 08860 Castelldefels, Spain3
  • Registered withGeneral Comptroller of the State Administration (IGAE; Ministry of Finance and Civil Service), 0908153HH0003

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ICFO - Parc Mediterrani de la Tecnologia
Photo: Jordiferrer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons6

ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences (in Catalan: Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, in Spanish: Instituto de Ciencias Fotónicas) is a research center devoted to the science and technology of light. Located in Castelldefels (Barcelona, Spain), ICFO was created in 2002 by the Government of Catalonia and the Technical University of Catalonia.2

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Research

Research at ICFO encompasses four broad thematic areas: nonlinear photonics, quantum photonics, nanophotonics, and biophotonics. Researchers work in a variety of fields, including quantum information technologies, nanophotonic devices, remote sensors, optoelectronics, integrated optics, ultrafast optics, biophotonics, and biomedical optics. Projects are run as part of both medium-term and long-term programs.

Research areas

The research at ICFO focuses on the science and technology based on light for applications in health, renewable energy, and information technologies.

Health

The Super-resolution Light Microscopy & Nanoscopy (SLN) facility at ICFO is a Euro‐BioImaging (EuBI) specialized imaging facility node, providing biological and medical imaging services for life scientists world-wide. Available techniques include super resolution STORM and STED, Lattice light sheet, Light sheet fluorescence, Raman and SERS, Fluorescence (Confocal, Multispectral Confocal, FRET, FRAP, etc.), Multiphoton (TPEF, THG, SHG), Optical Tweezers and Femtosecond nanosurgery. ICFO's SLN facility is part of the European CORBEL and LaserLab research infrastructures.

Research is being conducted in the field of medical optics, and several programs and initiatives have been established with local hospitals, healthcare centers, biomedical research centers, universities, among others to integrate photonic based technologies in healthcare services.

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Energy

Photonics is at the core of light-harvesting concepts and technologies like photovoltaics and solar cells. To tackle the challenges in energy efficiency, researchers at ICFO are developing new approaches to renewable energy applications. Examples of on-going projects include low-cost highly efficient transparent solar cells, organic LEDs, transparent photonic devices, smart windows, energy efficient optoelectronic devices, photoelectric, thermoelectric and electromechanical transducers, and energy efficient sensors. The center also performs research in nanophotonics, such as nano-structured materials, nano-cavities, nano-antennas, and nano-photonic devices.

Information

ICFO conducts experimental and theoretical research in classical and quantum communication systems, developing new photonic materials and quantum technologies.

From Wikipedia’s article on ICFO, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.5

Employees over time

  • 20184001

Timeline

  1. 2002Founded Founded1

Sources

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