Technologies

The metasurface optomechanical modulator is a device designed to modulate the amplitude, phase and polarization of a beam of electromagnetic radiation, independently, or simultaneously, according to prescribed paths in the parameter space (for example, as regards polarization, paths on the Poincaré sphere). The concept of our device can be applied to the entire spectrum of electromagnetic waves: from radio frequency, to microwaves (GHz), to millimeter waves (THz), to far and near infrared radiation, and to visible light.

The technology concerns planar optical antennas composed of thin metal films and dielectric materials for the efficient direction of the light emitted by light sources, such as fluorescent molecules and bio-markers. They consist of a reflector layer, adjacent to the substrate, and a director, semi-reflective, between which the emitter is positioned, integrated into a homogeneous dielectric layer.

The Q-PLL is a nonlinear circuit which can maintain a locked state when forced by two incommensurate frequencies.

The locked state is a third frequency parametrically selected among those prescribed by the theory of three-frequency resonances in dynamical systems.

In particular, the locked frequency forms a three-frequency resonance with the frequencies of the quasi- periodic input and is closely related to the pitch perception of complex sound in humans.

The present technology deals with jewels based on shape memory alloys and fabricated through additive manufacturing. In ICMATE-Lecco laboratories, several NiTi-based rings have been fabricated through a powder bed fusion technology (selective laser melting technique).

The proposing team that works at CNR ISTEC has recently patented a technology for the production of the Smart Polycrystals (SP), i.e. transparent YAG-based ceramic polycrystals (Y₃Al₅O₁₂) variably doped with rare earths ions and transition metals ions. The SPs solve the problem of the reduction of the efficiency in the solid state laser systems caused by the inhomogeneous heating of the single crystals during the emission process.

The proposed technology is about the development of an innovative sunscreen obtained from cod fish bones, according to the principles of the circular economy. The sunscreen is a reddish powder, which is constituted of hydroxyapatite (a calcium phosphate main component of human bones) modified with iron. It is prepared with a simple and easily scalable process (treatment of the bones in Fe solution and successively at T = 700 oC) and could be adapted for bones of other fishes. 

Electrochromism is an optoelectronic characteristic of particular interest because it can be exploited in the creation of technologies such as smart windows (Smart Windows) to promote energy efficiency, automotive, sensor or visualization devices. Electrochromic materials change their optoelectronic characteristics, showing different colors depending on the applied electric field.

The technology refers to a system for the safety and control of the mobility of vehicles, pedestrians, and mass transport users, in conventional and advanced contexts and is suitable for use as an infrastructure for the production/sharing of information and data, aimed at monitoring and intervention in critical areas by offering specific functions concerning the detection of potentially dangerous situations or the optimization of resources.

Our team can develop low-cost ultra-flexible sensors integrated on plastic substrate for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and gas detection. These devices combine scalable fabrication technologies, implementing active materials such as nanostructured metal oxides or stack of nanostructures decorated with metal nanoparticles, thus enabling a high sensitivity (in the range of hundreds of ppb). These devices can be applied to numerous industrial and commercial sectors and they can be embedded in systems that are more sophisticated.

IMM has developed tactile sensors for the detection of objects and surface and for the handling of objects with humanoid robots (e-skin). These devices can be integrated on ultra-flexible and high conformable substrates and they can be used for multiple applications: 1) for a correct interaction with objects distributed in complex environment; 2) for a safe short-range interaction between humanoid robot and humans; 3) for fabricating smart wearables for the detection of biometric parameters (e.g. heartbeat); 4) for remotely control rovers with wearable gadgets.

The working principle of VTTJ is extremely simple. Two parts (at least one with tube shape) are screwed one into the other with a mechanical interference that creates a metallic seal. One part presents a cylindrical slot, the other presents a conical ring, whose diameter is slightly larger than the one of the cylindrical slot. When the two parts are screwed together, a plastic deformation occurs in the mechanical interference region.

Geopolymers belong to the class of chemically bonded ceramics: they are synthesized at low temperatures and are eco-friendly, as besides the low consolidation temperature required by the process they can be produced from secondary raw materials and industrial waste of various kinds, thus reducing the energy demand and the environmental impact of the entire production cycle. Materials such as fly ash, steel mill slag, biomass ash, sludge and silt, extractive residues, mineral and ceramic powders, organic or inorganic waste fibers, plastics, etc.