Mission

The Center for Photonic Science and Engineering at Skoltech is an interdisciplinary cluster for research and education in photonics, the science of light and its interaction with matter. Its mission is to advance both fundamental and applied research while fostering innovation in next-generation photonic technologies. The Center plays an active role in integrating Russian research into the global scientific community.

Research Focus

The Center conducts cutting-edge research across a broad spectrum of modern photonics, combining fundamental physics with technological development. Core research areas include:

• Hybrid and quantum photonics, including exciton-polariton systems and emerging optical computing platforms;
• Photonic nanomaterials and low-dimensional systems for optoelectronic and photonic devices;
• Biophotonics and biomedical applications, including imaging, diagnostics, and therapeutic technologies;
• Quantum materials’ synthesis and applications, including carbon nanotubes, graphene, and other 2D structures for photonics and optoelectronics;
• Laser processing and modification of materials, including advanced nanofabrication approaches;
• Optical spectroscopy (visible and infrared) for probing material properties and light-matter interaction at micro- and nanoscale;
• Photonic metamaterials and plasmonics, enabling the engineering of exotic electromagnetic responses and novel optical functionalities;
• Advanced electrodynamics research, addressing fundamental aspects of electromagnetic theory in complex systems;
• Terahertz photonics with the focus on the development of compact passive and active components for efficient manipulation, detection and visualization of terahertz radiation;
• Quantum optics and nanophotonics, exploring and exploiting light at the nanoscale in classical and quantum regimes.

This breadth allows the Center to bridge fundamental discoveries with practical photonic platforms and devices.

Laboratories and Research Groups

Research is carried out in specialized laboratories and interdisciplinary research groups that bring together physicists, chemists, materials scientists, engineers, and biophysicists. Key laboratories include:

Hybrid Photonics Laboratory: Specializing in exciton–polaritons in organic and inorganic systems for optical computing and analog simulators, in the study of laser–material interactions 2D semiconductors, and in the development of advanced laser-based techniques for high-resolution additive manufacturing of photonic and optoelectronic devices, including integrated optical waveguide circuits, as well as in the laser-based design, hybridization, and micro/nano‑structuring of functional materials such as two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides for photonic applications.

Laboratory of Nanomaterials: Specializing in interdisciplinary studies of carbon nanomaterials, including single-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene and other materials, and is also engaged in their synthesis, as well as their applications in transparent and flexible electronics, optoelectronics, sensors, and photonic components such as fiber lasers, photodetectors, and single-photon sources.

SPARQ Laboratory: Conducting applied and fundamental research in photonic metamaterials, plasmonics, terahertz photonics, quantum optics, nanophotonics, and advanced electrodynamics.

Biophotonics Laboratory: Developing photonic technologies for biomedical imaging, diagnostics, and therapy, with a focus on theranostic approaches that combine photonics, acoustics, and material science to bridge the gap between research and clinical applications

This collaborative structure enables the Center to address complex scientific challenges and develop scalable technological solutions.

Education and Talent Development

The Center provides students with hands-on experience in advanced laboratories, involvement in frontier research projects, and exposure to interdisciplinary problem-solving. Students work alongside leading scientists and gain expertise relevant to both academia and high-tech industry. Training encompasses:

• Advanced nanomaterials synthesis and characterization techniques;
• Photonic device design and fabrication;
• Optical spectroscopy and quantum measurements;
• Modeling and engineering of light-matter interactions at the nanoscale;
• Technology transfer and entrepreneurship skills.

Collaboration and Industry Engagement

The Center actively collaborates with Russian and international academic institutions and industrial partners. For industry, it offers:

• Joint R&D projects in photonic materials and devices;
• Access to advanced experimental infrastructure including nanofabrication and characterization facilities;
• Pathways toward technology transfer and commercialization;
• Expertise in scalable synthesis of quantum materials for photonic applications;
• Development of photonic integrated circuits and prototype devices.

Through its integration within Skoltech's innovation ecosystem, the Center supports the translation of photonic research into real-world applications and entrepreneurial ventures. The Center has established successful industry partnerships and contributed to the development of photonic integrated circuits, advancing the nation's technological sovereignty in integrated photonics.