PhD Theses

Congratulations Dr. Cristiano Matricardi, new ICMAB graduate!

Doctor Cristiano Matricardi from the NANOPTO Group defended his PhD thesis entitled "Hybrid plasmonic-photonic nanostructures for enhanced spectroscopy" and supervised by Agustín Mihi, on Friday, 21 February 2020 at the ICMAB. Congratulations for the good job! If you know more about him, his research and his future steps, continue reading!

Anna

06 March 2020

Why did you choose the ICMAB for your PhD?

I was looking for an international research center focused on materials science in a vibrant city with a lot of opportunities. ICMAB had everything I was looking for.

How would you explain your research to a non-scientific audience?

I work with light. I work with nanometric objects. We build traps, incredibly small traps that play with light and capture it. Then when captured we use it. we can activate electrical and chemical phenomena to increase the efficiency of solar cells or sensors.

What are the main applications of your research? Could you give us an example?

Sensing application and photodetection. We are currently developing some SERS sensors for the in vitro detection of cancer disease biomarkers.

From the lessons learnt here, which one do you value the most?

I learned to organize and plan a project. I am really happy about my personal and professional growth but if I have to choose a lesson that I like the most I would resume in: aim high and keep going!

What will you miss the most from ICMAB?

The friendly environment.

What are your plans once you finish your PhD?

Editorial world and science communication.

Why did you become a scientist? Which have been your role models?

I have always been fascinated by science, especially chemistry. But most of the merit goes to my former professor of chemistry Teresa Cecchi, who prompts me to pursue my career in science. Her energy and will to transmit the beauty of science are still my driving force to keep studying and being curious about this world.

Which is your favourite female scientist?

Prof. Teresa Checchi

Describe in 1 word:

* Your research: Challenging
* Barcelona: Vibrant
* Your experience at ICMAB: Enriching

Thesis title: Hybrid plasmonic-photonic nanostructures for enhanced spectroscopy

by Cristiano Matricardi, NANOPTO Group, ICMAB-CSIC

Date: Friday, 21 February 2020
Time: 11 am
Venue: ICMAB - Sala d'Actes Carles Miravitlles

Abstract: The possibility to play with light at the nanoscale, control its property, mold its flow and concentrate its electric filed in nanometric volumes has led to the arising of a new field of science: nanoplasmonics. This field is constantly growing at a high pace and, along with nanotechnology, is driving the development of next-generation optoelectronic devices. These new research fields have a broad impact from medicine to energy harvesting hence the interest in studying this filed seeking more affordable nanofabrication techniques which will allow the scale-up of plasmonic devices.

This work is dedicated to the nanofabrication, characterization, and application of complex plasmonic nanostructures with engineered optical properties. Large-area and homogeneous asymmetric plasmonic crystals were fabricated combining thermal nanoimprint lithography (top-down) with tilted thermal evaporation (bottom-up) while the merger of nanoimprint lithography and nanoparticle self-assembly have led to the fabrication of long-range homogeneous nanoparticles supercrystals. Both systems have been characterized in order to engineer their optical response and finally tested for surface-enhanced fluoresce and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
Supervisor:

Agustín Mihi, ICMAB-CSIC

PhD Committee:

President: Serge Ravaine, Université Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal
Secretary: Anna Roig, Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites Group, ICMAB-CSIC
Vocal: Gabriel Lozano, Multifunctional Optical Materials Group, Institute of Materials Science of Sevilla,CSIC

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