The Photonics Nanotechnology Research Laboratory / PNRL – K22 is a high technology research unit established in the Department of Materials Science, University of Patras, Greece, dedicated to photonic materials, nanostructures and advanced functional devices. Research focuses on novel functionalities emerging from the combination of complex nanocomposites and innovative / proprietary nanofabrication methods based on deep-ultraviolet laser micro/nanofabrication and/or bio-architectural nanolithographic processing.  PNRL operates in a photonics dedicated ISO-6 Clean Room facility, equipped with deep ultraviolet 193nm ArF laser processing station, chemical and thermal processing plasma processing, soft-lithography/nanoimprinting and peripheral facilities, as well as device and optoelectronic system integration and testing.

   A full in-house materials analysis suite incl. microscopy (SEM, TEM, AFM, STM, MFM) thermal/mechanical (DSC, TGA, DMA), spectroscopic (UV-Vis, FTIR) is in use. Expertise covers the synthesis and laser-growth of a range of glass, polymer and hybrid materials, to laser-lithographic and direct-writing methods to photonics technologies emphasizing on alternative novel structures and devices. Current approaches of 3D interface tailoring by systolic processing reveal advanced functionalities for sensor, information manipulation, optofluidics and lab-on-chip hydrodynamics by diffractive, nano-optic, holographic and plasmonic structures, quantum and bio-architectured devices for frontier applications in industry, environment and biomedicine.

   Research activities focus on photonics nanotechnologies dedicated to explore novel and alternative nanocomposite materials and functionalities emerging from their blending with designer nanostructures.

   PNRL designs, fabricates and studies niche and innovative artificial photonic materials, diffractive optic, plasmonic and bio-architectural functional elements to serve sensors, information optics, light-management and microhydrodynamics technologies. It masters a range of laser and physicochemical materials synthesis methods blended with niche design, nanofabrication and optoelectronic integration. The innovative radiation management and sensor systems aim to wide applications areas such as environmental and industrial sensing, safety and security, agro-food monitoring and biomedicine.