The research takes place at the Physics Department of the Politecnico di Milano through a network of 14 cutting-edge laboratories dedicated to the development of new methods and innovative techniques based on photonics and mainly aimed at non-invasive diagnostic applications in several areas, including biomedical, agri-food and cultural heritage. The common feature of all methods of investigation is the development of novel instruments aimed at the measurement of light with high temporal resolution and sensitivity. The main diagnostic principles are related to the analysis of fluorescence emission and propagation of optical radiation in highly diffusive media. The applicative vocation of this research line has led to the successful implementation of both laboratory instrumentation and portable devices in compliance with national and international regulations. These results have enabled the transfer of the technological innovation to hospital, clinical and museum environments.

The research line is also part of the activities of the Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology (IFN ↗ (http://www.ifn.cnr.it/)) and the National Research Council (CNR ↗ (http://www.cnr.it/)). The laboratories and their instrumentation are part of the facility "Centre for Ultrafast Science and Biomedical Optics" (CUSBO ↗ (http://www.cusbo.polimi.it/)) of Laserlab Europe, accredited as "European Large Scale Infrastructure" by the European Union.