The Instrumental Optics Laboratory is a research facility within the Department of Physics of the University of Milan dedicated to the development of innovative optical instrumentation and to the experimental study of light propagation in complex media. The laboratory combines fundamental research in optics with applications in environmental science, material analysis, and advanced measurement technologies.
The research activities span several interconnected areas. A central focus is the design and realization of optical systems for free-space optical communication, where light is used to transmit information through the atmosphere without optical fibers. Another key line of work concerns the optical characterization of micro- and nano-particles, with applications ranging from atmospheric aerosol studies to the analysis of materials used in particle accelerators. The laboratory also conducts experimental research on radiative transfer, investigating how visible and ultraviolet light is absorbed, scattered, and diffused in media such as snow, atmospheric dust, and other naturally occurring granular or turbid environments.
A defining feature of the lab is its strong emphasis on instrumentation. Many of the measurement setups and sensors used in research are designed, engineered, and calibrated within the laboratory itself. This hands-on, experimental approach allows the group to tailor instruments to specific scientific questions, supporting projects that range from precise bench-top measurements to large-scale outdoor and field campaigns. Some of the research activities involve measurements in remote or extreme environments, including high-altitude regions and polar areas, providing a unique opportunity to compare laboratory results with real-world conditions.
The laboratory is coordinated by Prof. Marco A.C. Potenza, and includes researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students working in collaboration with national and international institutions. Its research is involved in several funded projects in areas such as environmental optics, atmospheric monitoring, and advanced optical diagnostics.
Through its multidisciplinary work, the Instrumental Optics Laboratory contributes both to the scientific understanding of optical phenomena and to the development of new tools and technologies for optical measurement. It offers a stimulating environment for students and researchers interested in experimental physics, optical engineering, and environmental applications of photonics.
Teaching, Training, and Thesis Opportunities
The Instrumental Optics Laboratory plays an active role in teaching and student training within the Department of Physics. Undergraduate and graduate students can participate in laboratory courses, guided research projects, and specialized seminars related to optics and photonics. The laboratory offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. thesis opportunities, with topics ranging from the design of optical measurement systems to field experiments in atmospheric and environmental optics. Students working in the lab gain experience in scientific instrumentation, optical alignment techniques, experimental data analysis, and scientific communication. Motivated students from physics, engineering, and related disciplines are welcome to inquire about available research projects.