The IFN carries out innovative research in the fields of photonics and of nanotechnologies promoting the development and the application, both from the scientific and technological point of view, in the following main research lines:

• Innovative devices for photonics, optoelectronics, and electronics
• Development and application of laser sources
• New materials and novel characterization methods
• Nanotechnologies, micro and nano fabrication/manufacturing
• Ultrafast photonics from infrared to X-ray
• Photonics sensors
• Optical instrumentation and spectrometers from infrared to X-ray

These studies have significant implications in several key sectors for the economy and improving the quality of life such as, for example, material sciences, medicine, biology, environmental monitoring, broadband telecommunications and cultural heritage.