Maria José LO FARO
Temi di ricerca
Current research activities are related to topics including:
- light trapping in random and fractal silicon nanowire networks;
- coherent backscattering and light propagation in complex media;
- hybrid light-harvesting systems based on semiconductor nanostructures;
- optical biosensors based on silicon nanowires;
- luminescent nanostructures for photonics applications.
Maria Josè Lo Faro is Associate Professor in Experimental Physics of Matter and Applications at the Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana” of the University of Catania. Her research activity lies at the intersection of nanophotonics, semiconductor nanostructures, and light–matter interaction, with particular focus on silicon-based photonic systems, complex optical media, and advanced nanomaterials for sensing and optoelectronic applications.
She graduated cum laude in Physics at the University of Catania in 2013 and obtained her PhD in Materials Science and Nanotechnology working on silicon nanowires and integrated photonics. During her scientific career she worked at CNR institutes (IPCF and IMM) and was visiting researcher at the Laboratoire Kastler-Brossel of the École Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris), where she investigated light propagation in complex disordered systems and wavefront shaping in the group of Prof. Sylvain Gigan.
Her research combines nanomaterials synthesis, optical spectroscopy, Raman and cathodoluminescence techniques to study how light interacts with matter at the nanoscale. Current interests include disordered and fractal photonic systems, hybrid nanostructures, optical sensing platforms, luminescent materials, and emerging materials for photonics and optoelectronics.
She collaborates with several national and international research groups including ENS Paris, AMOLF Institute, University College London, Université de Rennes, CNR institutes, and STMicroelectronics. Her scientific activity resulted in publications in journals such as Nature Photonics, Light: Science and Applications, Advanced Science, ACS Photonics, and Nano Letters.
She deeply loves Physics and strongly believes that curiosity-driven research, interdisciplinary collaborations, and hands-on experimental activity are fundamental tools for understanding and exploring complex phenomena in nature.
MARIA JOSE' LO FARO
Research and Academic Profile
Maria Josè Lo Faro is Associate Professor in Experimental Physics of Matter and Applications at the Department of Physics and Astronomy “E. Majorana” of the University of Catania.
She is affiliated with the Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems of the National Research Council (CNR-IMM), where she collaborates on research activities in nanophotonics, semiconductor nanostructures, and silicon-based optoelectronics.
Scopus Author ID: 56974037400
ORCID: 0000-0002-2067-1608
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2025 - present: Associate Professor in Experimental Physics of Matter and Applications, University of Catania.
2022 - 2025: Tenure-track Assistant Professor (RTD-B) in Condensed Matter Physics, University of Catania.
2018 - 2022: Assistant Professor (RTD-A) in Condensed Matter Physics, University of Catania.
2017 - 2018: Postdoctoral Researcher at CNR-IMM, Catania, IT.
2016 - 2017: Postdoctoral Researcher at CNR-IPCF, Messina., IT
2017: PhD in Materials Science and Nanotechnology, University of Catania.
PhD thesis: “Silicon Nanowires: the Route from Synthesis towards Applications”.
2016: Visiting Researcher at Laboratoire Kastler-Brossel, École Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris), France, in the group of Prof. Sylvain Gigan.
RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Her research is focused on nanophotonics, light–matter interaction, and semiconductor nanostructures for photonic and optoelectronic applications. In particular, her work investigates the optical properties of silicon-based nanomaterials, complex photonic systems, and hybrid nanostructures with tunable optical response.
Current research topics include:
• silicon nanowires and semiconductor nanostructures;
• light propagation and scattering in disordered and fractal photonic systems;
• optical sensing and biosensing platforms;
• hybrid nanomaterials for photonics and optoelectronics;
• cathodoluminescence and advanced optical characterization;
• local electromagnetic field enhancement and SERS-active nanostructures;
• luminescent nanomaterials and rare-earth-based photonic systems;
Her research combines materials synthesis, nanofabrication, optical spectroscopy, cathodoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy, and advanced microscopy techniques to study light localization, emission enhancement, and nanoscale optical phenomena besides structural, compositional, and electrical characterization.
Research activities are carried out through several national and international collaborations, including collaborations with:
• Laboratoire Kastler-Brossel (ENS Paris, France);
• AMOLF Institute (Amsterdam, The Netherlands);
• University College London (UK);
• Université de Rennes I (France);
• CNR-IMM and CNR-IPCF;
• STMicroelectronics.
Scientific results have been published in international journals including Nature Photonics, Light: Science and Applications, Advanced Science, ACS Photonics, Nano Letters, Advanced Optical Materials, and ACS Sensors.
TEACHING ACTIVITY
Maria Josè Lo Faro teaches undergraduate, MSc, and PhD courses in Physics, Photonics, and Optoelectronics at the University of Catania. Teaching activities are strongly connected with current research topics in nanophotonics, semiconductor physics, optical sensing, and advanced materials.
Current teaching activities include:
• “Photonics and Optoelectronic Devices” for the MSc Degree in Physics @UNICT
• “Physics I” for the Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering @UNICT
Previous teaching activities include courses in Photonics; Materials for Photonics @; General Physics I;
STUDENTS AND COLLABORATIONS
The research group welcomes collaborations with students and researchers interested in:
• nanophotonics;
• optical spectroscopy;
• semiconductor nanostructures;
• photonic materials;
• optical sensing and biosensing;
• Raman and cathodoluminescence techniques;
• hybrid and 2D materials for optoelectronics.
Bachelor, MSc, and PhD thesis projects are available in experimental nanophotonics, optical characterization, and semiconductor nanomaterials.
AWARDS AND SCIENTIFIC RECOGNITION
• “Ida Ortalli” Physics Prize awarded by the Italian Physical Society (SIF) for scientific achievements in experimental physics (2017);
• Honourable Mention for the Young Investigator Award in Advanced Materials by the Italian National Research Council (CNR-DSCTM, 2017);
EDITORIAL AND SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES
Maria Josè Lo Faro serves as Guest Editor and Editorial Board Member for several international journals in nanomaterials, photonics, sensing technologies, and semiconductor nanostructures, including Nanomaterials, Processes, Chemosensors, Molecules, and Frontiers in Physics.
Ultimo aggiornamento: 14/05/2026
Photonics is one of the key enabling technologies of the twenty-first century and plays a central role in the development of next-generation information, sensing, communication, and energy systems. By controlling the generation, propagation, confinement, and interaction of light with matter at the micro- and nanoscale, photonics is driving innovation in areas ranging from optical communications and quantum technologies to biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and artificial intelligence.
In recent years, the continuous demand for faster, more energy-efficient, and miniaturized devices has pushed research toward advanced nanophotonic materials and complex optical systems capable of manipulating light beyond the limits of conventional optics. Semiconductor nanostructures, hybrid materials, and low-dimensional systems are opening new perspectives for integrated photonics, neuromorphic computing, optical sensing, and adaptive optoelectronic platforms.
Within this framework, the research activity of Maria Josè Lo Faro focuses on nanophotonics, light–matter interaction, and semiconductor nanostructures for photonic and optoelectronic applications. Her work investigates how the structural organization of matter at the nanoscale can influence light propagation, scattering, localization, and emission, with particular attention to disordered and fractal photonic systems, silicon-based nanostructures, and hybrid optical materials.
A major research line concerns silicon nanowires and complex nanostructured systems compatible with CMOS technology for optical sensing, integrated photonics, and advanced optoelectronic applications. The optical response of these systems is studied through advanced characterization techniques including Raman spectroscopy, cathodoluminescence, photoluminescence, and electron microscopy.
Another important aspect of her research is the investigation of light transport and multiple scattering phenomena in complex photonic media. These studies aim to understand how disorder, morphology, and nanoscale architecture can be exploited to control electromagnetic field enhancement, directional emission, and optical localization effects.
Research activities also include hybrid nanomaterials and low-dimensional systems for photonic platforms with tunable optical properties, combining semiconductor nanostructures, luminescent materials, plasmonic architectures, and emerging 2D materials.
Applications of these studies span optical sensing and biosensing, light-harvesting systems, integrated optoelectronics, advanced spectroscopy, and nanoscale optical imaging.
The research activity is carried out through interdisciplinary and international collaborations with universities, research institutes, and industrial partners including ENS Paris, AMOLF Institute, University College London, Université de Rennes I, CNR institutes, and STMicroelectronics.
Guida alle tesi di laurea
Disponibilità per la stesura di tesi su diversi temi di Fisica, in particolare sui seguenti argomenti:
- Fisica Moderna
- Struttura della Materia
- Ottica (Fotonica e Plasmonica)
- Nanostrutture
Disponibilità per la stesura di tesi magistrali sperimentali sulla sintesi e caratterizzazione strutturale ed ottica di materiali innovativi per diverse possibili applicazioni in micro e optoelettronica, sensoristica ed energia. Il lavoro di tesi verrà svolto su strumentazioni di avanguardia presso i laboratori del DFA ed in collaborazione con le sezioni del CNR IMM.
THESIS OPPORTUNITIES
Thesis projects are available on several topics in Physics, with particular focus on:
- Modern Physics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Optics, Photonics and Plasmonics
- Nanostructures and Nanomaterials
Experimental MSc thesis projects are available on the synthesis, optical and structural characterization, and study of innovative materials and nanostructures for applications in microelectronics, optoelectronics, sensing technologies, and energy.
Research activities are carried out using advanced instrumentation available at the Department of Physics and Astronomy (DFA) and in collaboration with the laboratories of the Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems of the National Research Council (CNR-IMM).