Main research interests of Rita Asquini include:
Theoretical-numerical studies, fabrication, experimental characterization of photonic and optoelectronic devices and microsystems for telecommunications and sensor applications, both in optical fiber and in free space, also made with liquid crystals, composite materials and polymers, on glass and silicon.
Electro-optically controlled photonic structures.
Optically controlled non-linear photonics.
Devices in channel waveguides on glass and in silicon oxide-on-silicon.
Reconfigurable micro-opto-fluidic devices, made with liquid crystals, PDMS and SU8.
Integrated lab-on-chips for biosensing, based on optical waveguides.
Waveguide biosensors with plasmonic and metamaterial nanostructures.
High efficiency, low-cost solar cells, based on hetero-structures in amorphous / crystalline silicon technology.
Mechatronic systems for the automation and control of laser pointing systems in space and satellite fields.
Microcontroller programmable electronic circuits and systems.
Since 1999 R.A. has been managing and developing the Optoelectronics Laboratory in the Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications (DIET) in University of Rome "La Sapienza". She also supports the activities of undergraduates and PhD students in the lab, following both experimental and theoretical/design aspects. The experimental nature of the research that R.A. deals with involves the entire cycle of design, manufacturing and characterization of devices that is carried out, as well as in the laboratories of the DIET Sapienza Department, also through the use of some specific instruments and technologies available in the various Research Centers and Departments of other Universities in the context of Collaborations at national and international level.
She is the RADRL Manager of the Optoelectronics Laboratory at the DIET Department of Sapienza University, responsible for Research Projects and Teaching Activities, coordinating the work of thesis students, PhD candidates, and researchers.
R.A. is also the Head of the “EMPhASys” Laboratory — Electronics, Mechatronics and Photonics Applications & Systems Laboratory (https://sites.google.com/view/emphasys) — overseeing teaching and research activities, coordinating thesis students, PhD candidates, and researchers in topics related to Electronics, Mechatronics, and Photonics.
She is author and co-author of more than 200 scientific publications, and co-inventor of an international patent.