Welcome to the
Applied Optics Complutense Group (AOCG)
Grupo Complutense de Óptica Aplicada

• Computational tools for optics and photonics
• Design and manufacturing methods for ofthalmic lenses
• Diffractive optics, micro-optics and nano-photonics
• Illumination and color
• Optical and photonic sensing in industry and biosciences
• Optics and photonics for cultural inheritance conservation
• Optical image processing
• Optical metrology and surface characterization
• Polarimetry and metasurfaces
• Visual and ophthalmic optics

The Applied Optics Complutense Group (AOCG)

• Scope – AEI Area: EXPERIMENTAL AREA – PHYSICS AND SPACE SCIENCES

• Evaluation – Transfer: EXCELLENT (93.00) – Transfer

is a research group of excellence at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, based in the Faculties of Optics and Optometry and Physical Sciences.

Our mission focuses on the development of advanced optical solutions with applications in science, technology, industry, and healthcare. The group is composed of 34 researchers, including 24 PhD holders. The remaining members are project-based research associates and predoctoral researchers. Since its inception, AOCG has stood out for its multidisciplinary approach, innovative capacity, and strong commitment to knowledge transfer. Currently, the group is led by Professors Javier Alda and Luis Miguel Sánchez Brea, and comprises a team of researchers specialized in optics, photonics, metrology, bioengineering, and image processing.

Technology Transfer

Professors Juan Antonio Quiroga Mellado and José Alonso Fernández promoted the creation of the start-up Indizen Optical Technologies, which develops cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions for the design and manufacturing of advanced ophthalmic lenses. The AOCG has also contributed to the development of docens of national and international patents, and has actively participated in and managed numerous collaborative projects with companies, supported by both public and private funding. These initiatives reflect AOCG’s commitment to innovation and the practical application of academic research.

Collaborations and Training

The group maintains active collaborations with universities, technology centers, and companies at both national and international levels. It also participates in undergraduate, master’s, (Máster en Nuevas Tecnologías Electrónicas y Fotónicas and Máster en Tecnologías Ópticas y de la imagen) and doctoral programs (Doctorado en Física and Doctorado en Óptica, Optometría y Visión), contributing to the training of new generations of scientists and technologists in the fields of Optics and Photonics.

Awards and Recognition

Members of AOCG have received various national and international awards for their contributions to research, teaching, and innovation. Notable distinctions include:

• Fellowship of the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE)

• Technology Transfer Award from Universidad Complutense

• Two continuous appointments to the World’s Top 2% Scientist list by Stanford University and Elsevier

• Recognition for high-impact publications in journals such as Nature Photonics, Scientific Reports, Optics Express, Optics Letters,.., etc.

• Participation in international scientific committees and editorial boards of specialized journals

• Engagement in national and international level research and academic management activities