Michele Giordano

• Professor
• Research Director at Italian National Research Council

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) have revolutionized the protein production sector in aquaculture, leading to significant growth and expansion of the industry. Despite the success of RAS in aquaculture, there are challenges related to stress in fish raised in these systems, which can impact their food intake, growth, and overall well-being....

In this work, we present a detailed numerical and experimental investigation of highly sensitive optical fiber sensors based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). These sensors are enhanced by the deposition of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanostars (NSs) onto uncladded silica multi-mode optical fiber. The unique optical properties of NSs - fea...

In this work, we report about the detection of biofilm growth formation using fiber optic sensing technology. The optical configuration involved a fiber optic tip integrating a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI). The simple and cost-effective fabricating process employs standard single-mode fiber SMF28, a splice with overlap as coupling/re-coupling...

In this work, we present an experimental investigation of highly sensitive optical fiber sensors utilizing localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), achieved by depositing gold nanoparticles (NPs) and nanostars (NSs) onto uncladded silica multi-mode fiber. NSs unique optical characteristics are explored in this configuration and spherical NPs are...

The reuse of recycled carbon fibers (rCF) is a response to growing environmental concerns associated with the composites industry. Recycling and reusing carbon fibers represents a more sustainable alternative by reducing waste at the end of the life cycle of composite materials and decreasing dependency on virgin raw materials. This study investiga...

This work presents the fabrication and characterization of a fiber optic gas sensor utilizing lossy mode resonances (LMR) achieved with a nanoscale polyphenylene oxide (PPO) coating. The PPO coating is applied to the cladding removed region of a multi-mode silica fiber, simultaneously serving as both the LMR support layer and the sensing material....

The reuse of recycled carbon fibers (rCF) is a response to growing environmental concerns associated with the composites industry. Recycling and reusing carbon fibers represents a more sustainable alternative by reducing waste at the end of the life cycle of composite materials and decreasing dependency on virgin raw materials. This study investiga...

Chipless, passive and wireless sensors are one of the most important expected developments in wireless sensor technology for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) because of their compactness and the absence of a battery or chip for the sensor operation. Strain sensitive resonant antenna reflectors based on the strain sensing metasurfaces (i.e. freque...

The demand for lightweight multifunctional materials is increasing in the automotive and aerospace industries. Protective coatings are required for polymer-based composite materials, especially in the case of high-temperature applications. Carbon fibre reinforced Plastic (CFRP) exhibits poor performance when exposed to high temperatures, mainly due...

A facile fiber optic transducer relying on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) phenomena is reported. It involves a single-ended probe made of an uncladded multimode fiber optics deposited with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The reflected spectrum of the device is regulated by the absorption spectral features of the AuNPs, showcasing attenu...

This study presents the fabrication and characterization of a fiber optic gas sensor based on Lossy Mode Resonances (LMR). For the first time to our knowledge, a nanosized coating of polyphenylene oxide (PPO) is deposited on a cladding removed multimode silica fiber, serving both as the LMR supporting coating and sensitive overlay. The device exhib...

In this study, we present an experimental investigation of highly sensitive optical fiber sensors utilizing localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), achieved by depositing gold nanoparticles (NP) onto uncladded silica multi-mode fiber. This setup takes advantage of the unique optical characteristics of optical fiber sensors and plasmonic resonan...

In this work, we report an all-optical-fiber-based method to monitor in real-time the changes in thin film optical properties when exposed to harsh environments such as high doses of gamma radiation. The method is based on a long period grating (LPG) inscribed in a radiation resistant optical fiber, which is coated with a thin film to be analyzed....

Thermal camouflage is a highly coveted technology aimed at enhancing the survivability of military equipment against infrared (IR) detectors. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have shown low IR emissivity, widely tunable opto-electronic properties, and compatibility with stealth applications. Among these, graphene and graphene-like mater...

This article introduces an innovative sensor designed to explore the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect using optical fiber technology for the detection of pesticide Thiram. The proposed configuration consists of an etched silica multimode optical fiber coated with gold nanoparticle (AuNP) layers able to modulate the reflected signal...

The use of 3D printing technology for manufacturing new products based on sustainable materials enables one to take advantage of secondary raw materials derived from recycling. This work investigates the structural performances of 3D printing composite filaments based on polylactic acid (PLA), as a matrix, reinforced by recycled carbon fiber (rCF)....

Thermal camouflage is a highly sought-after technology to increase the survivability of military equipment against infrared (IR) detectors. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have shown low IR emissivity, widely tunable opto-electronic properties and compatibility with stealth-applications. Among them, graphene and graphene-like materials...

In this work, we describe the recovery of cellulose acetate (r-CA) polymer from waste cigarette butts (CBs) and their subsequent conversion into feedstock for 3D printing technology. The extraction process for CBs includes two stages: initial washes in water, followed by additional washes in ethanol. A final step involves a dissolution and reprecip...

In this work we describe the recovery of cellulose acetate (r-CA) polymer from waste cigarette butts (CBs) and subsequent conversion into feedstock for 3D printing technology. The extraction process for CBs includes two stages: initial washes in water, followed by additional washes in ethanol. A final step involves a dissolution and reprecipitation...

This study describes the basic principles of a fiber optic probe that exploits the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect achieved by depositing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto the fiber optic transducer. The idea is to read the absorbance spectra of AuNPs and its dependence on the environmental parameter, i.e. the surrounding refractive...

Featured Application Multifunctional protective layer for fiber reinforced composites. Abstract In the aerospace sector, structural and non-structural composite components are usually subjected to a wide range of environmental conditions. Among all, moisture can seriously damage these materials’ performance, reducing their mechanical, thermal, ele...

In the aerospace sector, structural and non-structural components are usually subjected to a wide range of environmental conditions. Although lightweight, the use of composite parts for these applications is restricted, due to their poor performance in severe environmental conditions. Specifically, moisture can seriously damage the materials' perfo...

In the present work, a commercial epoxy based on epoxy anhydride and tertiary amine was modified by a metallic catalyst (Zn²⁺) to induce vitrimeric behavior by promoting the transesterification reaction. The effect of two different epoxy/acid ratios (1 and 0.6) at two different zinc acetate amounts (Zn(Ac)2) on the thermomechanical and viscoelastic...

The need to recycle carbon-fibre-reinforced composite polymers (CFRP) has grown significantly to reduce the environmental impact generated by their production. To meet this need, thermoreversible epoxy matrices have been developed in recent years. This study investigates the performance of an epoxy vitrimer made by introducing a metal catalyst (Zn²...

This work demonstrates that the use of an unconventional optical fiber allows for generating lossy mode resonances (LMR), without the need for an external high refractive index thin film. The basic idea consists of using few centimeters of an optical fiber having large core and cladding with higher refractive index, which is spliced between two mul...

The use of interleaving material with viscoelastic properties is one of the most effective solutions to improve the damping capacity of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. Improving composite damping without threatening mechanical performance is challenging and the use of nanomaterials should lead to the target. In this paper, the eff...

This work reports as a novelty the excitation of lossy mode resonance (LMR) phenomena in uncoated double cladding fiber (DCF), without the need of an external high refractive index thin film. The configuration chosen for this purpose is a DCF having W-type refractive index (RI) profile spliced between multimode fibers. Here, the outer cladding of t...

The use of interleaving material with viscoelastic properties is one of the most effective solutions to improve the damping capacity of CFRP laminates. Improving composite damping without threatening mechanical performance is challenging and the use of nanomaterials should lead to the target. In this paper, the effect of a nanostructured interlayer...

A major disadvantage of polymer-based composite materials is their poor performance when exposed to relatively high heat flux. At temperatures typically above 300–400 °C, the organic matrix decomposes releasing heat, smoke, and toxic volatiles, jeopardising the composite mechanical performances. The heat flux resistance of composites can be improve...

The selection of an adequate coupling film for welding thermoset composites (TSC) is primary for improving the degree of automation in the composite industry. Ultrasonic welding (UW) is a well-established technique for joining composites and has recently been utilized in the aerospace and automotive industries. To achieve an efficient joining, the...

Epoxy Vitrimers are gathering attention as a development in the field of more easily re-processable and self-healing thermosets. Incorporating a catalyst should activate the transesterification reaction within the polymeric macromolecule inducing topological modification of the network. Reacting epoxy precursors with suitable anhydrides and acids w...

Ultrasonic welding (UW) is a well-established technique for joining thermoplastic composites and has recently been utilized in the aerospace and automotive industries. In the case of thermoset composites (TSCs), a polymer-based material placed at the welding interface called an energy director (ED) is required. The choice of the coupling layer mate...

In order to complete this set of three companion papers, in this last, we focus our attention on environmental monitoring by taking advantage of photonic technologies. After reporting on some configurations useful for high precision agriculture, we explore the problems connected with soil water content measurement and landslide early warning. Then,...

Our group, involving researchers from different universities in Campania, Italy, has been working for the last twenty years in the field of photonic sensors for safety and security in healthcare, industrial and environment applications. This is the first in a series of three companion papers. In this paper, we introduce the main concepts of the tec...

The employability of photonics technology in the modern era’s highly demanding and sophisticated domain of aerospace and submarines has been an appealing challenge for the scientific communities. In this paper, we review our main results achieved so far on the use of optical fiber sensors for safety and security in innovative aerospace and submarin...

The use of high thermal conductive materials for heat transfer is gaining attention as a suitable treatment for improving battery performance. Thermal runaway is a relevant issue for maintaining safety and for proficient employment of accumulators; therefore, new solutions for thermal management are mandatory. For this purpose, a hierarchical nanom...

Bidimensional nanomaterials, such as graphene, respond to the rising demand for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials, followed by the advancements in wireless technology and increased signal sensitivity in electronic devices, especially for the safety of aircraft and other structures. Lightweight nanocomposites reinforced with 2D...

Achieving high mechanical performances in nanocomposites reinforced with lamellar fillers has been a great challenge in the last decade. Many efforts have been made to fabricate synthetic materials whose properties resemble those of the reinforcement. To achieve this, special architectures have been considered mimicking existing materials, such as...

The label-free detection of vitamin D by employing fiber optic biosensor is reported in this work. Here, the long period grating (LPG) which is inscribed into a specialty fiber i.e., double cladding fiber (DCF) having W-type refractive index profile, is basically employed as a foundation for biosensing. The wet-chemical etching is performed to the...

In the proposed work, a fiber-optic-based sensor network was employed for the monitoring of the liquid resin infusion process. The item under test was a panel composed by a skin and four stringers, sensorized in such a way that both the temperature and the resin arrival could be monitored. The network was arranged with 18 Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs...

In this work, we report a fiber optic biosensor for the label-free detection of vitamin D, by targeting the major circulating form of D3 in human body, i.e., 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3). The sensing platform relies on a long period grating (LPG) written into an unconventional fiber, i.e., double cladding fiber (DCF) with W-type refractive index...

In this work we report about a novel label-free biosensing configuration consisting of a long period grating (LPG) inscribed into a double cladding fiber (DCF) and coated with a thin layer of graphene oxide (GO). The DCF had a W-type refractive index (RI) profile and permitted the tuning of the device working point to the mode transition region thr...

We report here about the development of a fiber optic biosensor for the detection of vitamin D. The sensing platform is based on a long period grating (LPG) inscribed into a specialty double cladding fiber, whose sensitivity is enhanced through the mode transition phenomenon by chemical etching of the fiber outer cladding. The LPG is further covere...

This paper promotes a simple surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate based on metal-dielectric colloidal crystal (MDCC) consisting in 3D self-assembled colloidal of polystyrene nanospheres (PSNPs) doped with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). We demonstrate that the overlapping of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of noble metallic n...

The process of curing of large thick composite parts needs attention regarding the formation of residual stresses. Similarly, novel reactive thermoplastics need investigating to produce an efficient thermal cure profile that decreases the risk of warpage and residual stress. In this work, the polymerization kinetics of the Elium resin system is inv...

Fiber optic label-free biosensors are currently experiencing wide diffusion, as they combine the performance of optical measurements with the advantages of optical fiber. This paper presents a comprehensive review about the design, development and testing of biosensor solutions based on in-fiber long period gratings (LPG). The attention is focused...

In the present paper, an experimental procedure to measure the emissivity of ultra-thin graphene based films (G-paper) is presented, with the aim to determine the effect of measuring temperature and graphene concentration on the G-papers emissivity. To this end, two methods were adopted, both according to the ASTM E1933 Standard: Contact Thermomete...

Nanocomposites based on the biomimetic brick and mortar architecture are gathering great attention recently due to the outstanding properties of the natural analogues. Thanks to the very high in-plane orientation of nanoplatelets and the low matrix content, these materials exhibit good mechanical performance combined with excellent functional prope...

Here, we present a novel label-free biosensor based on fiber optic technology which was tested for the detection of a serum inflammatory marker, the C-reactive protein (CRP). The biosensor is based on a long period grating (LPG) inscribed in a double cladding fiber (DCF) having a W-type refractive index profile. Such DCF fiber permits to tune the s...

In this work, the development and testing of a novel fiber-optic based label-free biosensor is presented, whose performance were verified through the detection of C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum. The device is based on a long period grating fabricated in a double cladding fiber with a W-shaped refractive index (RI) profile. As a result, the worki...

Here, we have reported the development and testing of a label-free fiber optic biosensor, for the real-time detection in serum of an inflammatory marker, the C-reactive protein (CRP). It is based on a novel configuration involving a long period grating (LPG) in double cladding fiber, with specific refractive index profile. Optimization of the sensi...

The main purpose of this study is to introduce a modified method for recovering and recycling huge number of cigarette butts (CBs) and convert them into a fashion product. CBs are non-biodegradable waste, generally, discarded improperly into the environment. CBs consist of cellulose acetate, which can be recovered through extraction and purificatio...

A relative humidity (RH) sensing device based on photonic crystal colloids auto-assembled directly on the tip of a multi-mode optical fiber is here described. The core-shell nanospheres are obtained by Polystyrene (PS) nanoporous structures (core) incorporated into a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel (shell) and are subsequently deposit...

This work deals with long period gratings (LPGs) fabricated in double cladding fibers (DCFs) with W-type refractive index profile and analyzes their surrounding refractive index (SRI) sensitivity. The W-type fiber presents an outer cladding with refractive index higher than the inner one, thus some cladding modes can be guided in the ring-shaped ou...

Freestanding paper-like materials base on nanoscale lamellar fillers have attracted extensive interest thank to their intrinsic properties. In fact, such class of materials borrows specific properties from the two dimensional (2D) nano-filler together with special features related to the material architecture. The challenge is then to retain at the...

This work deals with optical fiber probes based on a photonic crystal deposited on the tip of a multi-mode optical fiber for relative humidity measurements. Easy manufacturing has been exploited through the self-assembly of core/shell nanoparticles in a colloidal crystal (CC) via a vertical deposition technique. Core/shell nanoparticles are synthet...

The work presents the design and fabrication of a fiber optic biosensor based on a Long Period Grating (LPG) with multi-layer coating. An LPG working in single-ended configuration was developed, which is very convenient in biological applications. The transducer was optimized in terms of sensitivity by means of a nanometric layer of Polycarbonate,...

Here we report about mode transition phenomenon occurring in uncoated Long Period Grating (LPG) and the subsequent possibility of enhancing the surrounding refractive index sensitivity. For this purpose, we have considered a grating realized in double cladding fiber with W-type refractive index profile. This fiber presents an outer cladding with re...

Among the various architectures developed for composite materials, nanolaminated architecture is a promising candidate for the design of new materials for structural and functional applications. Nanolaminates mimic the natural occurring architecture of nacre and it is formed by highly oriented nanolaminae connected by a very low amount of matrix. D...

The magnetic properties of nanoparticles make them ideal for use in various applications, especially in biomedical applications. Herein, we describe the fabrication of iron oxide nanoparticles encapsulated in polystyrene (PS) using two methods: a conventional batch and microfluidic synthesis. In particular, we present a simple synthesis method of m...

Recently, biomimetic brick and mortar composites (B/M) are gathering great attention due to their outstanding properties. The use of graphene as bricks is expected to achieve good mechanical performances combined with remarkable thermal diffusivity making them optimal candidates for heat spread applications. Macroscopic composites (1 mm thick) have...

In this work, we report about an ultrasensitive fiber optic biosensor realized using a single-ended Long Period Grating (LPG). The LPG working point is tuned in the highest sensitivity region of mode transition, through a multilayer system consisting of Polycarbonate (PC) film and much thinner layer of Graphene Oxide (GO). Due to the coexistence of...

Among the different composite architectures, nanolaminates are emerging as interesting materials for structural and functional applications. Nanolaminate is a biomimetic architecture copying the structure of nacre consisting of the assembly of well-oriented nanoscopically thin laminae held together by a low content of matrix. In this work an aerona...

Graphene-based nanocomposites assume different architectures depending on manufacturing process, e.g., paper-like structures received great success for supercapacitor application due to their outstanding electrical and thermal conductivity. Recently, a nacre-like architecture, named nanolaminate, attracted the attention of scientists since it shoul...

In this paper, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs, around 6 nm) encapsulated in poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles (PMMA NPs) with controlled sizes ranging from 100 nm to 200 nm have been successfully produced. The hybrid polymeric nanoparticles were prepared following two different methods: (1) nanoprecipitation and (2) nanoem...

This work describes a novel relative humidity sensing device based on photonic crystal colloids auto-assembled directly on the tip of a multi-mode optical fiber via a vertical dip-coating deposition technique. Specifically, the photonic crystal colloids are periodically-structured nano-spheres chemically formed by a polystyrene (PS) core incorporat...

The magnets for the next steps in accelerator physics, such as the High Luminosity upgrade of the LHC (HL- LHC) and the Future Circular Collider (FCC), require the development of new technologies for manufacturing and monitoring. To meet the HL-LHC new requirements, a large upgrade of the CERN SM18 cryogenic test facilities is ongoing with the impl...

This paper reports the experimental assessment of an automated optical assay based on label free optical fiber optrodes for the fast detection of class C β-lactamases (AmpC BLs), actually considered as one of the most important sources of resistance to β-lactams antibiotics expressed by resistant bacteria. Reflection-type long period fiber gratings...

Detection of target biomolecules has attracted a great deal of interest lately particularly when label-free techniques are involved as they can be much faster than label needing ones. As yet state-of-the-art high throughput quantitative determinations are in the sub-picomolar regime. This study is focused on the development of a highly performing b...

This paper presents an effective and efficient method to fabricate novel fiber optic sensing probes. The new, simple and low cost approach is based on a 3D photonic crystal (PhC) dielectric structure directly deposited on the tip of a multimode optical fiber through the self-assembly of colloidal crystals (CCs) via a vertical deposition technique....

The introduction of thermo-reversible covalent bonds in the molecular network is a recent approach to prepare self-healing polymers upon a suitable thermal trigger. Among reversible reactions, Diels–Alder (D-A) cycloaddition is an ideal candidate for the synthesis of mendable polymers, such as epoxy resins, with improved operative life. The D-A add...

The luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) requires the development of a new generation of superconducting magnets based on Nb3Sn technology. To monitor the magnet thermo-mechanical behavior during its service life, from the coil fabrication to the magnet operation, reliable sensing systems need to be implemented. In the framework...

The luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) planned at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) requires the development of a new generation of superconducting magnets based on Nb3Sn technology. The instrumentation required for the racetrack coils needs the development of reliable sensing systems able to monitor the ma...

Formation of micro-cracks is a critical problem in polymers and polymer composites during their service in structural applications. In this context, materials endowed with self-healing features would lead to the next polymers generation. In the present paper, an epoxy system integrating Diels-Alder epoxy adducts is investigated by thermal and spect...

Nanosized sensors enable the study of chemical and biochemical processes at a level and in dimensions that may not have been envisioned some 20 years ago. Fueled by their inherent small size and the unusual optical, magnetic, catalytic, and mechanical properties of nanoparticles, remarkable progress has been made in recent years in the development...

Interleaving a viscoelastic layer within a laminate has been individuated as an efficient architecture for increasing damping performance of plane structures. A semi-analytical model based on the first order shear deformation theory accounting for the out-of–plane strain contributions to the energy dissipation in composite laminates with interleave...

We report an innovative fiber optic nano-optrode based on Long Period Gratings (LPGs) working in reflection mode for the detection of human Thyroglobulin (TG), a protein marker of differentiated thyroid cancer. The reflection-type LPG (RT-LPG) biosensor, coated with a single layer of atactic polystyrene (aPS) onto which a specific, high affinity an...

We report an innovative fiber optic biosensor based on Long Period Gratings (LPGs) working in reflection configuration for real time monitoring of human Thyroglobulin (Tg), a protein marker of differentiated thyroid cancer. A standard LPG is first transformed in a practical probe working in reflection mode, and then it is coated with a single layer...

In this work a silicon based hybrid junction solar cell with transparent conductive oxide (TCO) as top contact and including a layer composed by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilan (APTES) and soluble graphene oxide (GO) with the structure of TCO/AGO/Si (where the layer formed by APTES and GO is referred to as AGO) was fabricated and tested. The realized s...

This work deals with a novel Lab-on-Fiber biosensor able to detect in real time thyroid carcinomas biomarkers. The device is based on a gold nanostructure supporting localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) directly fabricated on the fiber tip by means of electron beam lithography and lift-off process. Following a suitable chemical and biologica...

Distributed and multi-point fiber-optic based measurements of cryogenic temperature down to 30 K are presented. Measurements have been performed along the cryostat of a superconducting power transmission line, which is currently being tested at CERN over a length of about 20 m. Multi-point measurements were based on two kinds of FBG with different...

We report the development of a reflection-type long period fiber grating (LPG) biosensor able to perform the real time detection of thyroid cancer markers in the needle washout of fine-needle aspiration biopsy. A standard LPG is first transformed in a practical probe working in reflection mode, then it is coated by an atactic-polystyrene overlay in...

This contribution presents distributed and multipoint fiber-optic monitoring of cryogenic temperatures along a superconducting power transmission line down to 30 K and over 20 m distance. Multipoint measurements were conducted using fiber Bragg gratings sensors coated with two different functional overlays (epoxy and poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA)...