Federico Capasso

Federico Capasso is the Robert L. Wallace Professor of Applied Physics and Vinton Hayes Senior Research Fellow in Electrical Engineering at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). He directs the Capasso Group, a leading research team focused on metamaterials, metasurfaces, and advanced photonics. His work bridges fundamental optics and applied technologies, with breakthroughs in flat optics and semiconductor lasers.

Research interests include metasurface engineering, nonlinear optics, quantum optoelectronics, and nanophotonic devices. Notable contributions include metalens development, mid-infrared photonics, and structured light fields. He co-founded Metalenz, a startup commercializing metasurface technologies for consumer applications.

Publications span over 500 articles in journals like Nature, Science, and Nature Photonics, emphasizing innovations in optical systems, soliton dynamics, and polarization control. His group's work on free-standing bilayer metasurfaces and mid-infrared laser chips highlights cutting-edge advancements. Awards and honors include the University of Regensburg's dissertation prize for his student Joshua Mornhinweg.

Capasso's lab develops novel optical components for imaging, sensing, and communication, with applications in astronomy, medical diagnostics, and consumer electronics. Ongoing projects explore 3D holography, topological photonics, and ultrafast optical systems.