Our Research

The CAT conducts high-level research in areas related to the development of products and processes using light-enabled technologies. These include optical medical diagnostics, optical imaging, tunable solid-state lasers, ultrafast laser technology, optical semiconductor materials and devices, nanoscale photonic materials and devices, compact photonic devices, optical communications, biological sensing and processes, optical computing and optical bio-defense.

Our Research Focus Areas


  • Energy
  • Military and Homeland Defense
  • Medical and Biomedical
  • Optics and Photonic Devices
  • Advanced Materials and Processing
  • Communication
  • Metamaterials

CUNY CAT faculty from across the University are involved in many areas of technology. Many of these technologies are to a point where they can be developed into products. These are described in the CAT’s Technology Opportunities (Tech Ops).Technology Opportunities is a guide to our distinguished faculty’s broad areas of expertise and capabilities.

Learn more about technology transfer to industry >>