Millennium Institte for Research in Optics (MIRO), Institute of Physics , ANID and PUC | Chile
Dr. Faustino Wahaia is a distinguished researcher and academic professional in the fields of lasers, quantum optics, and terahertz (THz) photonics. He is currently affiliated with the Institute of Physics at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile as part of the Millennium Institute for Research in Optics (MIRO). His research has had a significant impact in the realms of biomedical applications, nanomaterials characterization, and advanced laser technologies. Faustino’s multidisciplinary expertise integrates lasers, ultrafast systems, and photonics, contributing to both theoretical and practical advancements.
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Early Academic Pursuits 📚
Dr. Wahaia’s academic journey has been remarkable, marked by a robust educational foundation across multiple international institutions. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering Physics from the University of Porto in Portugal, with his dissertation focusing on spectroscopic and imaging techniques using the terahertz frequency band for biomedical applications. His pursuit of knowledge began with an MSc in Physics Engineering from the University of Lisbon – IST, where he specialized in the diagnostic and control of terawatt laser systems. Faustino’s academic journey expanded further through his research at University of Sofia and the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology in Vilnius, Lithuania. His early academic pursuits laid the groundwork for his cutting-edge research in THz photonics and quantum optics.
Professional Endeavors 🏢
Throughout his career, Dr. Wahaia has held prestigious positions at various research institutes across the globe. He has contributed significantly to the Institute for Nanotechnology and Nano-Sciences in Porto, Portugal, and Center for Physical Sciences and Technology in Vilnius, Lithuania. His work has focused on developing and characterizing ultrashort pulse lasers, THz spectroscopic systems, and biomedical imaging technologies. His role in the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S) reflects his commitment to applying his scientific expertise to real-world problems in biomedical science, particularly through terahertz techniques for nanomaterials and biomedical studies.
Contributions and Research Focus 🔬
Dr. Wahaia’s research spans several cutting-edge technologies, such as ultrafast lasers, THz communications, and spectroscopic techniques like Raman spectroscopy and ellipsometry. His work in terahertz photonics for biomedical applications, hazardous residue detection, and pharmaceutical quality assessment has had substantial contributions to fields such as materials science, food safety, and security. Additionally, Faustino has delved deeply into quantum optics, advancing the understanding of laser-matter interactions, plasma physics, and spectral selection devices.
Impact and Influence 🌍
Dr. Wahaia’s work has influenced several scientific and industrial domains, notably in biomedical diagnostics, photonics-based security systems, and advanced materials research. His terahertz imaging systems and laser-based technologies have been groundbreaking in medical imaging and nanomaterials characterization. Faustino’s contributions to nanotechnology and THz photonics have significantly shaped the research landscape in these areas. Through his involvement with international organizations and his role in the Millennium Institute for Research in Optics (MIRO), his influence extends globally, positioning him as a key leader in optical and quantum sciences.
Academic Cites 📊
Dr. Wahaia’s research is widely recognized, with numerous citations in highly regarded journals, particularly in optics, quantum photonics, and terahertz science. His peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Frontiers in Physics, Sensors, and MDPI highlight the impact of his contributions to lasers and photonics technologies. Additionally, Faustino has been instrumental in editing influential books such as “Ellipsometry: Principles and Techniques for Materials Characterization” and “Quantum Electronics”, which have further solidified his standing in the scientific community.
Research Skills 💡
Dr. Wahaia possesses a broad range of highly specialized research skills, including:
- Laser System Design: Expertise in developing terawatt lasers and related technologies.
- Terahertz Spectroscopy: In-depth experience in terahertz wave generation, detection, and characterization.
- Biomedical Imaging: Significant contributions to Optical Computed Tomography (OCT) and Raman spectroscopy for medical applications.
- Materials Characterization: Pioneering work in THz photonics for the study of nanomaterials and pharmaceutical quality control.
His technical expertise spans ultrafast lasers, laser-plasma interactions, pulse amplification techniques, and fiber-coupled terahertz systems.
Teaching Experience 🎓
Dr. Wahaia has made substantial contributions to education through his roles as a doctoral adviser and master’s student mentor. He has supervised cutting-edge research in areas like atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy for biomedical applications. He has taught engineering physics at the University of Maputo and radiological physics at the Higher Institute of Health Sciences of Maputo, contributing significantly to the education and development of future scientists in quantum optics and laser technologies.
Awards and Honors 🏅
Throughout his career, Faustino has been recognized with several prestigious awards and fellowships:
- Ph.D. Fellowship in Physics Engineering focusing on lasers and quantum optics.
- MSc Fellowship in diagnostics and wavefront control of terawatt lasers.
- PostDoc Grant in Ultrafast Lasers and THz Photonics, contributing to biomedical and nanomaterial studies.
These honors reflect his academic excellence and his dedication to advancing the fields of optics, photonics, and terahertz science.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮
Dr. Faustino Wahaia’s legacy in laser and THz photonics research is set to continue shaping the future of biomedical imaging, nanomaterials research, and photonics-based technologies. As a mentor, his guidance is ensuring that the next generation of scientists will carry forward his contributions. His future work is poised to further advance applications of terahertz waves in security, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, and to develop new solutions that address global challenges in healthcare and environmental safety.
Publications Top Notes
Optical properties of millimeter-size metal-organic framework single crystals using THz techniques
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Authors: Faustino Wahaia, Irmantas Kašalynas, Daniil Pashnev, Gintaras Valušis, Andrzej Urbanowicz, Mindaugas Karaliunas, Dinesh Pratap Singh, Sascha Wallentowitz, Birger Seifert
Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure
Year: 2025
Terahertz spectroscopy and imaging for gastric cancer diagnosis
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Authors: Faustino Wahaia, Irmantas Kašalynas, Linas Minkevičius, Catia Carvalho Silva, Andrzej Urbanowicz, Gintaras Valušis
Journal: Journal of Spectral Imaging
Year: 2020
Spectroscopic Terahertz Imaging at Room Temperature Employing Microbolometer Terahertz Sensors and Its Application to the Study of Carcinoma Tissues
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Authors: Irmantas Kašalynas, Rimvydas Venckevičius, Linas Minkevičius, Aleksander Sešek, Faustino Wahaia, Vincas Tamošiūnas, Bogdan Voisiat, Dalius Seliuta, Gintaras Valušis, Andrej Švigelj, et al.
Journal: Sensors
Year: 2016