The Group of Applied ElectroMagnetics (GAEM) of the Information Engineering Department of the University of Parma develops a research activity mainly focused on components for optical and radio applications.

The first research theme regards the study and the modelling of optical fiber devices, mainly the so called photonic crystal fibers, and optical amplifiers for telecommunication and industrial applications. Besides the numerous publications appeared on the most important journals of the field and the works presented during international conferences, GAEM has recently published a book “Photonic Crystal Fiber, Properties and Applications” edited by Springer. The group runs a laboratory with facilities and equipments for fiber-based device analysis and characterization, and a numerical laboratory for the development of high performance simulators of fiber propagation, amplifiers and lasers.

The second research topic is focused on antennas for RF applications, in particular the design and measurement of antennas for radio-frequencies and microwaves applications, mainly for industrial ones. Powerful CAD tools, either commercial or developed within the Information Engineering Department, are available. Recently, integration issues between wireless and fiber systems have been considered, using radio-over fiber technology, aimed to the transmission optimisation of radio frequency modulated optical signals.

In addition to R&D activities, GAEM has been participating in numerous research programs, either domestic or EU-funded, within ACTS, IST and COST programmes. Since September 2009, GAEM is involved, with the role of coordinator, in the three-year FP7 European research project ALPINE - Advanced Lasers for Photovoltaic INdustrial processing Enhancement.