The group researches and develops several fields of optical and digital image processing. The activity includes considerable academic research (supported by a high number of publications in high impact journals) as well as applied research (with transfer in the form of patents, licensed patents and contracts with companies in development and consultancy work). 

Generally speaking, the research activity is based on Fourier optics techniques, which are applied from image processing to conventional imaging and holography. 

The main areas of activity are the following: 

• SUPER-RESOLUTION: Multiple techniques have been proposed for resolution enhancement in optical systems. Under certain conditions, the limits imposed by diffraction or sensors can be overcome. These techniques have application in microscopy, typically diffraction limited, and in all areas where imaging is performed, such as infrared imaging, where the resolution limit is usually the pixel size of the sensor. 
• PHASE IMAGE AND 3-D IMAGE: This field exploits the ability to perform wavefront capture by holographic methods to obtain phase measurements of objects, mainly in microscopy. The techniques are analogous to those required for 3-D capture in metrology. In this area, the activity is academic and consultancy in systems for the capture and analysis of three-dimensional objects. 
• REMOTE MEASUREMENT OF VIBRATIONS BY MEANS OF SPECKLE: Using the self-interference produced when coherent light strikes a diffusing surface, techniques are employed that allow the detection of nanometre-amplitude motion of the objects under analysis. This allows vibrations and sound to be measured over long distances (up to hundreds of metres) with simple and robust systems. This activity has led to several patents and their commercialisation. Its use can range from sound measurement to mechanical vibration analysis and includes the developing field of non-contact biomedical parameter monitoring.
• LENS-FREE MICROSCOPY: The possibility of wavefront recording has as a potential application the realisation of microscopy techniques in which no objectives are used for imaging. Various techniques are developed, using a variety of light sources for the inspection of microscopic samples. 
• LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAYS: Both theoretical and experimental studies of the operation of liquid crystal displays are carried out. These displays allow beam shaping, polarisation control and polarimetric imaging.
• ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN OPTOMETRY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY: The aim of this activity is to design and propose systems to improve measurements, images and techniques in optometric and ophthalmological practice.

Manufacture of optical instruments and photographic equipment