Photocatalysis based technologies have a key role in addressing important challenges of the ecological transition, such as environment remediation and conversion of renewable energies. Photocatalysts can in fact be used in hydrogen (H₂) production (e.g., via water splitting or photo-reforming of organic substrates), CO₂ reduction, pollution mitigation and water or air remediation via oxidation (photodegradation) of pollutants. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a “benchmark” photocatalyst, thanks to many favorable characteristics. We here review the basic knowledge on the charge carrier processes that define the optical and photophysical properties of intrinsic TiO₂. We describe the main characteristics and advantages of TiO₂ as photocatalyst, followed by a summary of historical facts about its application. Next, the dynamics of photogenerated electrons and holes is reviewed, including energy levels and trapping states, charge separation and charge recombination. A section on optical absorption and optical properties follows, including a discussion on TiO₂ photoluminescence and on the effect of molecular oxygen (O₂) on radiative recombination. We next summarize the elementary photocatalytic processes in aqueous solution, including the photogeneration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the hydrogen evolution reaction. We pinpoint the TiO₂ limitations and possible ways to overcome them by discussing some of the “hottest” research trends toward solar hydrogen production, which are classified in two categories: (1) approaches based on the use of engineered TiO₂ without any cocatalysts. Discussed topics are highly-reduced “black TiO₂”, grey and colored TiO₂, surface-engineered anatase nanocrystals; (2) strategies based on heterojunction photocatalysts, where TiO₂ is electronically coupled with a different material acting as cocatalyst or as sensitizer. Examples discussed include TiO₂ composites or heterostructures with metals (e.g., Pt-TiO₂, Au-TiO₂), with other metal oxides (e.g., Cu₂O, NiO, etc.), direct Z-scheme heterojunctions with g-C₃N₄ (graphitic carbon nitride) and dye-sensitized TiO₂.

We experimentally demonstrate and theoretically explain the onset of optical frequency combs in a simple cavity-enhanced second-harmonic-generation system, exploiting second-order nonlinear interactions. Two combs are simultaneously generated around the fundamental pump frequency, with a spectral bandwidth up to about 10 nm, and its second harmonic. We observe different regimes of generation, depending on the phase-matching condition for second-harmonic generation. Moreover, we develop an elemental model which provides a deep physical insight into the observed dynamics. Despite the different underlying physical mechanism, the proposed model is remarkably similar to the description of third-order effects in microresonators, revealing a potential variety of new effects to be explored and laying the groundwork for a novel class of highly efficient and versatile frequency comb synthesizers based on second-order nonlinear materials.

Among the most powerful techniques for the exploration of the Universe is very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), which is based on the simultaneous observation of radio sources in the sky with arrays of distant ground-based antennas. One of the effects currently limiting its ultimate sensitivity is the phase-instability of the reference clocks adopted at each antenna. This term can be made negligible delivering the same clock signal to multiple telescope sites using optical fibers. We realized such an infrastructure by disseminating a coherent optical frequency signal to two distant radio telescopes using a 1739-km-long fiber. We performed a 24 h geodetic VLBI campaign in which the same clock reference was used at both telescopes and analyzed it using standard VLBI procedures. The results were consistent with the expectations, confirming that the proposed approach is feasible and configures as a novel tool for studying the role of clocks, troposphere, and systematic effects in the ultimate VLBI resolution.

The current state of the art of single-photon detectors operating in the mid-infrared wavelength range is reported in this review. These devices are essential for a wide range of applications, such as mid-infrared quantum communications, sensing, and metrology, which require detectors with high detection efficiency, low dark count rates, and low dead times. The technological challenge of moving from the well-performing and commercially available near-infrared single-photon detectors to mid-infrared detection is discussed. Different approaches are explored, spanning from the stoichiometric or geometric engineering of a large variety of materials for infrared applications to the exploitation of alternative novel materials and the implementation of proper detection schemes. The three most promising solutions are described in detail: superconductive nanowires, avalanche photodiodes, and photovoltaic detectors.

Quadratic nonlinear processes are currently exploited for frequency comb transfer and extension from the visible and near infrared regions to other spectral ranges where direct comb generation cannot be accomplished. However, frequency comb generation has been directly observed in continuously pumped quadratic nonlinear crystals placed inside an optical cavity. At the same time, an introductory theoretical description of the phenomenon has been provided, showing a remarkable analogy with the dynamics of third‐order Kerr microresonators. Here, we give an overview of our recent work on χ ⁽²⁾ frequency comb generation. Furthermore, we generalize the preliminary three‐wave spectral model to a many‐mode comb and present a stability analysis of different cavity field regimes. Although our work is a very early stage, it lays the groundwork for a novel class of highly efficient and versatile frequency comb synthesizers based on second‐order nonlinear materials.