The RAMTECH Center (Research Center on Advanced Materials and Technologies) develops basic and applied research in advanced materials science with particular emphasis in the fields of integrated nonlinear optics and photonics, plasma-assisted thin films deposition, plasma diagnostics, photovoltaics materials, multi-functional ceramic materials, sensor materials and devices. The activity of the center is deliberately developed in such a way as to ingeniously balance basic research and application-oriented research. Much effort is devoted to applied research based on novel technologies for the fabrication of materials and devices with advanced properties and functionality.