Rethinking Fiber-Based Photonics
Our Research
We conduct research in fiber-based photonics at the interface of fundamental science and the life and environmental sciences. At the core of our work are specialized waveguides and nanostructures whose potential we expand for light generation, light guidance, and sensing. To this end, we combine fundamental physical research on light–matter interaction with the development of functional concepts in complex fiber architectures.
Our work addresses both fundamental physical mechanisms and concrete requirements for high-performance, flexible photonic systems, thereby bridging the gap between basic research and application-oriented technology development.
A hallmark of our research is a hybrid approach based on unconventional materials and structures that go far beyond classical waveguide optics. Using state-of-the-art laser-based 3D nanoprinting, for example, we fabricate complex optical metastructures directly on optical fibers for tailored beam shaping, thereby shaping the research field of metafibers. This technology enables us to realize unique hollow-core waveguides—such as “light cages”—on both fibers and chips.
Using this technology, we deliberately transfer fiber-based light-guiding concepts to planar platforms. This makes it possible to realize novel hollow-core waveguides not only on fiber end faces but also on chips, opening up additional degrees of freedom for integrated photonic systems.
In addition, unconventional materials such as liquid-core fibers are employed for nonlinear light generation to realize novel functionalities such as the programmable fiber. We also develop tunable high-power lasers and amplifiers for spectral regions that are difficult to access, based on materials produced at Leibniz IPHT.
Another research focus is the detection and analysis of individual biological micro- and nano-objects. Through highly efficient light scattering and fiber-based manipulation, we develop sensitive measurement platforms for biophotonics and environmental analytics.
In this way, our research acts as an interdisciplinary link within Leibniz IPHT, connecting various research activities including nanophotonics, microscopy, spectroscopy, and integrated photonics.
Research Focus Areas
Hollow-Core & Hybrid
Fiber Waveguides
Light guidance in anti-resonant fiber-based and 3D-nanoprinted hollow-core waveguides such as light cages for photonic and sensing applications
Fiber End Faces &
Metastructures
Metasurfaces and 3D-nanoprinted holograms on functionalized fiber end faces for beam shaping, mode excitation, and field control
Nonlinear Frequency
Conversion in Fibers
Ultrafast nonlinear frequency conversion in microstructured as well as liquid- and solid-core fibers for tailored light sources and novel programmable fibers
Nano- & Single-Object
Sensing in Fibers
Detection, characterization, and dynamic analysis of individual biologically relevant micro- and nano-objects using elastic light scattering and fiber-assisted nanoparticle tracking
Tunable High-Power
Fiber Lasers
Development of high-performance, spectrally extended fiber laser concepts using novel materials and complex fiber architectures
Collaborations and Networks
The Fiber Photonics research department is closely embedded in national and international research networks and works interdisciplinarily with partners from physics, the life sciences, and engineering. Its research often emerges in collaboration with other departments and technology groups at Leibniz IPHT, particularly in the areas of specialty fiber optics, nanoplasmonics, biomedical microscopy, and multiscale spectroscopy. This enables fiber-photonic concepts to be systematically integrated into overarching research approaches.
In addition, the department is involved in external research consortia in which it contributes its expertise in microstructured fibers, nonlinear photonics, and fiber-based sensing. These collaborations support the further development of key photonic technologies along the entire innovation chain—from fundamental physical research to applications in biophotonics, environmental analytics, and technological contexts. In this way, the department strengthens the role of fiber photonics as a central enabling technology within Leibniz IPHT and beyond.
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- Sven Döring/Leibniz-IPHT
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- Sven Döring/Leibniz-IPHT
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- Sven Döring/Leibniz-IPHT
Selected Projects
On-Chip Applications for Twisted Light
Targeted combination of twisted waveguide structures with chiral metasurfaces for controlled light guidance
Light Structuring with Three-Dimensional Meta-Optics
Establishing metafibers as a compact, flexible alternative to conventional free-space optics
Recent Publications