Precise Light Guidance in Optical Fibers for Sensing, Imaging, and Diagnostics

Our Research

We investigate materials, structures, and processes that determine light propagation in optical fibers. Our work focuses on ultra-high-purity glasses, advanced manufacturing processes for preforms, and purpose-designed fiber architectures that enable precise generation, guidance, and control of light. The research combines questions from materials science, waveguide optics, and fiber technology.

A core focus of the unit is controlled transport of light in randomizing multimode optical fibers. We develop holographic techniques for full mode control and apply them to ultrathin, minimally invasive fiber probes for imaging inside living tissue. These efforts underpin our internationally recognized expertise in holographic endoscopy, enabling high-resolution structural and functional imaging, including studies of neuronal activity in vivo.In addition, the unit investigates novel synthesis strategies of ultrahigh-purity material for optical silica glass fiber preforms. Such tailored and structured core preforms address active and passive fiber-optic components, including laser-active specialty fibers, fiber lasers, and fiber-based sensing systems. A particular emphasis is placed on powder-based synthesis of dedicated core material that allows ressource-efficient creation of specialized fiber architectures ranging from multicore to spun-tapered fibers. It enables precise refractive index-matched twins of active and passive materials for complex fiber structures, as well as precise refractive index-shape of core preforms – which is essential for fiber-optic components in biomedical applications, in materials processing, and in high-power laser applications.

Extensive technical capabilities for the characterization, local structuring, and splicing of specialty optical fibers allow us to experimentally realize and validate new concepts of guided light.

The close integration of material development, fabrication technologies, and light control forms the foundation for fiber-optic components used in sensing, diagnostics, and experimental research.

Prof. Dr. Tomas Cizmar

Head of Department
+49 3641 206 200
tomas.cizmar@leibniz-ipht.de

Yvonne Nemetz

Assistant
+49 3641 206201
yvonne.nemetz@leibniz-ipht.de

Research Focus Areas

Holographic
Endoscopy

Minimally invasive imaging with ultrathin fibers
for high-resolution visualization

Fiber Structures &
Light Guidance

Innovative fiber architectures with tailored
propagation properties

Laser-Active
Fiber Materials

Development and characterization of laser-active
preform materials for active optical fibers

Doped Nanoparticle Aggregate
Materials for Fiber Preforms

Development of doped SiO₂ nanomaterials and investigation of alternative co-doping and hybrid synthesis approaches for specialty optical fiber preforms

Collaborations and Networks

We work closely with the Competence Center for Specialty Optical Fibers at Leibniz IPHT on the development of advanced fiber materials and structures.

Prof. Tomáš Čižmár holds the Chair of Wave and Fiber Optics at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. He further leads the Complex Photonics Group at the Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Brno, which translates our joined technological advancements into Neuroscience imaging methods.

Through international collaborations, including the NEUROGATE project, funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC Transition), we advance holographic endoscopy toward real-world applications. This work has led to the spin-off DeepEn GmbH, which translates our fiber-based imaging technologies into biomedical and neuroscientific tools.

Other international collaborations include activities within the Photonhub Phactory (previously Photonhub and Actphast) innovation hub. In joint collaboration projects with SME or LE, our unit provides expertise and technologies to develop and booster innovative products in fiber-optic components. Within this network, we also provide training to non-photonic community advancing their awareness on fiber optics and its capabilities.

The research department also profits from a wide range of funding spanning from local (Thuringian) funds (Forschergruppe, TAB) over national funding (DFG, ZIM, DAAD) to European funding (EU EIC, ERC) fostering both regional and international collaborations, with a strong focus on application-oriented projects.