Optical Methods for Molecular Analysis and Imaging

Our Research

The Spectroscopy and Imaging research department develops innovative optical and photonic methods for multiscale spectroscopy and multimodal imaging. The goal is to access molecular, cellular, and structural information across spatial, temporal, and spectral scales and to make it usable for analytical and diagnostic applications. Research addresses concrete use cases in medicine, the life and environmental sciences, as well as quality, process, and pharmaceutical analytics.

The scientific focus lies on novel spectroscopic and functional contrast mechanisms and on the targeted combination of complementary techniques—particularly Raman and infrared spectroscopy, surface-enhanced approaches, and linear and nonlinear optical methods. These are implemented in microscopic and imaging formats to enable spatially resolved analysis of complex biological, chemical, and materials systems.

A defining feature of the department is its consistent sample-to-answer approach. Beyond methodological research, all steps of the analytical chain are addressed—from sample preparation and optical measurement to automated, AI-based data analysis. The aim is to develop compact, robust, and automatable systems with a high technology readiness level for decentralized use.

The department works closely with clinical and technological partners and drives the translation of photonic methods into application-oriented systems, particularly for infection and cancer diagnostics.

Research Focus Areas

Molecular & Functional
Contrast Mechanisms

Investigation of novel molecular and functional contrast mechanisms for spectroscopic and imaging methods, with a focus on label-free analytics and diagnostics

Raman Spectroscopy &
Multimodal Imaging

Raman-based and multimodal instrumentation for biomedical and materials science applications, including system and workflow integration

Miniaturized & Compact
Detection Systems

Research on compact, automated, and robust photonic systems based on fiber-, microfluidic-, chip-, and nanoparticle-based concepts

Highly Sensitive
Spectroscopic Sensing

Surface-enhanced and highly sensitive spectroscopic sensors, including Raman-, gas-, and hollow-core fiber-based concepts for bio- and environmental applications

Data Analysis &
Pattern Recognition

Multivariate and multimodal data analysis, data fusion, pattern recognition, and software-based control and automation of photonic measurement systems

Raman-Based Immuno- &
Infection Diagnostics

Detection of molecular changes in white blood cells as well as rapid characterization of pathogenic microorganisms and antibiotic resistance using high-throughput and bioassay approaches

Optical Oncology &
Intraoperative Diagnostics

Development and clinical evaluation of Raman-based and multimodal fiber-optic systems for real-time intraoperative tissue characterization and tumor margin detection in surgery

Materials Science
Spectroscopy & Imaging

Investigation of functional, nanostructured materials, polymers, soft-matter systems, and catalysts using linear and nonlinear (micro-)spectroscopy and imaging

Working Groups

Plasmon-enhanced Bioanalytics

Dr. Dana Cialla-May

Applied Biospectroscopy and Bioassays

Dr. Susanne Pahlow, Dr. Anuradha Ramoji

Field-Resolved Optical Precision Metrology

Prof. Dr. Ioachim Pupeza

Multimodal Instrumentation

Prof. Dr. Iwan Schie

Fiber Spectroscopic Sensors

Prof. Dr. Torsten Frosch

Raman and IR spectroscopic analysis

PD Dr. Christoph Krafft

Molecular Imaging

Dr. Tobias Meyer-Zedler

Photo- and Redox-Active Systems

Dr. Linda Zedler

Silicon Nanostructures

Dr. Vladimir Sivakov

A Glimpse Into our Research

Collaborations and Networks

Within Leibniz IPHT, the Spectroscopy / Imaging department is closely networked across disciplines. Data-driven analysis is carried out in cooperation with the Photonic Data Science department; in addition, there is close collaboration with technology groups in micro- and nanotechnology, the development of optical specialty fibers, and sensor and system technology.

The department is also deeply embedded in national and international research networks and frequently assumes coordinating roles. A key collaboration exists with Jena University Hospital for early validation of photonic methods, particularly in infection diagnostics and oncology. Prof. Dr. Dr. Jürgen Popp holds the Chair of Physical Chemistry and is Director of the Institute of Physical Chemistry at Friedrich Schiller University Jena.

The department plays a major role in strategic consortia, including the Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), the InfectoGnostics Research Campus, and the Leibniz Research Alliance Health Technologies. It is also involved in numerous national and international large-scale projects, including DFG Collaborative Research Centers and Research Units, as well as the Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Internationally, the department is networked, among others, within the Center for Biophotonic Technology and Artificial Intelligence (CeBAI) and the Jena–Davis Alliance of Excellence in Biophotonics (JeDis), thereby strengthening the international visibility of Leibniz IPHT.