The aim of the research project “Research and Production of Highly Sensitive Photonic Detectors for Optical Health Technologies” (InphoDeG) is to expand the infrastructure for the simulation, production technologies and metrological characterization of photonic detectors. In order to successfully implement the focus on optical health technologies at the IPHT, it is necessary to expand and maintain a broad range of interlocking complementary technologies, which enable the technical implementation of different sensor concepts, e.g. using functionalized surfaces and quantum-based detection mechanisms, up to their technical integration into innovative imaging and highly sensitive measurement systems for medical application scenarios.

Here, the scientists essentially link three different working directions synergetically with each other:

  1. Innovative sensor, light collector and light source concepts based on nano – and microstructured metal and semiconductor structures, 
  2. Molecular light detection (nanoscopy), high-resolution far-field microscopy and hyperspectral imaging,
  3. Radiation detection in a very wide frequency range from X-rays to VIS to the far infrared.

This interdisciplinary approach leads to innovative detection approaches in the field of optical health technologies, such as spatially and temporally high-resolution spectroscopic methods for the investigation of life processes.

The project is supported by the Free State of Thuringia under the number 2015 FGI 0008 and co-financed by funds of the European Union within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).