Sensing & Metrology

Sensing and metrology are key enablers in the markets of aerospace, industrial production, research and science, healthcare, life science, mobility, nature and environment as well as security.

Sensing systems are used to record the properties of objects and scenes for quality assurance and control of products and processes in both industrial and non-industrial environments.

The applications are mainly in the visible and near-infrared range, but in some cases also extend into the extreme UV (EUV) or long-wave IR spectral ranges.

Vision Systems

Research, development, and application expertises relate to the development and realization of system solutions in the fields of image processing, spectral and multimodal sensor technology, and optical 2D/3D sensor technology, particularly using artificial intelligence. Technology services for system feasibility studies, complex system testing, and robot applications are also available on request.

3D-Sensing
- High-speed / Real-time-3D-Sensing
- Deflectometry
- In-line-Sensing
Spectral / multimodal Sensing
- Multi-aperture camera systems
- Multi-spectral cameras
- Imaging fiber sensors
- 5D-cameras
Image processing & AI

3D-Sensing, Spectral / multimodal Sensing, Image processing & AI: a person stands in front of a technological device with 3 lenses. A screen can be seen above the device on which the face and the upper body of the person is shown in different colors. — © Fraunhofer IOF
SWIR-3D-Sensor, consisting of SWIR-cameras and an illumination unit that enables the unambiguous assignment of object points to the pixels.

Surface and Coating Characterization

In the field of surface and layer system characterization, comprehensive expertise and a measurement technology platform have been developed, driven by work on the development of optical components and systems, including coatings. This includes systems and methods for analyzing nano- and microstructures, optical and functional properties - in particular highly sensitive methods for determining optical losses such as scattered light and absorption - as well as the elucidation of structure-property relationships. Customer-specific system solutions and investigation programs are developed to efficiently support the development of functional surfaces, thin coatings and materials. A comprehensive pool of measurement and evaluation tools is available for this purpose.

Analysis of nano- and microstructures on surfaces and coatings
Application-related roughness analysis using white light interferometry, atomic force microscopy
Scattered light and absorption measurement and analysis according to ISO (EUV-VIS-IR)
Scattered light method for surface inspection (defects, roughness)
Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis
Functional properties (e.g. adhesive strength, abrasion resistance, environmental resistance, wetting)

Analysis of nano- and microstructures, roughness analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis: a person is holding a tablet. In front of her is a device with a kind of gripper arm. At the end of the arm is a sensor that analyzes the surface of a concave metal mirror. — © Fraunhofer IOF
Efficient and scalable surface inspection for roughness, defects and contamination using compact scattered light sensors.

Bio-Photonic Sensors

Miniaturized optical systems are being developed for applications in healthcare, life science, nature and the environment. These are characterized in particular by high portability and increased throughput.

Bio-photonic sensors (label-free or fluorescence/luminescence-based)
Scattered light-based cell analytics
Miniaturized microscopic imaging
Spectral imaging and sensing
Microfluidic components and systems
Quantum-based detection

Bio-photonic sensors, cell analysis, microscopic imaging, microfluidics, quantum-based detection: mini devices the size of cents and euro coins are connected with orange cables. A purple light diode can be seen in the devices. — © Fraunhofer IOF
Combined microoptical-microfluidic system for image-based cell sorting with sequential multicolor fluorescence imaging.

Fiber Sensing

Omnifunctional, quantum-inspired fiber sensors are being developed at the IOF. These fiber sensors are a novel, holistic approach to solving complex sensory problems with the help of optical fibers, the relevant measurement technology and innovative self-learning software.

The highly efficient fiber- and quantum-based sensors can be used in medical technology to provide early support for diagnostic recommendations as well as on construction sites, such as in tunnel construction, to detect temperature developments or vibrations.

Fiber optic sensors are being used in more and more industries such as healthcare, automotive, consumer goods and energy due to their durability and reliability compared to electrical sensors.

Intrinsic fiber optic sensors
Extrinsic fiber optic sensors

Microchip laser for use in spectroscopy: a golden plate with holes. On it are three bright green, glowing rectangles. Current is passed through the left rectangle. This is converted into a laser beam, which is passed through all three rectangles. — © Fraunhofer IOF
Q-switched sub-picosecond microchip laser system for use in spectroscopy, among other things.

Cooperation with the Fraunhofer IOF

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF develops solutions with light - from its generation and manipulation to its use as a sensor and tool. Depending on the order, we support our customers along the entire process chain or in individual process steps - from the design to the production of components, the assembly of opto-mechanical or opto-electronic systems to holistic characterization.

In close coordination, we support our customers on request from their initial questions through to market launch. We also take on the transfer of results and developments into the processes of our partners and customers in the form of personnel training or technology transfer.

In addition to contract research, we also offer individual services such as the functional coating of surfaces, material and component testing, ultra-precision machining of components, high-speed 3D measurements and the construction of customized components and special machines. In addition, the institute holds a large number of patents on optical technologies and developments, for which we offer various licensing models. We provide information on current technological trends and developments in individual training courses and workshop formats.

Further information on our services can be found on the corresponding technology pages.