The QUANTIFISEN Alliance has successfully developed new fiber and quantum-based sensor technologies, further establishing Thuringia as a center for specialized fiber optic technology.
Thuringia has a long tradition of developing advanced sensor technology, especially in optical technology.
With the support of the RUBIN (Regional Entrepreneurial Alliances for Innovation) funding program, 11 companies and two research institutes have joined the QUANTIFISENS Alliance over the past three years and have remained at the forefront of global innovation.
With 12 million euros in funding, they developed a new sensor based primarily on special glass fibers.
Why is sensor technology so important in the digital age?
Sensor technology is the silent hero of the AI era. Sensor technology gives people and machines unprecedented insight into the world around us and even within us.
Therefore, it is important to develop new technologies for small, highly accurate, and durable sensors.
Fraunhofer IOF researchers have drawn on decades of experience in such projects, both in technology development, collaboration with industry partners and technology transfer.
The technology portfolio is extensive and in addition to application-specific specialty fibers, quantum imaging methods have also been developed for QUANTIFISENS.
“Effective knowledge transfer between research and industry is our competitive advantage. Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is a world leader in this field,” says Dr. Stefanie Hesse-Oertelt, Senior Research and Development Coordinator of the QUANTIFISENS Alliance.
Distinguishing between noise and temperature changes
Optical fibers are primarily used for viewing, or at least for transmitting light signals. However, optical fibers can also detect acoustic signals.
The reason for this is that even the slightest vibration changes the transmitted optical signal. Using appropriate measurement techniques, these signals are evaluated and changes in the environment around the fiber are calculated.
Fraunhofer IOF and a team of communication equipment suppliers working on the QUANTIFISENS project have successfully detected and differentiated noise and temperature changes simultaneously.
Special fibers were developed for this purpose and incorporated into cables. When these cables are laid inside a building, they can “listen” via their respective fibers whether there is tension in the concrete or whether there is a fire, for example.
Rethinking medical imaging
One of the highlights of this project was the development of a self-navigating imaging fiber probe for use in the operating room.
This allows the doctor to visualize the tissue during surgery. Laser illumination and three imaging modes allow visualization of different tissue types.
Additionally, small changes in the laser beam can be used to measure the degree and direction of fiber bending. Thanks to modern calibration methods combined with AI data evaluation, the probe always “knows” its position.
New sensor technology must be sustainable
Sustained economic innovation requires strong networks along the value chain.
This is exactly what was achieved with the QUANTIFISENS project. The partners have not only developed a sensor technology platform, but also a strong regional network.
The new exploitation phase transforms the results into products. Discussions have already begun about a follow-up project in which hardware and software manufacturers will work closely together.
Overall, QUANTIFISENS will have an impact far beyond the project period and will strengthen Thuringia’s role as a hub for future photonics technologies.
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