The QUANTIFISEN alliance has successfully developed new fibre- and quantum-based sensor technologies and further established the state of Thuringia as a centre for specialised optical fibre technologies.
Thuringia has a long tradition of developing sophisticated sensor technologies, especially in optical technologies.
Supported by the RUBIN (Regional Entrepreneurial Alliances for Innovation) funding programme, eleven companies and two research institutions have joined forces in the QUANTIFISENS alliance over the past three years to remain at the forefront of global innovation.
With €12m in funding, they have developed novel sensors based primarily on special glass fibres.
Why are sensor technologies so important in a digital age?
Sensor technologies are the silent heroes of the AI age: they give people and machines unprecedented insights into the world around us and even within us.
Therefore, it’s important to develop new technologies for small, precise, and durable sensors.
Researchers at Fraunhofer IOF have drawn on decades of experience in projects such as these – both in technology development and in collaboration with industry partners and technology transfer.
The technology portfolio is broad: in addition to application-specific special fibres, quantum imaging methods were also developed for QUANTIFISENS.
“Effective knowledge transfer between research and industry is our competitive advantage. The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft is a global leader in this field,” stated Dr Stephanie Hesse-Ertelt, senior research and development coordinator of the QUANTIFISENS alliance.
Distinguishing noise and temperature changes
Fibre optics is mostly used for seeing, or at least for transmitting optical signals. However, fibre optics can also detect acoustic signals.
The reason is that even the smallest vibrations alter the transmitted optical signals. Using appropriate measurement technology, these signals are evaluated, and changes in the environment surrounding the fibres are calculated.
The teams from Fraunhofer IOF and a telecommunications equipment supplier working on the QUANTIFISENS project have succeeded in simultaneously detecting and distinguishing between noise and temperature changes.
Special fibres were developed for this purpose and installed together in a cable. These cables can be laid in a building and “hear” via the respective fibre whether there is tension in the concrete or, for example, whether a fire has broken out.
Reimagining medical imaging
One highlight of the project was the development of a self-navigating, imaging fibre probe for use in the operating room.
This allows doctors to visualise tissue during surgery. Laser illumination and three imaging modes enable visualisation of different tissue types.
In addition, small changes in the laser beam can be used to measure the degree and direction of fibre bending. Thanks to modern calibration methods in conjunction with AI-supported data evaluation, the probe always “knows” where it is.
New sensor technologies must be sustainable
To bring innovation to the economy sustainably, strong networks along the value chain are needed.
This is exactly what was achieved in the QUANTIFISENS project – the partners not only developed a sensor technology platform, but also a strong regional network.
During the new exploitation phase, the results are to be translated into products. Discussions are already underway about follow-up projects in which hardware and software manufacturers will work closely together.
Overall, QUANTIFISENS will have an impact far beyond the project period and strengthen Thuringia’s role as a location for future photonic technologies.