Fiber-optical sensors and imaging technologies are being increasingly employed in the fight against disease, environmental pollution, and climate change. Key to this development is the use of powerful and broadband laser sources, such as the supercontinuum “white-light” laser.

Bio and health technologies are becoming increasingly important in the fight against, for example, cancer and skin diseases. The Fiber Sensors & Supercontinuum Group at DTU Fotonik develops key technologies for detecting, imaging and diagnosing major deceases such as cancer, diabetes, glaucoma, psoriasis, stress, and atherosclerosis.

Optical imaging based on supercontinuum light is used for screening of skin cancer patients, mapping tissue chemistry, and inspection of industrial coatings. Optical fiber sensors have use in for example monitoring neural brain activity in Alzheimer patients, aqua culture health in fish farms, greenhouse gas emissions from ships, and structural parameters such as strain and humidity for construction.

High quality images for faster diagnosis

We work with the infrared light, finding the ideal wavelengths and optical crystal fibres and laser technology. We draw on extensive knowledge of physics, optics and advanced laser technology, combined with deep clinical knowledge of e.g. skin cancer and imaging. We apply this to help for example skin cancer patients to get a faster diagnosis and the right treatment. The technology/research aims at creating ultra-high-quality skin images at rapid speed.

Imaging equipment in large scale

We also go big and develop sensor systems and imaging equipment for large scale industrial monitoring of e.g. concrete structures in the construction industry and coatings and paints on different size structures ranging from the chips in your credit card to huge container ships.

Our technology helps to cut energy consumption and monitor green energy production plants, such as wind mills and turbines.

About Imaging

Mid-infrared light is invisible to the human eye, but it can be used for OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) imaging.

The wavelength of the infrared light determines what the light can be used for, as absorption of the light by the materials varies for the different wavelengths.

We develop OCT systems that use infrared light with the following wavelengths:

• 1.3-2 μm: Can penetrate a few millimetres into the skin. Suitable for diagnosing skin cancers.
• 4-7 μm: Can ‘shine’ through hard materials, such as ceramics and plastics. Can be used to detect irregularities in products such as aluminium coffee capsules, pills, and credit cards.
• 3-12 μm: These mid-infrared light wavelengths are also known as the molecular fingerprint band. It is possible to identify specific molecules using these wavelengths. Undesirable substances like pollution in air, soil and food can be detected.