Novel sensor principles and their combination in complex measurement systems

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander W. Koch

Research and Development at the Institute for Measurement Systems and Sensor Technology are related to novel sensor principles and their combination in complex measurement systems. Some of these measurement systems are applicable in the field of nanotechnology. Major research topics include:

Laser-based Measurement Techniques and Speckle Holography

Recent technical developments provide the basis for the concept of interferometric measurement systems for three-dimensional high-precision detection of surface structures. Optical measurement offers non-contact quality control even in environments where conventional sensors are not applicable.

Surface measurement using a speckle interferometer

Infrared Fourier Spectroscopy

A further field of activity is related to the investigation of gases and fluids using optical measurement methods based on FTIR spectroscopy. Predominant application fields include environmental monitoring, medical diagnostic systems, and safety-relevant surveillance missions.

Fibre Optic Sensors

The technological progress in the area of optical fibres enables new sensor concepts and measurement systems. Fibre optic sensors having a dimension of a few hundreds of microns are adapted for recording spectrally encoded distributed temperature profiles and strain signals e.g. in structural monitoring applications. In addition to that, sensors for the measurands distance, vibration and elongation are under investigation.