In the latest podcast from “Chip Happens,” Jakob Reck, project manager in the Hybrid Integration and Sensor Technology (Hybrid PIC's) department at the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI), talks about a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to change environmental analysis: photonic biosensors. Under the title “How light-based chips are revolutionizing water analysis,” he provides exciting insights into the research being conducted at HHI and explains how light is used for the precise detection of pollutants and biological contaminants.
Photonics biosensors are based on the interaction of light with biological materials. By integrating these sensors on micro-optical chips, even the smallest concentrations of substances in water can be reliably and quickly detected, it is a decisive advance for environmental monitoring, drinking water analysis, and industrial applications. The sensors use light waves in microchips to precisely analyze the composition of liquids – without the need for traditional chemicals or color reactions.
For several years now, Jakob Reck's team has been researching the miniaturization and integration of optical sensor technology into compact, robust platforms. The combination of photonics and microfluidics not only enables high sensitivity, but also automated and mobile application – for example, directly on site in water bodies or production facilities. The photonic sensors developed by Fraunhofer HHI are currently being used in industry-oriented research projects, e.g., as part of the RUBIN consortium PolyChrome Berlin.
“Our photonic chips are not only precise, but also scalable and cost-efficient,” explains Reck in the podcast. “This opens up completely new possibilities for real-time monitoring of water quality – without the need for costly laboratory analysis.”
The podcast with Jakob Reck is now available in German at Spotify and Apple Podcasts and offers an inspiring look behind the scenes of applied photonics research at Fraunhofer HHI.
You can read more about the RUBIN consortium PolyChrome Berlin project here.