Optical Spectroscopy

Head: Univ. Prov. Dr. Max E. Lippitsch

The Group has been engaged in research in the field of modern optics and time-resolved spectroscopy for more than 20 years. The work extends from ultrafast spectroscopy of biomolecules to technological applications of luminescence decay time techniques. The first lifetime-based optical sensor ever published was developed in this group.

Research activities can be grouped in the following major categories:

(1) Basic research on

• fluorescence decay time measurements on novel fluorescent materials
• behavior of fluorescent molecules in membranes
• basic investigations of mechanisms for ion sensing
• novel sensing schemes (anisotropy, nonlinear optics)

(2) Sensor optics

• capillary waveguides
• inhomogeneous waveguide sensors
• distributed sensors

(3) Development of sensor elements for

• force / pressure
• temperature
• oxygen
• CO₂
• pH
• ions (phosphate, nitrate, sodium, potassium ....)

(4) Development of lifetime sensor instrumentation

• low-cost devices for field measurements
• autonomous monitoring systems
• lifetime imaging devices

Advantages of Luminescence lifetime sensors:

Optical sensors based on luminescence lifetime are a promising alternative because of the following features:

• proven long-term performance
• maintenance-free
• calibration-free
• no analyte conssumption
• negligible impact on the environment
• low cost
• no interference from electrical and magnetical fields

Possible applications:

• marine and environmental monitoring: 

  To achieve a progress in operational forecasting of the seas and oceans, there is a strong need for a world-wide system of ocean-monitoring stations. None of the standard electrochemical sensors, however, fulfils the criteria for long-term autonomous monitoring. The properties of luminescence lifetime sensors provide the possibility for the use in unattended monitoring systems, floating buoys, unmanned platforms, and voluntary observing ships.

• medical diagnostics:
  
  Medical diagnostics is facing a number of new challenges: Better medical sevices for increasing number of people, intensive care, homecare, emergency medicine. Optical sensors may provide a multitude of versatile diagnostic instruments that can be manufactures rather inexpensively and used conveniently.