Research

Purpose of the research project:

• Research of miniaturized, highly integrated and inexpensive optical sensors

Fraunhofer IIS:

• Design and simulation of the spectral characteristics of filter
  
• IC-Design of sensors
  
• Optical characteristic of the realized multispectral sensors

The detection of chemical substances at trace amounts can be a difficult task that requires typically laboratory equipment and skilled technical support. In this European research project, we develop with partners a miniature automated laboratory system for autonomous operation in harsh conditions. This system is projected to detect specific chemical substances at concentration levels in the range of the micro-mole per liter in the waste water.

The Fraunhofer IIS focuses on the design of a readout ASIC for chemical sensors and the development of energy harvesters for the sewage environment. The implementation of bias and readout electronics for chemical sensors with a low-power integrated-circuit technology is the key to the success of the project.

Nanowire-based MEMS sensors allow for further miniaturization of inertial sensors while maintaining high levels of performance. In the NIRVANA-FP7 research project, Fraunhofer IIS has developed application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for the measurement of MEMS inertial sensors. Thanks to new circuit concepts, the researchers were able to achieve extremely low energy consumption for usage in smartphones and medical implants.