Innovative Materials and Sensing at innoFSPEC Potsdam focuses on the development and application of advanced photonic materials and nanoscale systems for chemical and biological sensing. The goal is to design and integrate functional materials that interact with light in new ways — enabling more sensitive, selective, and versatile detection methods.
Our research combines materials science, photonics, and nanotechnology to create sensing platforms that operate with unprecedented precision, even at the single-molecule level. By tailoring optical, electronic, and structural properties at the nanoscale, we develop new concepts for light–matter interaction, signal enhancement, and molecular recognition.
A key direction is the integration of functional nanostructures — such as DNA-based assemblies, nanoparticles, or fluorescent markers — into optical systems like fibers or waveguides. These hybrid systems open pathways to next-generation chemical and biosensors, capable of operating in complex environments and addressing challenges in life sciences, environmental monitoring, and process analytics.
Through this interdisciplinary approach, innoFSPEC advances both fundamental understanding and applied innovation, bridging the gap between materials research, photonics, and sensing technology.