Chemical and Optical Sensing
Division 1.9
The Chemical and Optical Sensing Division develops chemical and biochemical sensors and rapid tests. It focuses on the sensitive, selective detection of organic, inorganic, and biochemical species, including hazardous substances. We combine fundamental and application-oriented knowledge to develop smart detection strategies.
Our chemical sensors are based on micro-/nanoparticles and thin films that are specifically functionalized with indicators, biochemical or polymeric recognition elements targeting the analyte in question. Our instrumental development aim at miniaturisation, method coupling and multiplexing and includes methods such as microfluidics and lateral flow assays for sample handling as well as optical and electrochemical methods (fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, electrochemiluminescence) for detection.
The development of chemical detection strategies is accompanied by theoretical modelling. For the implementation of our sensor chemistry, we pursue simple approaches such as test strips or microfluidic chips.
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Fields of expertise
- Modelling, synthesis, functionalisation and application of chemical receptors, indicator dyes and sensor materials
- Modelling, simulation, and engineering of optical devices
- Design of signal amplification and multiplexing processes
- Development and realisation of method coupling of different detection processes
- Design and fabrication of microfluidic chips
- Embedding and implementation
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Main activities
- Particle and thin film-based sensor systems
- Functional dyes for chemical analysis
- Optical signal amplification strategies
- Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs)
- Multimodal labels for surface analysis
- Microarray scanning
- Flow cytometry
- Lateral flow assays
- Test strips
- Method coupling in sensor technology
- Microfluidic systems
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Range of services/technical equipment
- Variable and modular ultra-short pulse laser setup for applications such as time-resolved fluorescence measurement and cavity ring-down spectroscopy
- High-resolution three-colour fluorescence scanner
- Two- or three-colour multi-channel flow cytometers
- Environment for parallel syntheses and workups
- Chip fabrication environment
- UV/Vis and fluorescence spectrometers
- Transmission electron microscope
- Micro-elemental analyser
- Optical contact angle measuring and contour analysis system
- Electrochemiluminescence measurement setup
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Publications of the division
In the database PUBLICA you will find publications by BAM employees.
Publications of the division Chemical and Optical Sensing in PUBLICA
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Dr. rer. nat. Knut Rurack
