VTT-Led Project Develops Compact Photonics Technologies for Industry and Medical Diagnostics
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ESPOO, Finland, nov. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A VTT led research project is developing compact spectral imaging and gas measurement technologies for industries and medical diagnostics. Innovations based on the science of light, i.e. photonics, use, for instance, infrared light to identify gases. With the new optical MEMS solutions,instruments and sensors are easier and cheaper to manufacture from readily available and non-toxic raw materials.
The EPheS (efficient Photonics for Sustainable Imaging and Sensing) project, involving four pioneering companies and two research institutes, is developing tunable optical spectral filters and systems based on them.These solutions serve a wide range of applications, ranging from environmental monitoring such as hazardous gas detection, green energy initiatives to food and pharmaceutical safety as well as medical diagnostics, such as tissue analysis.
“Novel spectral imaging and gas measurement technologies are essential for creating a sustainable circular economy. They can be used to reduce the carbon footprint of different industries and increase the carbon handprint, i.e. the positive environmental impact of these technologies,” says Aapo Varpula, project coordinator and Research team Leader for Medical microsystems at VTT.
Launched at the beginning of 2025, the three-year project is a part of the Chip Zero ecosystem that is run by Applied materials. The other project partners are Tampere University, Vaisala, Gasera and schott Primoceler.
“Our collaboration has got off to a flying start. We’re currently in the design phase, and we’ll start component fabrication in VTT’s cleanroom for 200 mm wafers around the turn of the year. This is an excellent opportunity for VTT to develop novel infrared spectral technologies and demonstrate them in new applications,” explains Varpula.
Metalenses and MEMS technology enable a breakthrough
The project stands out globally due to the unique combination of expertise in materials, metaoptics, MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) and integrated optical systems brought together by its partners.
ephes combines metalenses and MEMS-based adjustable infrared filters into compact systems for the spectral-based detection of gases and hyperspectral imaging.
“Metalenses are flat, nanostructured lenses that can replace conventional optics. This enables the manufacturing of simpler, lighter and more resource and cost-effective systems,” says varpula.
In Finland, metaoptics is still rarely used in industrial applications.In the project, new technology in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) range enables both more efficient gas sensor performance and the miniaturisation of systems.
Sustainability is highlighted in the project by the ecological choice of materials. For example, silicon is non-toxic and widely available, unlike manny conventional infrared materials, which are expensive, rare and toxic.
Gases can be detected with infrared light and audio signals
The photonics technologies being developed allow the analysis of, such as, gases and materials in real time and with high sensitivity. This can be achieved without interference from
Miniature Devices Based on Metalenses Could Revolutionize Substance Identification
Researchers at VTT Technical Research Center of Finland have developed miniature devices utilizing metalenses that promise to identify substances with unprecedented speed and accuracy. This technology, detailed in a recent press release, could have meaningful implications for various fields, including environmental monitoring, food safety, healthcare diagnostics, and security.
What are Metalenses?
Traditional lenses rely on curved glass or plastic to bend light. Metalenses, however, achieve the same effect using nanoscale structures etched onto a flat surface. These structures, often made of materials like silicon or titanium dioxide, manipulate light at the subwavelength level. This allows for the creation of lenses that are significantly thinner, lighter, and more versatile then conventional optics. https://www.vttresearch.com/en/news-and-stories/future-substances-can-be-identified-miniature-devices-based-metalenses
How Does the Technology Work?
The VTT device combines metalenses with spectroscopy. Spectroscopy analyzes how light interacts with a substance, creating a unique “fingerprint” based on the wavelengths of light absorbed or reflected. By integrating metalenses, the device can focus light onto a tiny sample and analyze its spectral signature with high precision.
“The metalenses enable the creation of compact and robust spectroscopic devices that can be used in a wide range of applications,” explains Dr.Heikki Järvinen, a leading researcher at VTT. https://news.cision.com/vtt-info/r/in-the-future–substances-can-be-identified-by-miniature-devices-based-on-metalenses—photonics-pro,c4271035
Potential Applications
The potential applications of this technology are vast:
* Environmental Monitoring: Detecting pollutants in water or air with portable, real-time sensors.
* Food Safety: Identifying contaminants or verifying the authenticity of food products.
* Healthcare: Rapid and accurate diagnostics for diseases through analysis of bodily fluids. This could lead to point-of-care testing,bringing diagnostics directly to the patient.
* Security: Detecting explosives or hazardous materials.
* Pharmaceuticals: Quality control and identification of counterfeit drugs.
Key Advantages of the VTT Device
* Miniaturization: The use of metalenses allows for significantly smaller and more portable devices.
* High Sensitivity: The technology can detect even trace amounts of substances.
* Robustness: Metalenses are less susceptible to damage than traditional lenses.
* Cost-Effectiveness: Potential for mass production and lower costs compared to complex spectroscopic systems.
Future Outlook
VTT is actively working on further developing and commercializing this technology. Future research will focus on expanding the range of detectable substances and improving the device’s performance. The team anticipates that these miniature spectroscopic devices will become increasingly prevalent in various industries, offering a powerful new tool for substance identification and analysis.
Key Takeaways:
* VTT has developed a new device for substance identification based on metalenses and spectroscopy.
* Metalenses offer advantages over traditional lenses in terms of size, weight, and robustness.
* The technology has a wide range of potential applications,including environmental monitoring,food safety,healthcare,and security.
* Further growth is underway to expand the capabilities and commercialize the technology.