The Chemical and Optical Sensing Division develops chemical sensors, microfluidic systems, and optical and mass spectrometric methods. 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 intelligent detection strategies.

Our chemical sensors are based on micro/nanoparticles and thin films that are specifically functionalized with respect to the analyte in question.

Our endeavours in instrument development aim at miniaturization, parallelization and hyphenation of methods, encompassing both optical methods such as fluorescence, Raman and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as well as mass spectrometry and ion mobility spectrometry under atmospheric pressure conditions.

Instrument-based detection strategies are developed in tandem with theoretical modelling and imaging characterisation. We apply simple methods such as the use of test strips or microfluidic chips to implement our chemical sensors.