Optical Sciences (OS)

 

The Optical science group strives to exploit the creation, manipulation and control of light and its interaction with matter to develop novel techniques and devices. In particular, we are very interested in the development of novel spectroscopic and microscopic tools and integrated photonic devices to be used for early diagnostics of diseases. Key words are: sensing, Raman, spectroscopy, microscopy, integration of active-passive material platforms, novel active materials, on-chip amplifiers, novel on-chip lasers.

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Linear and nonlinear microscopy and spectroscopy


Herman Offerhaus

We explore linear and nonlinear interactions of light and matter and exploit the (phase) characteristics to extract useful information. Applications include label-free imaging of pharmaceutics and tissue, analysis of (ground) water electrolytes, detection of pathogens.  The research focused on the use of nonlinear optical interaction to detect and control small amounts of specific molecules without using fluorescent labels. This was expanded to include microscopy and integrated sensing and detection. Most recently it expanded into pharmaceutical and medical imaging.

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Integrated optical sciences


Sonia García Blanco

In the fast emerging field of Integrated Optics, our research focusses on Active Nanophotonic Devices: development of novel on-chip active devices (lasers and amplifiers) based on heterogeneous integration of rare-earth doped gain materials on passive photonic platforms, Integrated Optical Sensors and novel devices based on the combination of plasmonics and integrated optic.

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 Active phase shaping and femtosecond spectroscopy


Jennifer Herek

Active control of the amplitude and phase of femtosecond light pulses allows us to create optical melodies. Such tailored pulse shapes can be fine tuned to specific electronic and vibrational response of a molecule to control its behavior in real time. We are pursuing applications in spectroscopy, medical diagnostics or treatment and the optimization of solar cell materials.

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The history of Optical Sciences

The history of the Optical Sciences group started in 1986, when the faculty of Physics of the University of Twente decided to boost their expertise in optical techniques.

Professor Bouwe Bølger started the group under the name Opto-Elektronische Meetmethoden (OEM), with main research topics non-linear optics and optical scanning probe techniques.

With the retirement of prof. Bølger in 1991, Niek van Hulst was appointed as professor with strong emphasis on near field optical microscopy and single molecule detection. The group was renamed to Optical Techniques.

In 2006, professor Jennifer Herek was attracted to lead the group. The focus of the group became more divers, which is reflected in the name Optical Sciences. In 2013, the group was merged with a division of the former Integrated Optical Micro Systems (IOMS) group as a result of a reorganization of the faculty of Electrical Engineering. This subgroup, led by Sonia Garcia Blanco, focusses on novel materials and applications for optical waveguide devices.

From 2017 the chair-holder of the group is associate professor H.L. Offerhaus. As professor Jennifer Herek is more involved in the Atlas college, the importance for optics research by the faculty is emphasized by a vacancy for a new group leader.