Tissue Optics

Knowledge of the optical properties of tissue and the propagation of light forms the basis for the optimal design of optical devices for medicine. With its diverse measurement setups and comprehensive theoretical expertise, the ILM is one of the world's leading institutes in this field.

Spektroskopie

Spectroscopy can be used to obtain information about the composition of the tissue, or quantitatively, if the light propagation is known. The ILM has equipment and know-how on the most common forms of spectroscopy (absorption, fluorescence, Raman).

Biophysics

For the optimization of therapeutical methods and equipment such as lasers, ultrasound or HF devices, we measure and model physical effects, such as ablation as well as thermal and mechanical effects. If required, we also develop special measuring devices adapted to the problem, e.g. for the strength of tissue connections.

Biology

The ILM has a histology laboratory for the analysis of tissue effects. We charactarize in modern cell culture laboratories the effect of laser light, phototherapeutics, other substances, and carrier materials in two- and three-dimensional cell cultures. The CAM transplantation model (chorioallantoic membrane of the incubated chicken egg) is available to us as an in vivo test environment.

Development

From the idea of a new diagnostic or therapeutic method to the first basic experiments and the optical design of the serial device, we at the ILM have already successfully carried out a large number of development projects. We can produce functional models for the first in vivo tests in our own workshops.

Examples

• Laser systems (3µ-laser; diode laser), incl. beam delivery systems and applicators
• Sensors for online thermal control (laser, HF process)
• Equipment for quantitative medical diagnostics
• Software for light and heat propagation (skin; teeth)