Business from technology

Optical instrumentation

Research content

VTT is one of the largest R&D contractors in the development of on-line optical analysers in the world, with over 60 experts in optical engineering and measurement technologies, process analysis and modelling, optoelectronics, machine vision, image analysis, and high precision optomechanics.

We have expertise in the whole development cycle of optical instruments ranging from measurement principles and quick prototyping for on-line feasibility studies to final product development. Our mission is to provide superior research and development services for both the process measurement and control system suppliers and the end-users. Our competencies cover spectroscopy technologies such as UV, fluorescence, IR, NIR, and Raman. Additionally, VTT has wide experience in developing advanced machine vision and camera systems for on-line measurement purposes. Our areas of expertise include imaging components, illumination techniques, image processing and analysis, software algorithms, visualisation and calibration methods.

Applications

We create and transfer the latest optical measurement technology for a variety of industries, including pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, steel, chemical, food and beverage, space and aviation, military, optoelectronics, and electronics. The application area for optical measurement technologies is very broad. Spectroscopy technologies are widely used in monitoring moisture, chemical reaction, raw material identification and measuring some specific features of products like coating thickness.

VTT’s machine vision technologies are used mainly for high accuracy 3D measurement applications such as dimension and form, surface topography technologies, particle size and quality inspection in on-line industrial applications. Our expertise also includes some specific technologies for colour measurements and imaging applications.

Future prospects

VTT’s research will be focused on fast 3-D process inspection systems for topography, chemical imaging, hand-held analysers, low-cost sensor technologies, biosensors and optomechanical engineering. These areas seem to have a growing interest among process industry and instrument vendors. The integration level of optical devices and the need for low-cost, robust optical sensors will be the main key drivers of VTT’s research in the near future.

Resources

VTT has more than 60 experts working in the research and development of optical instrumentation. We have capabilities for feasibility studies, proof-pf concept development and also for simulating, designing and manufacturing advanced optical measurement systems and sensors. We also have a broad understanding of optical measurements feasibility for industrial quality inspections. Our laboratories cover high sophisticated 3-D design software for optics, mechanics and electronics, but we also have our own prototyping facilities which are needed in the construction of advanced optical instruments. VTT also has its own clean room facilities in Espoo (MicroNova) and Oulu (MicroModule Centre) and well-equipped high-precision optomechanical facilities (PMC centre).