Skip to main content

Finland’s VTT technology miniaturises measuring devices

According to Finland’s VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, technology developed by the centre makes it possible to miniaturise an entire measuring laboratory to the size of a small sensor. Using the technology, the Fabry project at VTT has developed smart optical measuring devices for uses that include optimisation of vehicle engines, reduction and monitoring of environmental emissions, and quality control of pharmaceuticals. Participants in the Fabry project to develop spectroscopic sensor devi
May 13, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
According to Finland’s 814 VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, technology developed by the centre makes it possible to miniaturise an entire measuring laboratory to the size of a small sensor.

Using the technology, the Fabry project at VTT has developed Smart optical measuring devices for uses that include optimisation of vehicle engines, reduction and monitoring of environmental emissions, and quality control of pharmaceuticals.

Participants in the Fabry project to develop spectroscopic sensor devices based on novel Fabry-Perot interferometers included 260 Continental Automotive, 536 Sick, 7745 Innopharma Labs, 7746 Ocean Optics, 7747 Murata Electronics, Rikola, 7748 Okmetic and VTT Memsfab.

So far, two of the companies involved have launched new products of their own based on the project results. Rikola of Finland has developed the world’s smallest hyperspectral camera, which can be used for surveying fertilisation and irrigation needs in agricultural areas from unmanned aerial vehicles, while the Irish Innopharma Labs manufactures Eyemap cameras for the pharmaceutical industry.

VTT is also in the process of establishing a spin-off company based on the, which it expects to launch in May 2014.

“Apart from new business operations, optical measurement technology also has an impact on employment. In the long run, this could create dozens, or maybe even hundreds of new jobs in Finland,” says Jarkko Antila, senior scientist at VTT, who has been coordinating the project.

The Fabry-Perot interferometer makes use of multiple reflections between two closely spaced partially silvered surfaces. Part of the light is transmitted each time the light reaches the second surface, resulting in multiple offset beams which can interfere with each other. The large number of interfering rays produces an interferometer with extremely high resolution, somewhat like the multiple slits of a diffraction grating increase its resolution.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Reducing detection costs benefits intersection management
    February 3, 2012
    The continuing, favourable performance-versus-cost situation concerning detection and monitoring technologies is driving the proliferation of intelligence across road networks. The effective and safe management of intersections is a focus for network operators and systems manufacturers alike. The most complicated of road environments, and statistically among the least safe, intersections enjoy particular emphasis in longer-term work on cooperative infrastructure solutions. However there are current developm
  • Teledyne Dalsa's cameras feature Sony polarised image sensor
    April 16, 2018
    Teledyne Dalsa has launched its Genie Nano-M2450-Polarised camera built around Sony's Pregius 5.1M polarised image sensor. The model features a monochrome quad polarisation filter, resolution of 2448 x 2048 pixels and aims to deliver an image capture of 35 frames-per-second. The product also utilises the company's TurboDrive technology with the intention of increasing frame rates by up to 50%. Additionally, the device is said to offer polarisation for both area and line scan (Piranha(TM)4 polarization)
  • Sony focuses on ITS applications
    May 20, 2012
    Sony is exhibiting the latest addition to its lineup of high definition block cameras designed for intelligent transportation applications. The FCB-EH3150 delivers cost-effective colour HD imaging and high sensitivity for challenging low light environments.
  • Cellint measures speed and travel time without roadside infrastructure
    April 10, 2014
    Collecting speed and travel time data without using roadside infrastructure could offer new possibilities to cash-strapped road authorities. Streaming video may be useful for traffic controllers to monitor incidents and automatic number plate recognition may be required for enforcement, but neither are necessary for many ITS functions. For instance travel times, tailbacks, percentage of vehicles turning, origin and destination analysis can all be done using Bluetooth and/or WI-Fi sensors and without video o