Limits of today's spectroradiometers

Spectroradiometers are used in many scientific and industrial applications where the spectral properties of light need to be precisely analysed - from HDR display and projector manufacturing and the lighting industry to photovoltaics, materials science, environmental technology, the food industry, pharmaceuticals, medicine and diagnostics.

The PANDIA project aims to develop a new generation of spectroradiometers that are significantly more sensitive, faster and more robust than today's devices. Until now, manufacturers have relied on standard line sensors purchased internationally. These are limited by high dark current, long measurement times and the use of mechanical shutters. In addition, there is a lack of tailor-made solutions for growing requirements, for example in HDR display production, lighting technology or pharmaceutical quality control.

Novel integrated sensor technology for spectroradiometers

PANDIA's innovation lies in the development of application-specific CMOS line sensor ICs in the German Land of Thüringen. Two novel approaches are being pursued. Firstly, photodiode-based sensors with integrated electronic dark reference are being developed to replace the mechanical shutter, halve the measurement time and increase robustness. Secondly, photon-counting sensors based on single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) are being developed that reliably detect even extremely weak light sources, thus significantly expanding the dynamic range. In addition, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and temperature sensors are integrated directly into the chip in both approaches to increase measurement accuracy and reduce external electronics.

IMMS contribution

IMMS contributes its expertise in the design, simulation, layout, commissioning and characterisation of integrated optoelectronic circuits. It develops the sensor ICs, optimises dark current compensation and binning strategies, and supports integration into laboratory samples.

Unique feature

The solutions being developed in the project are technologically unique: they will combine high sensitivity, short measurement times and robust electronics in a compact, cooled sensor module. This will create a unique selling point for Thüringen – a closed regional value chain from semiconductor manufacturing to market-ready spectroradiometers.