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Nano Optics Lab

Need to understand optical behaviour at the nanoscale, measure particle size in suspensions or resolve fast emission dynamics? The Nano Optics Laboratory combines nanoscale infrared analysis, light scattering and time-resolved spectroscopy with SDU expertise.

Start the collaboration today

Understand Your Materials Better with Advanced Nanoscale Characterization

The Nano Optics Laboratory helps companies investigate chemical, optical and dynamic properties that cannot be resolved with conventional microscopy or standard spectroscopy. We support nanoscale chemical mapping, particle and aggregate characterisation, and measurements of fast fluorescence, luminescence and other light-driven processes.

Companies can use the laboratory to understand material heterogeneity, optimise nanoparticles and dispersions, compare optical materials and investigate changes caused by processing or ageing. Our researchers help select the right method, perform the measurements and translate complex data into clear conclusions that support product development, troubleshooting and R&D.

Laboratory manager 

Jacek Fiutowski 
Associate Professor  
SDU NanoSyd 
Mads Clausen Institutet (MCI)

Contact and book here

How Nano Optics Lab can help you

  • Chemical differences in nanostructures, thin films or small defects can be hidden at the micrometre scale. Nano-FTIR combines nanoscale imaging with local infrared spectroscopy to reveal chemical and optical variations directly at the surface.

    This helps identify local composition, interfaces and heterogeneity that conventional infrared microscopy may average out.

  • Nanoparticles and colloidal products can change performance when particles aggregate or their size distribution shifts. With 3D dynamic light scattering, we can characterise particle size and distribution in liquid suspensions and compare formulations or processing conditions.

    The results help you assess dispersion quality, stability and batch-to-batch differences..

  • Steady-state spectra show what light a material emits, but not how quickly the underlying processes occur. Using the Hamamatsu Streak Scope and time-resolved spectroscopy, we can follow fast emission and relaxation dynamics.

    This helps compare materials, identify competing processes and understand changes caused by composition, processing or ageing.

  • A sample can contain microscopic regions with very different optical dynamics. By combining time-resolved spectroscopy with laser-scanning microscopy, we can investigate how emission behaviour varies across selected areas of a sample.

    This spatially resolved information helps link local structure or composition to performance and identify regions responsible for unwanted behaviour.

  • Problems involving nanostructures, particles or fast optical processes often require more than one type of measurement. We help define the question and choose between nanoscale infrared analysis, light scattering and time-resolved methods, or combine them where useful.

    You receive a focused measurement strategy and results interpreted in the context of your material or product.

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FAQ

  • Contact the laboratory responsible Jacek Fiutowski or Mads Clausen Institute with a short description of your problem, samples and expected outcome. We will discuss the most suitable analytical approach, required measurements and practical arrangements before the work begins.

    Contact and book here

     

  • The Nano Optics Laboratory is located at the Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, SDU Sønderborg.

  • Price and terms depend on the scope of the task, the analytical method and the level of operator support or data analysis required. A quotation is prepared based on the specific needs of the company and the measurement plan agreed before the work begins.

  • Measurements are normally carried out in collaboration with SDU researchers and technical staff. We help with measurement planning, sample requirements, instrument setup, data acquisition and interpretation. Access and scheduling are agreed individually according to the project and laboratory availability.

  • The laboratory supports different sample types depending on the method, including nanostructured materials, thin films, optical materials, particles and colloidal suspensions. Nano-FTIR, DLS, and time-resolved spectroscopy have different sample requirements, which we discuss before scheduling measurements.

  • Yes. Confidentiality requirements can be discussed before the work starts, and appropriate agreements can be established when needed.

Want to know more?

Laboratory manager 

Jacek Fiutowski 
Associate Professor  
SDU NanoSyd 
Mads Clausen Institutet (MCI)

Contact and book here

Collaborate with SDU

Perhaps you know what you are looking for. Or maybe you are unsure about the possibilities or just curious? 

No matter where you start, we will help you move forward - for example, by finding the right researcher, department, or entry point into SDU. We also provide guidance on legal matters, finances, and the practical framework for collaboration.

Contact us here