Equipment
Optoelectronics
Our expertise
Plasmonics
Our research in plasmonics centers on the controlled excitation and manipulation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at metal–dielectric interfaces. We design, fabricate and study tailored gold gratings that enable efficient plasmon coupling, wavelength-selective excitation, and precise dispersion engineering.
Nanostructuring
In the regime of plasmonics, one can not go without nanostructures. Our team is experienced with Ion beam lithography and the successfull creation of nanoscale plasmonic objects of different shapes and properties.

Ultrafast laser pulses
Our lab operates ultrafast laser systems such as the FFPro IR and FFPro SCIR, providing stable femtosecond pulses over a wide spectral range. Using nonlinear fiber compression, we routinely reach pulse durations of ~10 fs. We also use pulse-picking to flexibly set the repetition rate for different experimental needs.
For pulse diagnostics, we rely on e.g. autocorrelation techniques such as FROG or iFROG, to measure and pulse metrics.
Optical Fibers & Fiber Processing
Modern photonics relies on precisely prepared and customized optical fibers. Our group routinely performs high-quality fiber splicing, end-face preparation, and specialized modifications such as fiber tapering and the integration of ball lenses. Using tools such as the Arcmaster Fusion Splicer FSM-100P+ and dedicated micro-processing stages, we shape standard and photonic crystal fibers for coupling, focusing, and mode-engineering applications.
Spectroscopy
Our laboratory is equipped with a diverse suite of spectroscopic instruments covering the visible, infrared, and near-infrared spectral regions. This includes a broadband Optical Spectrum Analyzer (350–1750 nm, AQ-6315A), dedicated VIS and NIR spectrometers , and multiple compact spectrometers for rapid diagnostics. Together, they support precise spectral characterization of light sources, materials, and photonic devices.
Imaging
Accurate visualization at micro- and mesoscale levels is central to many of our experiments. We operate high-grade optical microscopes, including the Leica DM4000, alongside custom-built imaging setups optimized for flexibility. These modular systems incorporate a broad variety of lenses, objectives, and illumination schemes, enabling tailored imaging solutions for complex optical experiments.
Super continuum light sources
For applications requiring stable, high-brightness illumination across wide spectral ranges, we employ advanced broadband sources such as the SuperK EVO ERL-4 and others. These sources provide coherent light spanning the visible to near-infrared, enabling spectroscopy, imaging, nonlinear optics, and fiber-based experiments.
Bachelor or Master thesis
Are you interested in a Bachelor or Master thesis? We certainly can find an exciting topic for you! Please feel free to reach out to Martin Silies.
