Updated: 12 November 2009
For most people, fibre optics is a technology for sending high volumes of data traffic. But the fields of application are much greater; everything from sensors which inspect various processes to acting as a combined knife and cannula in surgical procedures.
Acreo Fiber Optic Center is part of the Acreo research institute and its research focus is clearly stated in its name. Even so, many people only associate fibre optics with broadband and telecom, but fibres can be used for much more - and this is one reason for the Centre's activities. It is predicted that fibre optics will gain ever-increasing importance; as sensors in various industrial applications for example and in the medical field.
One conceivable application within the biomedical engineering field is fibres which can be used simultaneously as a scalpel and cannula. By conducting high-power laser light through the fibre it can be used as a cutting tool inside the body. At the same time the fibre can be equipped with channels and used to introduce or evacuate fluids or gases. The aim is for the technology to facilitate diagnosis and treatment without surgery.
Another research challenge is to develop special coatings for fibres which must monitor hot processes, function in environments with aggressive chemicals or deep down in oil boreholes.
Network: Acreo Fiber Optic Center has 19 industrial partners; companies operating in everything from telecommunications and engineering to medical systems. Four research groups from Mid Sweden University, KTH and Karolinska Institutet are taking part in the research programme. Other participants in the Center are the VINNVÄXT venture Fiber Optic Valley, Stockholm Innovation and Growth, Kista Photonics Research Center, SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden and Hudiksvalls Sparbank's employment foundation.
Funding: Acreo Fiber Optic Center is part of the Institute Excellence Centres venture and is funded by VINNOVA, the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research and the Knowledge Foundation in collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
Find out more about VINN Excellence Center.
