New organisation strengthens the optical instruments research at VTTOverview
VTT is one of the largest R&D contractors in the de-velopment of online optical analysers in the world with over 50 experts in optical engineering and measurement technologies, process analysis and modelling, optoelec-tronics, machine vision, image analysis, and high preci-sion optomechanics. We create and transfer the latest optical measurement technology for a variety of indus-tries including pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, steel, chemical, food and beverage, space and aviation, mili-tary, optoelectronics, and electronics. The new organi-sation, effective 1.1.2006, created a strong knowledge centre for optical instruments capable of performing the research and contract development for the most de-manding optical measurement applications. The knowl-edge centre belongs to Microtechnologies and Sensors knowledge cluster, which is responsible for semicon-ductor, sensor, micromodule, optics, electronics, and other hardware-related research within the VTT. VTT has expertise in the whole development cycle of optical instruments ranging from measurement prin-ciples and quick prototyping for online feasibility stud-ies to final product development. Our mission is to pro-vide superior research and development services for both process measurement and control system suppliers and the end-users. We have a successful track record working with both kinds of customers. Our resources include several online capable IR, NIR, and Raman in-struments available for feasibility studies on the real processes. They can be tailored to interface with the customer’s processes in a matter of weeks in most cases.
Additionally, VTT has wide experience in devel-oping advanced machine vision and camera systems for online measurement purposes, such as high accuracy 3D measurement technologies for dimension and form, colour measurements, surface topography technologies, quality inspection, micro- and biotechnological mea-surements, and the monitoring of vehicle operators. Our areas of expertise include imaging components, illumi-nation techniques, image processing and analysis, soft-ware algorithms, visualisation and calibration methods.  Instrument technologies VTT has proven expertise in a wide variety of optical measurement technologies. The most important ones are different spectroscopic measurements in IR, NIR, UV and visible light wavelengths, camera technology and machine vision, and the design and manufacturing of integrated optical modules. Spectroscopic measurements are categorised ac-cording to wavelength, number of channels, resolution, and speed, for instance. Our experiences and domain expertise enables us to select the most appropriate mea-surement method for different customer requirements. We are experts in machine vision hardware and soft-ware technologies: optics, imaging, illumination, image compression and analysis, feature extraction and classi-fication methods, the visualisation of results, and cali-bration methods. We also design and build prototypes of various integrated optical modules, and can handle small-scale mechanical manufacturing. Areas of application Optical sensor and instrument technology is very wide-ly applied to the measurement needs of various indus-tries. Currently, VTT’s most important application areas are optical measurements for the pulp and paper indus-try, which we have developed for over 15 years, and pharmaceutical PAT measurements (Process Analytical Technology). Additionally, the steel industry, military applications, measurements for chemical, food and bev-erage industries, and space and aviation instruments are very important areas, where demanding measurement applications have been developed. One branch of industry applying optical measure-ment technology is the manufacturing of measurement equipment and optoelectronics. VTT is often the R&D partner in the most challenging areas of product devel-opment. Many end-users of measurement technology, in turn, give VTT a broader responsibility in managing the whole innovation chain. We are ready to work in both roles. Typically, equipment manufacturers are seeking, by working with VTT, new innovations to improve the market position of the product either through new fea-tures or lower product costs. The end user needs mea-surement methods to lower the manufacturing costs and improve quality assurance and control. Our publishead references include both projects, where equipment manufacturers ’and end-users’ problems have been addressed. Vision system research Our in-depth domain expertise from process industry combined with experience in designing robust vision systems makes us an excellent partner for the whole de-velopment cycle. The majority of our projects are pro-prietary and confidential, but we have also several pub-lic references in the areas of:
There are machine vision research activities located in Oulu, Espoo, Tampere, and Kuopio. The long industrial experience and solid scientific and technical back-ground ensure that even the most demanding measure-ment needs can be met with an appropriate machine vi-sion solution. VTT is partnering with the customers in creating business from technology. 
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