Physical Metrology

The Department Physical Metrology at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME is an integral part of the Applied Ecology division. It combines precise physical measurement and analytical methods with ecologically relevant questions, enabling a sound assessment of substances and materials.

From the Fraunhofer Application Center for Inorganic Phosphors to Physical Metrology

The present Branch Lab for Physical Metrology in Soest evolved from the Fraunhofer Application Center for Inorganic Phosphors. At the beginning of 2026, the former Fraunhofer Application Center Soest was integrated into the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME. This integration brings the expertise and experience built up at the site over many years into the research activities of Fraunhofer IME and continues them at the Soest site.

At the same time, integration into Fraunhofer IME creates new opportunities to further develop the previous work and to collaborate with the institute's other research areas. The Branch Lab for Physical Metrology in Soest is therefore the current organizational home of the activities that emerged from the former Application Center.

Materials Science Research and Applications

Materials science topics and the quantitative characterization of materials, surfaces, and material properties, as well as their interactions with environmental and operating conditions, are at the heart of our work. This includes both the characterization of innovative materials and the analysis of environmentally relevant physical properties of chemicals, particles, and biological systems under external stress factors.

The methods used range from optical techniques such as photoluminescence spectroscopy and thermal analyses to imaging infrared techniques and structure-resolving methods such as X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The range of methods is complemented by measurements of scattering, reflection, and transmission behavior, as well as methods for determining thermophysical material properties.

For science, the department provides precise experimental data for the characterization of material properties and environmental processes. For industry, this provides a reliable basis for the development, optimization, and evaluation of new materials, coatings, glasses, phosphors, and other functional materials.

By closely linking methodological development with application-oriented research, Department Physical Metrology makes an important contribution to a better understanding of the environmental impacts of technical materials and to the targeted design of innovations in terms of performance, stability, and environmental compatibility.