Key Enabling Technology Lab (KET Lab) | The Hague University of Applied Sciences

Located in Delft, the KET lab provides state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that enable researchers, lecturers and students to develop and test innovative solutions.

Who is the KET lab for?

The lab is used daily by various research groups and degree programmes to tackle practical questions and challenges using cutting-edge technologies. Through hands-on training, researchers, students and lecturers learn to use laboratory space and equipment safely and effectively.

Students: The lab offers students hands-on experience with advanced technologies in photonics, micro- and nanotechnology. Through a SharePoint page, they can access manuals and software, and receive guidance from experts to optimise their skills and research results.
Lecturers and lecturer-researchers: Lecturers can use the lab to enrich their lessons with hands-on projects and research. They obtain access to the necessary tools and expert support to effectively integrate technologies into their educational and research activities.
Companies and external organisations: The lab offers opportunities for collaborative projects and opens its facilities to new partners. This makes the lab suitable for hands-on research with external parties.

Ongoing projects in the KET Lab

The lab supports various (research) projects. Click any of the projects below to learn more about ongoing research projects in the KET Lab:

Affordable multispectral imaging greenhouse automation (Amiga) – Photonics Research Group
Infrastructure security using photonics (SunSpot) - Photonics Research Group
Improving animal health with e-noses (Observed) - Smart Sensor Systems Research Group
The Detectable Vegetable - the Photonics, Smart Sensor Systems and Smart Sustainable Manufacturing research groups.
MRI-resistant sensors for cardiac catheterisation - Smart Sensor Systems Research Group
Properly measured crop growth (GeGoGe) - the Smart Sensor Systems and Photonics research groups

Equipment in the KET Lab

All the tools in the KET Lab are listed below, as well as their main uses and benefits. Each device offers unique functionalities that support researchers, students and lecturers in their work in photonics and micro- and nanotechnology.

MicroWriter

The MicroWriter is a lithography machine that projects patterns onto a light-sensitive layer without the use of a physical mask, with an accuracy of up to 0.6 micrometres. With an accuracy of up to 0.6 micrometres, this machine is an essential part of the lithographic capabilities of the KET Lab and can be used to produce microstructures, such as chips. Its quick adaptability allows the MicroWriter to respond effectively to the needs of dynamic research projects.

Scanning electron microscope SEM - JEOL JSM-6360

The JEOL JSM-6360 is a powerful scanning electron microscope (SEM) that produces detailed images with a maximum magnification of 300,000 and a resolution of 3.0 nm. This microscope provides accurate information on the morphology, structure and composition of materials at the micro- and nanoscale. In the KET Lab, the SEM is used to investigate particle size, microstructures and material properties.

3D printer: Heygears Reflex Resin Printer

The HeyGears Reflex is a high-performance resin 3D printer that can produce complex 3D shapes with an accuracy of 33 micrometres. Supporting a variety of materials - including transparent and flexible resins - this printer allows researchers to create detailed prototypes and functional structures, ideal for applications in, for instance, microfabrication and biomedical research.

Spectral cameras: IMEC SNAPSCAN SWIR and VNIR

The IMEC SNAPSCAN SWIR and VNIR spectral cameras make it possible to collect both spatial and spectral information. With the capacity to measure more than 100 spectral bands, from blue to infrared light, these cameras offer extensive insight into the unique spectral characteristics of materials and fabrics. This technology is widely used for detecting plant diseases and assessing food quality, with specific spectral properties providing valuable information.

Integrating sphere (Ulbricht sphere)

The ‘integrating sphere’, also called the Ulbricht sphere, is a device that scatters light evenly for accurate optical measurements. The inside of the sphere is coated with barium sulphate, which ensures the optimal diffuse reflection of light. This sphere is used for the calibration of measuring instruments, characterisation of light sources and various optical measurements. Thanks to the uniform distribution of light, the integrating sphere offers highly reliable measurement results.

Interrogator: HYPERION si155

The HYPERION si155 interrogator reads and analyses fibre optic signals with fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) within a wavelength range of 1500 to 1600 nm, with a high accuracy of 1 pm. By integrating FBGs into fibre optics, various parameters can accurately be measured, including voltage, temperature and pressure. This instrument is indispensable for applications requiring precision and reliability in optical sensor technology.

Team

Steven van den Berg, professor Photonica
John Bolte, professor Smart Sensor Systems
Boaz van der Plas, Opleidingsmanager Technische natuurkunde
Daan Boesten, vmg kwartiermaker
Frans Loncke, Lab manager
Bart Kieviet, Chemical specialist

Want to know more?

Does your organisation have an idea or issue involving key technologies? Contact us to discuss how the KET Lab can support your project: Daan Boesten, [email protected]

Location

THUAS, location Delft
Rotterdamseweg 137
2628 AL Delft