DBanD - HZDR Innovation

The first low-cost VIS–IR sensor in a single element

DBanD is a revolutionary dual-band optical sensor that delivers seamless detection across the visible and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectrum — all in a single, CMOS-compatible element. With a low cost production per device, DBanD enables compact, high-performance sensing for mass-market applications.

Designed for room-temperature operation, RoHS compliance, and easy system integration, DBanD offers a disruptive alternative to bulky, expensive multi-material detector solutions.

Broad spectral coverage: 300–2.000 nm (VIS–NIR–SWIR)
Monolithic sensor design: Single-element architecture
Ultra-low cost: scalable and accessible
CMOS-compatible: Integrates directly with standard electronics
Stable at room temperature: No cooling or vacuum packaging required
Compact & robust: Ideal for portable and embedded platforms

Application fields

DBanD unlocks new possibilities across a wide range of fields:

Agriculture: Plant health diagnostics, precision farming
LiDAR & 3D sensing: Advanced depth and material analysis
Medical devices: Pulse oximetry, non-invasive glucose sensing
Automotive: Proximity and motion detection, in-cabin monitoring
Industrial: Inline process monitoring and quality control

Technology

A silicon breakthrough for broadband photodetection

At the core of DBanD is a proprietary silicon-based photodetector structure that leverages deep-level impurity engineering to extend spectral sensitivity far beyond the visible range — all the way to 2.000 nm.

Our approach enables:

Single-material design — eliminating the need for compound semiconductors
High absorption efficiency in both visible and SWIR bands
Room-temperature operation — no thermoelectric or cryogenic cooling
Mass manufacturability using standard CMOS processing

This novel technology makes DBanD uniquely positioned to disrupt the optical sensing landscape by replacing expensive, multi-material, multi-element stacks with a single, compact chip.

We believe in a future where spectral sensing is ubiquitous, affordable, and scalable.

Team

Experts in photonics, materials, and scalable innovation

The DBanD project is powered by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and innovators with deep expertise in semiconductor physics, integrated photonics, and advanced sensor technologies.

Our team combines years of experience in:

Silicon-based optoelectronics and device engineering
CMOS-compatible fabrication and scalable manufacturing
Broadband optical sensing and materials innovation
Translating lab-scale breakthroughs into real-world applications

We work at the intersection of academic research and industrial development, with a strong focus on transforming cutting-edge science into high-impact products that meet the performance, cost, and integration needs of today’s most demanding markets.

United by a shared vision: making broadband sensing simple, scalable, and everywhere.

Contact

Would you like to find out more about the benefits and possible applications? Discuss your requirements with us.

Dr. Viktor Begeza

dband@hzdri.de