Ultra miniaturized technology
Digital optical holography

We develop
innovative technology

with the aim of miniaturizing a complete 3D color camera module to the fraction of a fingernail in order to support various markets (with a focus on medical technology). The hardware is reduced to the physical limit by using the most advanced opto-electronic elements, while at the same time the data algorithms use increasingly powerful processors and ASICS. Ultra miniaturization, very good performance data and cost-effective production are then no longer mutual exclusion criteria.

Above all, our vision is to open a new technological door, according to the motto:
"Jump and grow your wings" (Ray Bradbury).

Dr. Alexander Knüttel

AKmira optronics GmbH presents

AKuris - The innovative scanner

A novel scanner for optical, contactless 3D measurement of the ear canal

Visit us:
69. Internationaler Hörakustiker-Kongress 2025

Save the Date
22. Oktober bis 24. Oktober 2025 in Nürnberg

Booth number: 408 + in the Live Area!

Experience innovation at our booth: AKmira presents the 3D Ear Canal Scanner! This compact, handheld device delivers a precise, contactless 3D scan of the ear canal — the first step towards creating a perfectly fitted earmold for next-generation mini hearing devices (hearables).

We look forward to your visit!
Dr. Alexander Knüttel and team

AKmira StartUp Story

The Potsdam Chamber of Industry and Commerce supports startups in their founding and growth phases. The FORUM is presenting such companies in a series: AKmira Optronics.

Our technology

Optical interference methods

AKmira Optronics develops miniaturized 3D color cameras which, in combination with a rod lens system, form a rigid 3D endoscope. The primary application area will initially be medical technology. In the next development phase, the integration of these ultra-miniaturized 3D cameras into flexible endoscopes is planned. In the future, this technology may also be integrated into extremely compact systems such as smartphones or 3D data glasses. An expansion into security technology and augmented reality applications is already envisioned. The underlying technology – a novel approach in non-academic environments – is based on digital optical holography, and represents an evolution of established interferometric methods such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and interference microscopy. AKmira employs its own innovative methods that fully harness the potential of digital optical holography. To protect its intellectual property, the company has registered nine proprietary patents.

Advantages of digital
optical holography

Outstanding potential for extreme miniaturization

The reduction of hardware and the use of state-of-the-art optoelectronic components, combined with more efficient computing performance, enable performance characteristics that approach physical limits.

Outstanding potential for extreme miniaturization

No mechanical refocusing

The technology eliminates the need for mechanically moving parts and enables focusing at different z-distances by means of dedicated algorithms to generate a 3D color image.

Precise optical stitching

By enabling the detection of 3D features in single images with micrometer accuracy, large 3D scenes can be seamlessly composed from individual images.

Z-position determination independent of distance

Unlike 3D stereo vision, depth determination is independent of distance because the time-of-flight behavior of light beams is used with micrometer precision, rather than the inherently less accurate angular disparity.

Z-position determination independent of distance

Optional: Sub-surface measurements up to 3 mm

By using multiple near-infrared laser wavelengths, precise distance measurements can be performed up to approximately 3 mm below the tissue surface, for example on a bone or tooth surface.

Optional: Sub-surface measurements up to 3 mm

Local 3D surgical microscope

The high lateral resolution of the individual images from our very compact and versatile 3D camera effectively turns it into a local surgical microscope.

We are looking for strong business partnerships in strategic development and global sales.

Future areas of application

Medical technology

The initially targeted area of application will be rigid endoscopy for 3D applications. With further miniaturization, integration into the tip of a flexible endoscope will be possible. In addition AI-driven applications for "robot-assisted surgery" with mini endoscopes will be considered.

Safety technology

As miniaturization progresses, integration into a mobile phone, for example, is possible. This means, that a 3D fingerprint can be recognized without contact and with protection against forgery, since the 3D micro-movement (“trembling”) can be evaluated simultaneously.

3D Zoom-Camera

AKmira's 3D holography technology is dual-use, allowing the visualization of objects at distances of up to 1 km. With only one additional light-gathering lens, the quality of the object images remains consistently sharp and diffraction-limited throughout the 3D field of view, and the mini zoom camera weighs a maximum of 100 grams.

The core of the 3D camera technology

The 3D camera technology

Currently exists a 3D endoscope with a rigid endoscope tip diameter of 7 mm. The prototype of generation 1 (Gen. 1) 3D camera technology is integrated in the housing. Another generation (Gen. 2) will already be significantly more compact and the 3D camera technology will fit the size of a 1 cent coin.
From this generation on, the sub-surface option can be permanently integrated. In the ultimate expansion stage (Gen. 3), the 3D camera will encompass a fraction of a 1 cent coin or a fingernail as the "Golden Eye".

GEN 1

Generation 1 | prototype, presented at the Medica Düsseldorf 14.-17.11.2022

GEN 2

Generation 2 | compact opto-electronic camera-modul to integrate in an mini-endoscope

GEN 3

Generation 3 | Golden Eye becomes ultra small and integrable in multiple fields of application

Golden Eye

The heart of 3D camera technology

GEN 1

Generation 1 | prototype, presented at the Medica Düsseldorf 14.-17.11.2022

GEN 2

Generation 2 | compact opto-electronic camera-modul to integrate in an mini-endoscope

GEN 3

Generation 3 | Golden Eye becomes ultra small and integrable in multiple fields of application

First results:

Skin image from the back of a hand

Image from a fingerprint skin texture

Image of 2 lower front teeth and gum

Tissue thickness measurement through the gum (Sub-surface measurement at red dot)

Founder and CEO
Dr. Alexander Knüttel

Serial entrepreneur Dr. Alexander Knüttel, after completing his studies in physics, dedicated himself to optical imaging and spectroscopy during a multi-year postdoctoral stay at the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C., USA. Following work on a non-invasive optical diabetes sensor, he founded his first start-up in Mannheim in 2000. At ISIS Optronics GmbH, the world’s first optical 3D skin scanner based on OCT technology was developed. Building on this technology, from 2006 onward, the newly established ISIS Sentronics GmbH (today sentronics metrology GmbH) developed, produced, and marketed wafer inspection devices. After several years of experience in digital optical holography, his own technological advancements since 2021 have served as the foundation for the founding of AKmira Optronics GmbH in Potsdam. Dr. Knüttel is frequently the first author on 27 patents to date, nine of which are registered under AKmira.

cluster-news: optics ans photnics in Berlin and Brandenburg (external link)

Dr. Alexander Knüttel
A physicist with entrepreneurial spirit

Our team

Our interdisciplinary AKmira team consists of physicists, electrical, industrial, and IT engineers with specializations in optical holography, interferometric microscopy for faster data transfer, and production management, alongside a regulatory affairs specialist. Our co-founder, Birte Filling, is responsible for management, B2B marketing, and the auditory domain.

Jobs & Careers

Would you like to turn your ideas into useful and meaningful technologies?
Would you like to make a difference and help develop a revolutionary “Made in Germany” technology, digital, optical holography?
Would you like to see how our products later reach the markets through our global medical technology partner?

We look forward to you.

Please send applications to:
mail: info(at)AKmira-optronics.de | phone: +49 (0)331 982231-0

experienced professionals

students

Anfrage & Kontakt

Co-financed by the European Union

Ultra-miniaturized 3D color camera with daylight capability
for dental caries and drone zoom inspection

An ultra-compact 3D camera module with daylight capability is to be researched and developed. The advantages of digital optical holography—no mechanical focusing at varying object distances and extreme hardware compactness—can thus be extended by an additional feature, enabling access to new markets.

EFRE Vorhaben Antrag: 85067443

Funded by the European Union and the State of Brandenburg

Collaborative Project

Ultra-miniaturized 3D camera for medical 3D endoscopy (Holo-Cam)

Förderkennzeichen: 13N16864

financial support

memberships

Ultra miniaturized technology Digital optical holography

We develop innovative technology

AKmira optronics GmbH presents

AKuris - The innovative scanner

Visit us: 69. Inter­na­tio­naler Hörakus­tiker-Kongress 2025

Save the Date 22. Oktober bis 24. Oktober 2025 in Nürnberg

Booth number: 408 + in the Live Area!

AKmira StartUp Story

Our technology

Optical interference methods

Advantages of digital optical holography

Outstanding potential for extreme miniaturization