Early detection of blindness-causing retinal diseases requires seeing individual cells in living eyes—currently possible only with €150,000-300,000 specialized systems in elite research hospitals. Cancer researchers need real-time neuron imaging deep in brain tissue. Cellular biologists must observe dynamic processes inside living cells beneath the surface. Semiconductor manufacturers must spot nanometer-scale defects. All highly benefit from adaptive optics—technology correcting optical imperfections in real-time—but existing solutions remain prohibitively expensive, bulky, and complex.
DeltaSTAR, a 24-month EIC Accelerator project advances Phaseform GmbH's breakthrough Deformable Phase Plate (DPP) technology from laboratory prototype to market-ready product with mass manufacturing capability. Unlike traditional adaptive optics that use deformable mirrors to reflect light, DPP works in transmission—light passes through like a lens—enabling plug-and-play integration into existing microscopes and imaging systems without optical redesign.
The project delivers on: Manufacturing industrialization—transfer production to qualified European foundries with scalable manufacturing processes. Performance enhancement—optimize optical transmission, improve actuation capabilities, and develop specialized product variants for different applications. Product portfolio—create integrated ecosystems from components to modules with software support. Market entry—establish partnerships with leading manufacturers in microscopy and ophthalmic diagnostics sectors.
By project completion, Phaseform will achieve manufacturing readiness and establish strategic partnerships, positioning the company for significant revenue growth and expanded employment—democratizing advanced imaging worldwide.
