Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

News at a Glance

12.3.2024

Automated high-throughput sorting of living cells using laser light and AI

Tests on living cell cultures are becoming increasingly important for personalized medicine, drug development and clinical research. The Aachen-based Fraunhofer Institutes for Laser Technology ILT and for Production Technology IPT have developed an AI-assisted high-throughput process that now makes it possible to automatically isolate specific cell types. Using a so-called LIFTOSCOPE, laboratories can localize, identify and analyze dozens of living cells per second in order to transfer them to microtiter plates with laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT). At analytica 2024 in Munich, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will be presenting the innovative process to the public for the first time in Hall A3, Booth 407.
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6.3.2024

6. LSE - Laser Symposium Electromobility 2024:
Laser precision - not a luxury, rather a competitive advantage

The sixth Laser Symposium Electromobility (LSE 24), organized by the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in January 2024, provided impetus for sustainable and economical production of electric vehicles. Seventy participants from industry and research came together to discuss laser-based manufacturing methods, particularly for the production of battery modules and packs. The key message from Aachen: Cleverly applied laser precision is not a luxury, rather a tangible competitive advantage.
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29.2.2024

TRUMPF improves e-car batteries with laser-driven X-ray sources

X-ray light generated by a laser to inspect core components of electric cars // Laser technology enables particularly brilliant X-ray sources for use in industry // TRUMPF is leading the XProLas development partnership // The other partners are AMPHOS, Active Fiber Systems, BASF, Bruker, Cellforce, Excillum, Ushio Germany, Viscom, the University of Hanover and Fraunhofer Institutes in Aachen and Jena.
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9.2.2024

20 kW laser system for producing high purity crystals

High-purity semiconductor crystals are required for power electronics in electric cars or in photovoltaics. When such crystals reach a diameter of 2 inches, they become relevant for industrial applications. Researchers from Japan and Germany have now developed a method to produce such crystals using a laser-based process, and without a crucible. The team at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen has developed a process-adapted optical system for use with a 20 kW laser.
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Technology Focus

 

Laser

In this field of research, we develop innovative laser beam sources with tailored spatial, temporal and spectral properties as well as output powers.

 

Optical Systems

The focus of this research field includes beam shaping and beam guiding, frequency conversion as well as design, layout and packaging of optical components.

 

Quantum Technology

Together with international experts we are developing, among other things, photon sources, photonic components & systems for future applications in the field of quantum technology.

 

Laser Measurement Technology

Together with customers from industry and research, we develop laser processes for production measurement technology, material and bioanalytics as well as testing technology, among others.

 

Additive Manufacturing

Since the mid-1990s, Fraunhofer ILT has been advancing Additive Manufacturing – especially of metallic components – with Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Laser Material Deposition (LMD), among others. 

 

Surface Technology

Laser-based technologies for the efficient processing, functionalization and finishing of surfaces are among the key topics in this field of research. 

 

Joining

Our scientists develop laser beam sources and laser-based joining processes for numerous applications in micro and macro technology.

 

Cutting

We offer laser-based solutions for new or technically and economically optimized processes in cutting or ablation technology and accompany customers from the initial feasibility study to industrial implementation. 

 

Digitalization

In this technology field, we concentrate our digital competencies in laser technology and contribute to your progress in R&D and production in the age of RAMI and Industry 4.0.

 

EUV and Plasma Technology

In addition to application-adapted plasma-based beam sources, our experts develop optical systems for the efficient use of EUV radiation in industry and research, among others.

 

Medical Technology

In close cooperation with partners from life sciences, we research and develop laser-based processes for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, among others.

Laser Technology for Your Industry

Laser technology can solve demanding tasks in many different industries. Whether as a tool in automotive production, as measuring equipment in the environmental sector, as a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in medical technology or as a communication medium in space technology, the laser provides multiple uses with high productivity and high efficiency. Thanks to its intensive research and application-specific developments, the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT has been guiding its industrial partners in developing their innovations for more than 30 years – in the “branches” section you will find further information and a selection from our services.

 

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen, Germany

Telephone +49 241 8906-0
Fax +49 241 8906-121

 

Publications

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Networks

Together with German and foreign companies and research centers, Fraunhofer ILT develops a broad portfolio of solutions for innovations in industry and research.