Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

Three colleagues at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT have recently been recognized for their outstanding achievements:

Dr.-Ing. Thomas Schopphoven has been named to the Photonics 100 for 2026 by Electro Optics. The list honors the 100 leading personalities worldwide who are shaping the future of photonics. Schopphoven played a key role in developing the EHLA process (Extreme High-Speed Laser Material Deposition), setting new standards for industrial coating and repair. Today, he heads the Laser Material Deposition (LMD) department at Fraunhofer ILT and drives the industrial implementation of laser processes for applications in energy, mobility and mechanical engineering. His work makes a significant contribution to bridging the gap between fundamental research and industrial application.

Paul Buske, a doctoral researcher at the Chair of Technology of Optical Systems at RWTH Aachen University in close cooperation with Fraunhofer ILT, has also been included in the Photonics 100. He is conducting research on diffractive neural networks for laser beam shaping, which open up entirely new possibilities for laser material processing. Buske combines methods of artificial intelligence with optical physics and develops innovative approaches for precise beam shaping. He is part of a young generation of scientists closely linking digital technologies with photonics.

In addition, Kim Kallies, research associate and project manager at Fraunhofer ILT, has been appointed Women in 3D Printing Ambassador for Aachen. She works on innovative solutions in additive manufacturing using LMD and EHLA. Kallies studied mechanical engineering with a focus on product development, production and automotive engineering in Frankfurt and brings experience from the entire process chain of additive manufacturing. Through her commitment to the international Wi3DP network, she actively supports the visibility and networking of women in the 3D printing industry.

These recognitions underline the international visibility and scientific excellence of Fraunhofer ILT in photonics and additive manufacturing.