Electronics and Micro System Technology

Further miniaturization and greater integration are driving the relevant trends in electronics. Thanks to the successful development of EUV lithography, Moore's Law continues to be valid – with even smaller structures. To implement and evaluate this technology, the experts of Fraunhofer ILT are developing the necessary beam sources and the corresponding measuring technology.

Not only is generating structures on a nanometer scale important, but the assembly and connection technology for high-performance electronic components also plays a decisive role in this sector. Fraunhofer ILT is able to meet the increasing demands – for higher integration density and higher operating temperatures, combined with greater robustness – by employing new interconnection technologies used in the backend as well as in the power sector of electronic components. This applies in particular to e-mobility, in which high current carrying capacity is coupled with small installation space. Together with industrial partners, Fraunhofer ILT is developing new bonding techniques for battery contacts and IGBT power components, which will be integrated into high-performance manufacturing systems.

Other competencies of Fraunhofer ILT include the structuring and functionalization of surfaces as well as 3D volume structuring. For example, selective laser etching allows microscopic structures to be incorporated into glass or sapphire substrates to generate microfluidic systems for biochemical analysis.

Additively manufactured sensing components

Fully additively manufactured, sensor-integrated component with wireless telemetry.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen.
Fully additively manufactured, sensor-integrated component with wireless telemetry.

The collection of component condition data such as thermal and mechanical stress forms the basis for predictive maintenance, Big Data and AI approaches. For this purpose, components must be equipped with suitable sensors. Additive manufacturing methods such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) offer a wide range of possibilities for producing application-adapted components. Laser-based coating approaches can be used to additively manufacture sensors directly on component surfaces, e.g. through the wet-chemical deposition of electrically insulating and conductive materials; subsequently laser radiation is used for thermal post-treatment of the printed layers.

Fraunhofer ILT combines different manufacturing methods to equip printed lightweight components with printed sensors. By combining LPBF with digital printing and laser post-treatment processes in an innovative process chain, Fraunhofer ILT is paving the way for the production of »sensing« components. When installed, the manufactured component enables users to permanently monitor the component, document component load and detect overload conditions.

Such components can be used in classic areas such as drive or gear technology, large machines, power generation, rail vehicles and aerospace. By producing component and sensor in one step, research will be able to open up new fields of application – such as automotive, consumer electronics and toolmaking.

Laser-based micro joining for a wide range of connections

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From medical technology and hybrid joints for lightweight applications to battery and fuel cell production for the future of mobility: Scientists from Fraunhofer ILT are developing a wide range of joining techniques for various applications. Here, laser technology allows high-precision welding with minimal thermal stress and the generation of the smallest seam structures. Fraunhofer ILT possesses cutting-edge equipment and a spectrum of different laser beam sources to develop customized solutions for industry and science.

Projects with participation of the Fraunhofer ILT

Strategic Fraunhofer Projects

A selection of strategic projects involving the Fraunhofer ILT can be found on our cluster website.

Current Collaborative Projects

Here you will find a selection of current collaborative projects in which Fraunhofer ILT is involved.

Completed Collaborative Projects

Here you will find a selection of completed collaborative projects in which Fraunhofer ILT is involved.

Annual Report

In our current annual report you will find a selection of further project results.

Contact Research & Development

Prof. Arnold Gillner

Head of department “Business Development Research Markets”

 

Telefone +49 241 8906-148
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Prof. Carlo Holly

Head of department “Data Science and Measurement Technology”

 

Telefone +49 241 8906-142
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Dr.-Ing. Christian Vedder

Head of department “Surface Technology and Ablation” 

 

Telefone +49 241 8906-378
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Dr. rer. nat. Achim Lenenbach

Head of department “Laser Medical Technology and Biophotonics”

 

Telefone +49 241 8906-124
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Dr.-Ing. Alexander Olowinsky

Head of department “Joining and Cutting” 

 

Telefone +49 241 8906-491
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Dr.-Ing. Thomas Schopphoven

Head of department “Laser Material Deposition”

 

Telefone +49 241 8906-8107
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Tim Lantzsch M. Sc.

Head of department “Laser Powder Bed Fusion” 

 

Telefone +49 241 8906-193
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Dipl.-Ing. Hans-Dieter Hoffmann

Head of department “Laser and Optical Systems”

 

Telefone +49 241 8906-206
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