Technology Fields - Fraunhofer ILT

The ‘Technology Fields’ section provides a brief and accessible explanation of key research and development topics in laser technology. This section provides a concise overview of fields such as additive manufacturing, surface engineering, laser measurement technology, photonics, EUV technology, optical design, digitalisation, AI and quantum technology. In this way, it lays the groundwork for understanding current developments and future applications of laser technology.

Additive manufacturing	Layer-by-layer construction of components directly from digital 3D data without conventional tooling; Fraunhofer ILT has been researching laser-based additive processes since the mid-1990s and is among the world's leading institutes for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Laser Metal Deposition (LMD).
Surface technology	Use of laser-based processes for the targeted machining, functionalization and finishing of surfaces; encompasses laser hardening, laser polishing, laser structuring, laser coating and laser cleaning. The aim is to improve wear resistance, corrosion protection, optical properties or biocompatibility without affecting the component as a whole.
Laser measurement technology	Use of laser radiation for non-contact, high-precision acquisition of geometries, surfaces, distances and material conditions in manufacturing and research.
EUV technology	Extreme ultraviolet technology with wavelengths between 10 and 120 nm; indispensable in semiconductor manufacturing for the lithography of the latest chip generations (e.g. 3 nm processes).
Quantum technology	Use of quantum mechanical effects such as entanglement, superposition and quantum interference for novel applications in communication, sensing and computing.
Digital twin	Virtual representation of a real process for simulation and optimization.
Photonics	Science and technology of generating, controlling, transmitting and using light and light particles (photons); forms the scientific foundation for lasers, optical communications, imaging, sensing and quantum technology.
Biophotonics	Application of optical technologies in biology and medicine.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)	Imaging method based on light interference; used in medical technology.
EUV plasma technology	Plasma-based generation of EUV radiation for lithography and analytics.
Cyberphotonics	Combination of AI, data processing and photonics for intelligent laser production.
Freeform optics	Optical surfaces without rotational symmetry, individually manufactured for maximum design freedom and miniaturization.
Scanner technology	High-speed deflection of the laser beam using mirror galvanometers for remote processes and area-wide processing.
Integrated optics	Miniaturized optical components and circuits on a chip; foundation for photonic quantum systems.
Photon source	Light source for the controlled generation of single or entangled photons; an essential part of systems for quantum communication and quantum computing.
Quantum communication	Tap-proof data transmission based on quantum mechanical effects such as entanglement and quantum key distribution (QKD).
Quantum computing	Computing paradigm based on qubits, capable of solving certain problems exponentially faster than classical computers.
Quantum internet	Global network for transmitting quantum information between quantum nodes; Fraunhofer ILT operates one of the first nodes in Aachen.
Quantum sensing	High-precision measurement of physical quantities such as time, magnetic field or gravity using quantum mechanical effects.
Quantum entanglement	Quantum mechanical phenomenon in which two particles are instantaneously correlated regardless of their spatial separation; basis of quantum communication.
Qubit	Basic unit of information in a quantum computer; unlike a classical bit, it can simultaneously hold states 0 and 1 (superposition).
AI in laser technology	Use of machine learning and AI algorithms for the optimization, control and monitoring of laser processes.
Simulation & modelling	Virtual design and prediction of laser processes using numerical models; reduces development time and costs
Industry 4.0	Networking of machines, sensors, data and processes in the digital factory; lasers are key tools in smart production lines.
Process control	Automatic adjustment of laser parameters in real time based on sensor data to ensure consistent quality.
Optical design	Development and design of optical components and systems for laser applications; includes beam shaping, focusing, frequency conversion and miniaturized photonic assemblies.
Laser applications	Generic term for the industrial, medical and scientific use of laser technology; ranges from material processing and metrology to medicine and quantum technology.
Industrial applications	Use of laser-based processes in industrial manufacturing and quality assurance; lasers are considered a key technology for the production of the future.
Industrial laser systems	Laser sources and processing systems designed for continuous industrial operation with high reliability, ease of maintenance and process integration.
High-power laser	Laser sources with output powers in the kilowatt to megawatt range; used for demanding cutting, welding, coating and fusion applications.
Optical packaging	Precision assembly and alignment of optical components such as laser diodes, lenses, fibers and photodetectors into protective housings; laser-based joining processes ensure highest positional accuracy in the micrometer range.