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  • The LIFTOSCOPE combines high-speed microscopy, AI-based analysis and localization of living cells and cell clusters with laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT). The laser is coupled directly into the beam path of the microscope via mirrors. Users can switch between camera observation and the LIFT process.
    © Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.

    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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  • Dr. Alexander Olowinsky, Fraunhofer ILT: "Advanced laser technology not only stands up to the competition in terms of precision, but also in terms of cost-effectiveness and sustainability."
    © Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.

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

    Press Release from TRUMPF from February 28, 2024 / February 29, 2024

    X-rays for better batteries in electric cars: In future, manufacturers of electric car batteries could use compact X-ray sources to X-ray the batteries (symbolic image).
    © TRUMPF.

    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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  • 20 kW laser system for producing high purity crystals

    Press Release / February 09, 2024

    Gallium oxide crystals are produced in Japan with a 20 kW diode laser using the high-power optical system of the Fraunhofer ILT.
    © Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.

    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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  • Fraunhofer ILT coordinates NRW quantum roadmap

    Interview / February 01, 2024

    With QuTech, Fraunhofer ILT is developing key components for the quantum internet (shown here: laboratory prototype for a low-noise quantum frequency converter).
    © Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany / Volker Lannert.

    At a kick-off meeting in Cologne on January 30, 2024, a group of innovative minds gave the starting signal for a roadmap that will bundle the ongoing activities in the field of quantum technologies at universities, research institutes, start-ups and companies in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). The two leading state ministries – for culture and science (MKW) and for economy, industry, climate protection and energy (MWIKE) –have commissioned the coordination office QT.NMWP.NRW and Forschungszentrum Jülich with implementing the roadmap. The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen is responsible for coordinating it.

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  • Shaping the future together: “Laser in Hydrogen Technology” network / 2024

    Fraunhofer ILT invites industry to join new network for hydrogen technology

    Press Release / January 25, 2024

    Fraunhofer ILT already has experience and success with ZIM networks. They serve as a platform exchanging communication and knowledge between companies and R&D partners.
    © Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.

    The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT is mobilizing the new “Lasers in Hydrogen Technology” network to help suppliers and users exchange their particular expertise about lasers and photonics for hydrogen technology. In this network, participants can discuss current research and development on laser processes for fuel cells and electrolyzers. Research alliances are also to be formed to accelerate the industrial implementation of hydrogen technology. The Aachen institute has set up a hydrogen laboratory as a platform for developing such laser processes, a location that the project partners can use to rapidly advance the technology and that covers the entire process chain from forming technology to testing the cells.

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  • AI has the potential to close control loops

    Press Release / January 24, 2024

    "If you close the control loop, you can build a machine that regulates itself. That is the roadmap we are following." Professor Carlo Holly, Head of the Data Science and Measurement Technology Department at Fraunhofer ILT.
    © Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.

    Whether in laser material processing, additive manufacturing and repair processes, laser weed control or the automated design of optical systems: Artificial intelligence has enormous, sometimes disruptive potential in photonics. With around 50 international experts in attendance, the 3rd "AI for Laser Technology Conference" took place at the end of November at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen, and clearly showed that the AI-driven transformation is in full swing.

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  • Fusion Energy.
    © Shutterstock.

    In a historic breakthrough in December 2022, the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), California, USA, successfully achieved a self-sustaining burning plasma, providing compelling evidence for the viability of Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) as a crucial addition to carbon-free, safe, and clean energy sources. This remarkable accomplishment has led to the allocation of $16 million in funding by the US Department of Energy to establish the IFE Science & Technology Accelerated Research for Fusion Innovation & Reactor Engineering (STARFIRE) Hub. Fraunhofer ILT proudly contributes as part of the multi-institutional team led by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

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  • AKL'24: Laser Technology for the Production of Tomorrow

    Press Release / December 05, 2023

    Registration for AKL'24 is now open at www.lasercongress.org.
    © Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.

    From April 17 to 19, 2024, laser manufacturers and users from various industries will meet for the 14th time at the “AKL - International Laser Technology Congress” in the Eurogress in Aachen. 82 speakers will inform the visitors on the latest trends in laser technology in production. AKL'24 will present and participants will discuss the latest findings from applied research and pioneering achievements in the industry – from smart solutions for functional surfaces, AI-supported laser systems to networked digital manufacturing systems for the production of tomorrow. Registration for AKL'24 is now open at www.lasercongress.org.

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  • LKH₂ – Laser Colloquium Hydrogen 2023: Thinking in processes and collaborating in networks / 2023

    Getting H₂ chain reactions under joint control

    Press Release / November 16, 2023

    Prof. Arnold Gillner, Head of Business Development Research Markets at Fraunhofer ILT: “We are looking for six industrial partners from small, medium, but also gladly larger companies to join our ‘Lasers in hydrogen technology’ network.”
    © Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.

    Around 70 experts from industry and science met in September 2023 at the LKH₂ – Laser Colloquium Hydrogen on the Digital Photonic Production (DPP) research campus of RWTH Aachen University. The fall congress of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT focused on possible ways to apply lasers in hydrogen production. Participants learned about the importance of thinking in terms of process chains during many presentations and the laboratory demonstrations at Fraunhofer ILT and the neighboring Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT.

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