consult Technologies in Germany Optical 2009staff.mbi-berlin.de/grunwald/index_personal/OT 2009...

Optical Technologies

in Germany

2009

Optische Technologien in Deutschland

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Photo Credits/Bildnachweis

Title Photo/TitelfotoFrank Brückner, Berlin:

Ascorbic acid in shifted, polarized light

Ascorbinsäure im verschobenen polarisierten Licht

Page/SeiteS 3 Max-Born-Institut für Nichtlineare Optik

und Kurzzeitspektroskopie/Forschungs-

verbund Berlin e. V.

S 10/11 Leibinger Stiftung

S 36/37 JENOPTIK AG

S 49 PolyIC GmbH & Co KG

S 66/67 Jürgen Berger, Max Planck Institut für

Entwicklungsbiologie

S 77 SCHOTT AG

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INHALTSVERZEICHNISTABLE OF CONTENTS

5

54 Philip Russell, Max-Planck Research Group, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg: Photonic Crystal Fibers: Light in a Tight

Space

56 Rüdiger Grunwald et al.,Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short-Pulse Spectroscopy: Ultrashort-Pulse Transfer Functions of Spatial

Light Modulators

58 Harald R. Telle, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt: Femtosecond Lasers as Metrological Tools

60 Jürgen Petter et al., Luphos GmbH: Ultra High Precision Non-Contact Distance

Measurement using Multi Wavelength

Inter ferometry

62 Günter Rinke et al., Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe: Raman-Spectroscopy for Measuring Concen-

tration Profiles within Micro Channels

64 Hans-Gerd Löhmannsröben, University of Potsdam: Micro-O2 -Lasersensor and Laser Ion Mobility

Spectrometry – Two Optical Techniques for the

Detection of Chemical Substances

Results and Services from Research Institutions Ergebnisse und Leistungen in Forschungseinrichtungen

68 Fraunhofer IOF: Tailored Light – Licht nach Maß

70 Institute of Photonic Technology: Research and Development at the IPHT

72 Fraunhofer IPM: Optical High Speed Systems – Reliable even

in rugged environments

73 Fraunhofer IAP: Novel Polymer Systems for Optical Technolo-

gies Neuartige Polymersysteme für optische

Technologien

74 Fraunhofer IWS: Mirrors for X-rays and EUV Radiation

Spiegeloptiken für Röntgen- und

EUV-Strahlung

76 innoFSPEC Potsdam: From Molecules to Galaxies

Innovations and Competencies in Industry Innovationen und Kompetenzen aus Unternehmen

78 LightTrans GmbH 79 JENOPTIK AG 80 LT Ultra-Precision Technology GmbH 81 MICOS GmbH

Laser Technology

Lasertechnik

82 LASOS Laser, Service und optische Systeme GmbH

83 LIMO Lissotschenko Mikrooptik GmbH 84 Omicron Laserage Laserprodukte GmbH 85 RAYLASE AG 86 Scansonic GmbH 87 TOPTICA Photonics AG

Precision Manufacture

and its Protection

Präzisionsfertigung

und deren Sicherung

88 AudioDev GmbH Thin Film Metrology 89 Micro-Hybrid Electronic GmbH 90 TRIOPTICS GmbH 91 ZygoLOT GmbH

Systems, Components, and

Intermediate Products of

Optics

Systeme, Komponenten und

Vorprodukte der Optik

92 II-VI Deutschland GmbH 93 BERLINER GLAS KGaA

Herbert Kubatz GmbH & Co. 94 Leybold Optics GmbH 96 LEONI Fiber Optics GmbH 98 FiberTech GmbH 99 OHARA GmbH100 LINOS Photonics GmbH & Co. KG102 Qioptiq GmbH103 OWIS GmbH104 Physik Instrumente (PI)

GmbH & Co. KG105 piezosystem jena GmbH 106 Sypro Optics GmbH

108 u2t Photonics AG110 Schott AG

Table of Contents

Welcoming Addresses Grußworte

6 Prof. Dr. Annette SchavanFederal Minister for Education and Research

Bundesministerin für Bildung und Forschung

8 Dr. Dieter KurzResearch Union Economy-Science,

CEO Carl Zeiss AG;

Forschungsunion Wirtschaft-Wissenschaft,

Vorsitzender des Konzernvorstands der

Carl Zeiss AG

Current Solutions and New Dimensions in Optical Technologies Aktuelle Lösungen und neue Dimensionen in den Optischen Technologien

12 Theodor Hänsch et al., Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics: “First light” for Frequency Combs to Enable

Cosmic Dynamics Experiments

14 Jürgen Popp, University of Jena: Luminous Visions for Better Health Care:

The Biophotonics Research Program

16 Stephan Sigrist, Charité University Medical Center, Berlin: Why Are We Interested in Flies that Turn

into Crash Pilots?

Looking at proteins in nerve cells with

the STED microscope

Warum interessieren uns Fliegen, die zu

Bruchpiloten werden?

Mit dem STED-Mikroskop Proteine in

Nervenzellen beobachten

18 Michael Heckmeier, Merck KG a A: Status and Future of Organic Electronics

20 Jörg Amelung,Fraunhofer IMPS: Flat Light Sources on the Basis of Organic

Light-Emitting Diodes – A new technology

for the lighting of the future

22 Andreas Tünnermann and Jacques Duparré, Fraunhofer IOF: Micro- and Nanooptics: New Prospects

in Optical Technologies

24 Henning Schröder, Fraunhofer IZM: New Optical Interconnects for Communication

and Sensors

26 Peter Leibinger, Trumpf GmbH + Co. KG: Precision Work in Metal: Optical sensors for

material processing with lasers

28 Jürgen Czarske, Lars Büttner, Thorsten Pfister,Technical University of Dresden: The Laser Doppler Distance Sensor

30 Richard Hendel, ROFIN Baasel Lasertechnik GmbH & Co.KG: Solar Cells with Enhanced Efficiency Due to Laser

Processing; Effizientere Solarzellen mit dem Laser

32 Wilfried Bauer,Polytec GmbH: White Light Interferometry for Quality Control

of Functional Surfaces

34 Ronald Holzwarth and Michael Mei, Menlo Systems GmbH: Not Just Fast – Ultrafast: Femtosecond fiber

lasers as enabling tools

Markets and Networks in Germany Marktplätze und Netzwerke in Deutschland

38 Messe München International: LASER World of PHOTONICS, World of Photonics

Congress

40 SPECTARIS e. V 42 OptecNet Deutschland e. V. 44 Deutsche Gesellschaft für angewandte

Optik e. V., DGaO 46 TSB Innovationsagentur Berlin GmbH

The Congress Laser-Optics Berlin 2008 Der Kongress Laser-Optics Berlin 2008

50 TSB Adlershof: Laser Optics Berlin – showcase of the region

Laser Optics Berlin – Schaufenster der Region

52 Ursula Keller, ETH Zurich:

Advancing Frontiers: Ultrafast Lasers Enable New

Applications

Inhaltsverzeichnis

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Optical technologies are among the most important key

technologies in Germany. They set the pace for innova-

tions and have in recent years also become a remarkable

economic factor. Today, both lighting technology and power

engineering would be unthinkable without optical technolo-

gies.

The OLED initiative, which was launched in 2006 under

the “Optical Technologies” funding programme and will run

until 2011, has the aim of encouraging progress in the field

of organic light-emitting diodes. Conventional light bulbs

should soon be replaced by environmentally friendly alter-

natives, which, in laboratories, already produce a ten times

higher light output. Strong research alliances between sci-

ence and industry can enable forward-looking new lighting

concepts. By developing resource-saving products, these

alliances can open up new market opportunities worth bil-

lions of euros. The success of the OLED initiative within the

High-Tech Strategy clearly shows that by forming innovation

alliances, science and industry can set the course for the

future. For every euro that the Federal Ministry of Education

and Research invests in this innovation alliance, the private

sector adds a further five euros.

Germany is the “Land of Light”. In 2007, a project on semi-

conductor lighting received the Federal President’s Award

for Technology and Innovation. This and many other awards

show that our research funding policy takes the right ap-

proach and that German technology also sets international

standards.

But in addition to supporting research, the support of

young scientists in the field of optical technologies will

also be also decisive for our future. With “Luka’s Land

of Research“, an initiative for kindergartens and primary

schools, the “Innovation League” for older pupils, and new

degree courses such as the Master’s degree programmes

in photonics in Jena and Karlsruhe, we have already gone

some way towards achieving this aim. We want to continue

on this path and ensure that Germany makes better use of

the great potential offered by optical technologies.

Prof. Dr Annette Schavan, MdB

Federal Minister of Education and Research

Prof. Dr. Annette Schavan, Federal Minister of Education and ResearchBundesministerin für Bildung und Forschung

Preface

7

Die optischen Technologien gehören in Deutschland zu den

zentralen Schlüsseltechnologien. Sie sind Schrittmacher für

Innovationen und wurden in den vergangenen Jahren zu

einem beeindruckenden Wirtschaftsfaktor. Weder aus der

Beleuchtungs- noch aus der Energietechnik sind optische

Technologien heute wegzudenken.

Mit der OLED-Initiative, die 2006 im Rahmen des För-

derprogramms „Optische Technologien“ gestartet ist, wollen

wir bis 2011 die Forschung auf dem Gebiet der organischen

Leuchtdioden vorantreiben. Die herkömmliche Glühbirne

soll schon bald von umweltfreundlichen Alternativen abge-

löst werden, die bereits jetzt in Laboren das Zehnfache an

Lichtausbeute erreichen. Kompetenzstarke Forschungsver-

bünde aus Wissenschaft und Industrie ermöglichen Beleuch-

tungskonzepte für morgen.

Und sie eröffnen sich durch ressourcenschonende Pro-

dukte Marktchancen in Milliardenhöhe. Der Erfolg der OLED-

Initiative im Rahmen der Hightech-Strategie zeigt deutlich:

Wenn Wissenschaft und Wirtschaft Innovationsallianzen ein-

gehen, werden Weichen für die Zukunft gestellt. Für jeden

vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung in dieser

Innovationsallianz eingesetzten Euro investiert die Wirtschaft

weitere fünf Euro.

Deutschland ist das „Land des Lichts“. 2007 wurde ein Pro-

jekt zur Halbleiterbeleuchtung mit dem Zukunftspreis des

Bundespräsidenten ausgezeichnet. Diese Auszeichnung und

viele weitere Preise zeigen, dass unsere Forschungsförde-

rung in die richtige Richtung weist und die deutsche Tech-

nologie auch international Maßstäbe setzt.

Doch nicht nur die Unterstützung der Forschung, auch die

Förderung des Nachwuchses im Bereich der optischen Tech-

nologien entscheidet über unsere Zukunft.

Mit dem „Lukas Forscherland“, einer Initiative für Kinder-

gärten und Grundschulen, mit der „Innovationsliga“ für die

älteren Schüler sowie neuen Studiengängen wie dem Photo-

nics-Masterstudiengang in Jena und Karlsruhe konnten wir

wichtige Akzente in der Nachwuchsförderung setzen. Diesen

Weg wollen wir weitergeben, um die Chancen der optischen

Technologien in Deutschland noch besser zu nutzen.

Prof. Dr. Annette Schavan, MdB

Bundesministerin für Bildung und Forschung

Grußwort

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Dr. Dieter Kurz, Research Union Economy-Science, CEO Carl Zeiss AG Forschungsunion Wirtschaft-Wissenschaft Vorsitzender des Konzernvorstands der Carl Zeiss AG

Optical technologies represent one of Germany's greatest

strengths in its role as a major production and investment

location. They have therefore been included in the German

government's high-tech strategy as one of the key areas to

be pursued in the future. At the same time, harnessing light

is a technology that has a broad and far-reaching impact

on other areas.

Nevertheless, the possibilities that light offers as a univer-

sal tool have only just begun to be unraveled, and optical

technologies still have a huge, unexploited potential. Ef-

forts are being made within industry and in the scientific

community to unearth this potential and to gradually make

it more accessible. This work is based on the wide variety

of extraordinary properties that light encompasses, rang-

ing from top-notch precision and maximum velocity to ex-

tremely short pulse durations and top-class optical power.

Optical technologies take advantage of all these different

properties.

Germany is perfectly positioned in the field of optical tech-

nologies. It accommodates both highly-competitive, major

global companies and key user industries, while around

100,000 people are employed by the companies from

the optical industry sector as well as their suppliers. The

strength of innovation in this industry is highlighted by the

fact that its research and development expenditure comes

to approximately 9.5% of turnover. The intermeshing of the

industry with cutting-edge research and world-renowned

centers of expertise has created a highly successful net-

work.

So it is hardly surprising to find German companies occupy-

ing leading positions in some key areas of application. In

optical lithography, where ultra-precision lenses are used

to produce semiconductor chips, German optics are the

leading the market. The laser systems used in materials

processing are another example, with a quarter of all the

systems sold worldwide having been made in Germany.

In addition to their technical applications, the advantages

of optical technologies are also put to good use in the

medical technology and life science arenas. Nowadays, it

is hard to imagine a clinical environment without surgical

microscopes for microsurgery, endoscopes, laser diagno-

sis and laser treatment. Meanwhile, research is focusing

on systems such as laser scanning and fluorescence mi-

croscopes, which aim to discover more about cell proces-

ses.

Optical technologies can also be found in everyday appli-

ances: LED lights represent an efficient and environmen-

tally-sound alternative that promises to provide significant

cuts in CO2 emissions and energy costs if adopted on a

broad scale.

Germany really is an excellent location for optical technolo-

gies, with superb scientific foundations, highly-competitive

companies, and a whole host of people who are striving to

move this richly traditional industry into the future with their

enthusiasm for innovation and a will to succeed.

Optische Technologien sind eine der herausragenden Stär-

ken des Standorts Deutschland. Sie zählen daher auch zu

den Zukunftsfeldern der Hightech-Strategie der Bundesregie-

rung. Gleichzeitig ist das Beherrschen von Licht eine Quer-

schnittstechnologie mit großer Breitenwirkung.

Dabei steht Licht als universelles Werkzeug erst am Anfang

seiner Möglichkeiten. Denn in den Optischen Technologien

liegt noch ein großes, unausgeschöpftes Potenzial. Wissen-

schaft und Industrie arbeiten daran, diese Möglichkeiten

auszuloten und Schritt für Schritt nutzbar zu machen. Sie

setzen dabei auf die Vielzahl von außergewöhnlichen Eigen-

schaften, die Licht in sich vereint: Sei es höchste Präzision,

maximale Geschwindigkeit, kürzeste Pulsdauer oder höchste

Leistung. All diese Eigenschaften machen sich die Optischen

Technologien zunutze.

Deutschland ist auf dem Gebiet der Optischen Technologi-

en sehr gut aufgestellt. International führende und wettbe-

werbsfähige Unternehmen sind hier ebenso zuhause wie

bedeutende Anwenderbranchen. In den Unternehmen der

Optischen Industrie und bei ihren Zulieferern arbeiten rund

100 000 Beschäftigte. Forschungs- und Entwicklungsauf-

wendungen in Höhe von rund 9,5 Prozent des Umsatzes

belegen die innovative Kraft der Branche. Gemeinsam mit

der Industrie bilden Spitzenforschung und Kompetenzzent-

ren mit Weltgeltung zusammen ein erfolgreiches Netzwerk.

Es ist daher kein Wunder, dass deutsche Unternehmen in

wichtigen Anwendungsfeldern eine führende Position ein-

nehmen: In der Optischen Lithographie, also bei den Objek-

tiven für die Fertigung von Halbleiterchips, sind Optiken aus

Deutschland Marktführer. Ein anderes Beispiel sind Laser-

systeme für die Materialbearbeitung, bei welchen weltweit

jedes vierte die Marke „made in Germany“ trägt.

Neben den technischen Anwendungen profitieren auch die

Medizintechnik und die Biowissenschaften von den Möglich-

keiten der Optischen Technologien. Operationsmikroskope

für die Mikrochirurgie, Endoskope oder die Laserdiagnose

und -behandlung sind heute aus dem klinischen Alltag nicht

mehr wegzudenken. Die Forschung setzt auf Systeme wie

Laserscan- und Fluoreszenzmikroskope, um mehr über Zell-

prozesse zu erfahren.

Optische Technologie steckt auch in Geräten für den Alltag.

LED-Leuchten bieten sich als effiziente und umweltverträg-

liche Alternativen an, die bei breiter Anwendung erhebliche

Einsparungen beim CO2-Ausstoß und bei den Energiekosten

versprechen.

Als Standort für Optische Technologien hat Deutschland die

besten Voraussetzungen: Eine exzellente wissenschaftliche

Basis, leistungsfähige Unternehmen und die Menschen, die

mit Freude am Erfolg und mit Begeisterung für die Innovation

diese traditionsreiche Branche auf die Zukunft ausrichten.

Preface Grußwort

Dr. Dieter Kurz

Research Union Economy-Science

Dr. Dieter Kurz

Forschungsunion Wirtschaft-Wissenschaft

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Aktuelle Lösungen und neue Dimensionen in den Optischen Technologien

Current Solutions and New Dimensions in Optical Technologies

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CURRENT SOLUTIONS AND NEW DIMENSIONS IN OPTICAL TECHNOLOGIES

13

AKTUELLE LÖSUNGEN UND NEUE DIMENSIONEN IN DEN OPTISCHEN TECHNOLOGIEN

tributed in the spectral range of interest, have a wide range

of intensities, and sometimes appear blended. These sys-

tematic effects limit the capabilities of current high-reso-

lution spectrometers and hinder experiment repeatability,

crucial for any long-term monitoring.

The laser frequency combs (4, 5) may offer a solution.

Because time – and thus frequency – is the most accurately

measured quantity in physics thanks to atomic clocks, each

mode’s frequency (or wavelength) is accurately known a

priori and can be used as a perfect ruler to calibrate as-

tronomical spectra.

When the pulses pass through a spectrometer, a regu-

lar train of modes is overlapped with the light collected by

the spectrograph (see Figure 2) and hence can be used as

the ideal tool for calibration of the system.

Out of the approximately 500 000 available frequency

lines from the comb we only just used a total of 58 lines

in the first trial at the Vacuum Tower Telescope at Tenerife

(see Figure 3). Although the telescope was not designed for

this purpose, we readily achieved a state-of-the-art calibra-

tion accuracy (5).

We believe that using this technique with instruments

specially designed by the European Southern Observatory

(ESO) such as the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet

Searcher (HARPS) will reduce calibration uncertainties by

3 orders of magnitude. With this type of uncertainty, several

intriguing observations will become possible. One of them

is the detection of earth-like extra-solar planets orbiting

sun-like stars from the recoil motion of the star (see Fig-

ure 4). In addition, when monitoring the cosmic red shift

for a few years, it will be possible to decide whether the

expansion of the universe is accelerating. Such a direct ob-

servation could be decisive on whether or not dark energy,

together with general relativity, constitute the proper model,

or if we have to seek out for new explanations.

In summary, we have shown that by combining our tech-

nique of optical frequency combs with some at-first-sight

unrelated measurements of light from stars we can hope

to explore the yet unknown.

Recent cosmological observations suggest that the uni-

verse’s expansion is accelerating. Several lines of evidence

corroborate this, including results from distant supernovae,

the cosmic microwave background, and the clustering of

matter. In the following we outline a new method based on

direct frequency measurements of the cosmological red-

shifts. We have applied so called Optical Frequency Combs

for the calibration of a traditional spectrograph in order to

explore deep space more accurate than anybody before.

The Optical Frequency Comb with its extremely regular

spacing of individual frequency lines has proven to be a

powerful tool for optical frequency metrology (1, 2). Each

mode is phase coherently stabilized relative to the repeti-

tion rate controlled by an atomic clock. This allows to trans-

fer the accuracy of the atomic clock in a single step to the

optical domain. It provides the means to perform absolute

optical frequency measurements with the accuracy of the

most accurate device that exists.

We demonstrate the use of frequency combs to calibrate

traditional spectrographs for a direct measurement of the

universe’s expansion history by observing in real time the

evolution of the cosmological redshift of distant objects

(3). Here, the frequency comb acts as a transfer device

that allows to map an incoherent light source, otherwise

not accessible with coherent counting techniques, to the

phase controlled modes of a frequency comb.

Traditional spectral calibration techniques use a crowd of

emission or absorption lines, for example from a Thorium-

Argon-lamp, at known laboratory wavelengths as reference

to map the detector pixels into wavelengths. However, cali-

bration units are subject to uncertainties that unavoidably

degrade the wavelength solution: Lines are not evenly dis-

“First light” for Frequency Combs to Enable Cosmic Dynamics Experiments

Tilo Steinmetz, Thomas Udem, Ronald Holzwarth, Tobias Wilken, Theodor Hänsch, Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik; Michael Mei, Menlo Systems GmbH

Prof. Dr. Theodor W. Hänsch,

winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2005

Figure 1: An artistic view of

the experiment: a spectrograph for measuring

the universe expansion is il-luminated with

the precise lines of a frequency

comb.

Figure 2: Basic scheme of a laser frequency comb. A modelocked laser creates femtosecond pulses at hundreds of megahertz frequencies, frep (top), that are synchronized with an atomic clock. A spectrum of the pulses (bottom) is composed of many modes that are uniformly spaced in wavelength (or frequency) and cover a spectral bandwidth given roughly by the inverse of the pulse duration. Each mode’s wavelength (or frequency) does not have to be measured, but instead is given by a mathematical relation that includes frep, known a priori with very high accuracy. Laser frequency combs could therefore become the perfect wavelength calibration technique for astrophysical experiments that require high accuracy and long-term stability.

Figure 3: A) The top left shows a scheme of the solar telescope (VTT) on Tenerife which has been used for the work in (5). The light from the Sun is superimposed with the Menlo Systems FC1500 frequency comb (6) by means of a beam splitter. Together they are fed to a spectrometer (upper right). Since the original mode separation of the frequency comb (250 MHz) is too close to be resolved by the spectrometer, the light is first filtered using an external Fabry-Pérot filter cavity to 15 GHz. B) A section of the measured spectrum, magnified on top. The dark lines are caused by absorption of gaseous elements in the photosphere of the Sun and by absorption in Earth's atmosphere. The spectral lines of the frequency comb appear as bright streaks that are used as precise calibration lines for the entire solar spectrum.

Figure 4: Search of extrasolar planets by the reflex Doppler motion of their host stars.

Max-Planck-Institut für QuantenoptikProf. Dr. Theodor W. HänschHans-Kopfermann-Str. 1D – 85748 GarchingPhone + 49 (0)89 - 32905 - 712Fax + 49 (0)89 - 32905 - 312Mail [email protected] Web www.mpq.mpg.de

1. T. Udem, R. Holzwarth, T. W. Hänsch, Nature 416, 233 (Mar 14,

2002).

2. T. Wilken, T. W. Hänsch, R. Holzwarth, P. Adel, M. Mei, paper presen-

ted at the Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO) 2007

Baltimore, MD, USA, May 2007 2007.

3. M. T. Murphy, T. Udem, R. Holzwarth, A. Sizmann, L. Pasquini, C.

Araujo-Hauck, H. Dekker, S. D'Odorico, M. Fischer, T. W. Hänsch,

A. Manescau, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

(MNRAS) 380, 839 (2007).

4. C.-H. Li, A. J. Benedick, P. Fendel, A. G. Glenday, F. X. Kärtner, D. F.

Phillips, D. Sasselov, A. Szentgyorgyi, R. L. Walsworth, Nature 452,

610 (2008).

5. T. Steinmetz, T. Wilken, C. Araujo-Hauck, R. Holzwarth, T. W. Hänsch,

L. Pasquini, A. Manescau, S. D’Odorico, M. T. Murphy, T. Kentischer,

W. Schmidt, T. Udem, Science 321 (2008).

6. For a more detailed description of the Frequency Comb FC1500 see

www.menlosystems.com.

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The apparatus uses the fact that each molecule disperses

incoming laser light in a specific way, and one gets a “mo-

lecular fingerprint” for each microbe. This is then evaluated

via pattern recognition.

The second project offering a finished product will bring

great relief to many people: The bioaerosol monitor MICRO-

BUS developed from the “OMNIBUSS” project and now

delivers reliable and efficient pollen counts. MICROBUS is

an automated pollen monitor which combines the micro-

scopic evaluation of collected pollen with a complex pattern

recognition system. This allows not only the recognition of

the type of pollen but also its concentration in the air.

But not only biogenic pollution of the air by bacteria or

pollen causes problems, no less do fine particulates. That

is why the current project “Monet” is working on an in-situ

monitor measuring the percentage of fine particulates in

the air in real time. The project “Optozell”, on the other

hand, investigates microbiological contaminations of pure

and drinking water. With the help of a quick-acting optosen-

sory test system we will be able to immediately react on

water pollution in the future.

The leitmotif “light for health“ connects the different

projects. We are searching for a deeper understanding of

the causes of diseases which then is the key to an early

recognition and targeted treatment – especially of cancer,

infections and other widespread diseases. Even the econ-

omy can profit from biophotonics research because not

only the patient benefits from a faster and more targeted

treatment but also the health system. And it is extremely

rewarding that the results of biophotonics research bring

concrete improvements to patients and consumers within

a relatively short period of time.

Optical methods have a long tradition in life sciences and

medicine. Innovations like microscopy or the use of X-ray

images for medical purposes allowed doctors and biolo-

gists insights into life processes. Today light based tech-

nologies contribute to further progress in this area. Like

no other tool light is able to investigate cellular structures

without doing harm. On the other hand, light can separate

or even destroy cells in a much targeted way. Using these

qualities to understand the causes of diseases and to treat

them more individually is the major purpose of the Biopho-

tonics Research Program which has been supported by

the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research

(BMBF) since 2002. Currently 14 network projects bringing

together science and economy are working on optical solu-

tions for biological and medical applications.

Since the Biophotonics Research Program started an

emphasis has been put on the early diagnosis of cancer.

The earlier cancer can be detected the higher are the

chances to be cured. This is where the network project

“TumorVision“ sets in. It aims at detecting the first altera-

tions of cells towards malignant tumors. Two molecules

that are enzymatically active and mainly produced in tu-

mor cells serve as markers there. Together scientists and

physicians are working on a fluorescence endoscope that

makes those markers – and with them malignant tumors

– visible.

The “LUNA” project investigates a new contrast me-

dium for early cancer diagnosis and therefore explores the

application of novel fluorescent nano crystals in diagnostic

imaging. The crystals are supposed to accrete to proteins

which are changed due to the disease. This way they can

give evidence of such proteins in tissues.

The project “Exprimage”, as another example, tries to

improve the prognosis of the course of cancer via multi-

modal imaging. For that different methods like digital mi-

croscopy, automated image analysis, biomolecular analysis,

optical elasticity testing of cells or vibration spectroscopy

are combined. As a result, the patient can be treated in a

more individualized and efficient way.

Furthermore, optical technologies offer new approach-

es in understanding certain skin diseases. White cancer,

for instance, has been an underestimated disease so far

because its skin mutations are often not recognized by the

patient. The project “FluoTOM“ investigates a diagnostic

system doing without artificial markers, surgery or radio-

logical contamination. The physician immediately receives

diagnostic cross sections of the tissue volume allowing

the assessment of a tumour’s expansion, position or ag-

gressiveness.

Another project deals with neurodermatitis whose com-

plex causes are still relatively unknown. The five-dimension-

al intravital tomograph of the project “5D IVT” might change

this soon. The tomograph depicts dynamic processes in

the skin even in deeper layers without adding a contrast

medium or taking a sample. For the first time processes

like the distribution of active agents can be observed

precisely. Technically 5D-IVT combines three-dimensional

multiphoton fluorescence imaging with spectral and time

resolved detection methods.

That the concept standing behind the Biophotonics

Research Program is a successful one becomes visible

already. Two of the earlier network projects have been able

to introduce marketable appliances by now: When it comes

to the identification of bacteria in the air, water or soil, a

fast result is necessary. So far the cultivation of bacteria

has taken several days. This is why the researchers within

the “OMIB” project have developed an in-situ monitor which

is able to recognize an unknown bacterium within a second.

Luminous Visions for Better Health Care:

The Biophotonics Research Program

Prof. Dr. Jürgen PoppSpokesman Biophotonics Research Program Institute of Physical Chemistry University of JenaHelmholtzweg 407743 JenaGermanyPhone +49 (0)3641-948-320Fax +49 (0)3641-948-302Mail [email protected] www.biophotonik.org

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Popp, Speaker Research Framework »Biophotonics«

From left: Dr. Hans Eggers (BMBF, Department 513 "Optical Technologies“), Dr. Wolfram Eberbach (Thuringian Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs), State Secretary Prof. Dr. Frieder Meyer-Krahmer (BMBF), Dr. Albrecht Schröter (LordMayor of Jena), Prof. Dr. Hans-J. Schwarzmaier (VDI Technol-ogy Center), Prof. Dr. Jürgen Popp (Spokesman Biophotonics Research Program), Dr. Hilmar Gugel (Leica Microsystems) at the biophotonics conference “Photonics meets LifeSciences” 2008 in Jena.

Luminescent nanoparticles are an important tool in biophotonics re-searchSource: Forschungsschwerpunkt Biophotonik/Biophotonics Research Program Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Institut für Physikalische ChemieThe bioaerosol monitor MICROBUS delivers efficient pollen counts

The Bio Particle Explorer of the project “OMIB”

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Fragen an Prof. Dr. Stephan Sigrist, Institut für Biologie –

Freie Universität Berlin, NeuroCluster of Excellence – Charité

Berlin, zur Anwendung der super-hochauflösenden STED-

Mikroskopie:

Bruchpilot – so heißt ein Protein, das Sie erforschen. Was sehen Sie mit STED, was vorher nicht möglich war?Mit STED können wir hier erstmals Licht ins Dunkle brin-

gen. Wir erkennen Substrukturen der Synapsen und können

Proteine wie Bruchpilot lokalisieren. Bruchpilot spielt eine

zentrale Rolle bei der Signalübertragung in den Synapsen

der Nervenzellen der Fruchtfliege, in dem es dort eine spe-

zifische Struktur zur Unterstützung der Signalübertragung

aufbaut. Hat die Fliege wenig Bruchpilot, stürzt sie ab, hat

sie gar kein Bruchpilot, stirbt sie. Das Protein kommt in ähnli-

cher Form auch beim Menschen vor und könnte auch mit Er-

krankungen des Nervensystems in Zusammenhang stehen.

Tierstudien helfen, die Proteinfunktionen beim Menschen

zu verstehen.

Das Verständnis der biologischen Signalübertragung ist

nicht nur aus Sicht der Grundlagenwissenschaft wichtig.

Wahrscheinlich lösen synaptische Defekte viele neurode-

generative Erkrankungen aus. Zudem werden auch Erinne-

rungs- und Lernprozesse mit großer Sicherheit an Synapsen

organisiert.

Sie waren neben dem Erfinder Prof. Stefan Hell einer der Ersten, die mit STED gearbeitet haben. Wie war es, als Sie die ersten STED-Bilder gesehen haben?Mir hat sich – ohne zu übertreiben – eine neue Welt aufge-

tan. Ich habe sofort verstanden, dass STED für unsere Fra-

gestellungen einen Durchbruch darstellt und dass wir sehr

naive Vorstellungen von dem hatten, was wir mit konventi-

oneller Lichtmikroskopie sehen konnten. Doch das Schöne

an der Wissenschaft ist ja, dass neue Erkenntnisse immer

wieder neue Fragen aufwerfen.

Die Lichtmikroskopie ist eine zentrale Technologie in den Lebenswissenschaften. Wie schätzen Sie die Be-deutung von STED für die Zukunft ein?Ausgesprochen hoch, da wir mit STED in den Bereich von

Proteinkomplexen vordringen und damit ganz nahe am Le-

ben beobachten können. Zur Zeit können wir Strukturen un-

terhalb 100 Nanometer auflösen. Professor Hell, der an der

Weiterentwicklung von STED arbeitet, hat im Labor bereits

weitaus höhere Auflösungen realisiert. Wenn wir Auflösun-

gen von wenigen zehn Nanometern nutzen können, sind

lichtmikroskopisch Aussagen darüber möglich, ob Proteine

nahe beieinander liegen oder weiter entfernt sind. Für das

Verständnis der Proteinfunktionen wäre dies ein weiterer

Quantensprung.

Das Interview führte Anja Schué, Leica Microsystems.

Warum interessieren uns Fliegen, die zu Bruchpiloten werden?

Mit dem STED-Mikroskop Proteine in Nervenzellen

beobachtenProf. Dr. Stephan Sigrist,

Institut für Biologie – Freie Universität Berlin,

NeuroCluster of Excellence – Charité Berlin

Why Are We Interested in Flies that Turn into Crash Pilots?

Looking at proteins in nerve cells with the STED microscope

Leica Microsystems GmbHFrau Dr. Kirstin Henze Corporate CommunicationsErnst-Leitz-Straße 17 - 37D – 35578 WetzlarPhone +49 (0)6441 - 29 - 2550Mail [email protected] www.leica-microsystems.com

STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion) steht für ein lichtmikro-skopisches Verfahren, bei dem die Auflösung nicht mehr durch die Lichtwellenlänge begrenzt ist. Erfinder Prof. Dr. Stefan Hell vom Max-Planck-Institut Göttingen erhielt dafür den Deutschen Zukunftspreis 2006. Das STED-Fluoreszenzmikroskop Leica TCS STED wird von Leica Microsystems exklusiv in Lizenz produziert und vermarktet.

Prof. Dr. Stephan Sigrist, Institute of Biology – Freie Uni-

versität Berlin, NeuroCluster of Excellence – Charité Berlin,

answers a few questions on the application of super high

resolution STED microscopy:

Bruchpilot, which is German for crash pilot, is the name of one of the proteins you are researching. What does STED show you that you couldn’t see before?For the first time, STED brings light into darkness in this

field. We recognize sub-structures of synapses and are able

to localize proteins such as bruchpilot. Bruchpilot plays a

key role in synaptic signal transmission in the nerve cells of

the Drosophila fly by building up a specific structure there

for supporting signal transmission. If the Drosophila fly

does not have much bruchpilot, it cannot sustain flight, if it

has none at all, it dies. The protein is found in similar form

in humans, too, and could be connected with diseases of

the nervous system. Studying animals helps to understand

the functions of the protein in humans.

Understanding biological signal transmission is not

only important for science in general. It is probable that

synaptic defects trigger a large number of neurodegenera-

tive diseases. In addition, it is almost certain that memory

and learning processes are organized at synapses.

Apart from its inventor, Prof. Stefan Hell, you were one of the first to work with STED. What was it like to see the first STED images?Without exaggerating, I can say that I discovered a new

world. I immediately realized that STED is a breakthrough

for finding answers to our questions and that we had had

extremely naïve ideas of what we could see with light mi-

croscopy. But, after all, that’s the beauty of science – that

new discoveries always raise new questions.

Light microscopy is a key technology in life sciences. How important do you think STED will be in future?Very important indeed, as STED takes us into the realm of

protein complexes and therefore gives us a really close up

view of life. At present, we are able to resolve structures

below the 100 nanometer mark.

Professor Hell, who is working on the further develop-

ment of STED, has already achieved far higher resolutions.

If we can use resolutions of a few tens of nanometers, it

will be possible to determine with light microscopy whether

proteins are close together or further apart. This would

constitute a further quantum leap in our understanding of

protein functions.

Immunohistological co-staining of two antibodies which bind at different regions of the synaptic protein Bruchpilot (BRP). The increased resolution resulting from the STED technology (green, BRPC-Term) allows us to probe the spatial organization of BRP at synapses. The overlay of the sequen-tially acquired confocal images (red, BRPN-Term) with the STED images clearly shows the higher resolution obtained by STED microscopy.

Immunohistologische Ko-Färbung zweier Antikörper, die an un-terschiedlichen Bereichen des synaptischen Proteins Bruchpilot (BRP) binden. Durch die verbesserte Auflösung der STED-Techno-logie (grün, BRP C-Term) können Aussagen zur räumlichen Anord-nung von BRP an der Synapse getroffen werden. Die Überlagerung der sequenziell aufgenommenen, konfokalen Bilder (rot, BRPN-Term) mit den STED-Bildern verdeutlicht den Auflösungsgewinn durch die STED-Mikroskopie.

Prof. Sigrist was interviewed

by Anja Schué, Leica Microsystems.

STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion) stands for a light micro-scopic technique in which resolution is no longer limited by the wavelength of the light. Its inventor, Prof. Dr. Stefan Hell of the Max-Planck-Institute Göttingen, won the German Future Award 2006. Leica Microsystems has an exclusive license to produce and market the STED Fluorescence Microscope Leica TCS STED.

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Organic Electronics is one of the key technologies of this

century and Germany has in many segments a leading role.

For this emerging industry, market research like IDTechEx

is forecasting an overall market volume of 100 Bio US $

in 2020. Recent investments and announcements of first

movers seem to support such ambitious forecasts.

A wide definition of Organic Electronics comprises OLED

(Organic Light Emitting Diodes), OPV (Organic Photovolta-

ics), OTFT (Organic Thin Film Transistors) and others. They

all have in common that the key active material that deter-

mines the device functionality is an organic semiconductor.

Since OLED and OPV are covered by different articles in this

issue, we focus in the following on OTFT only.

Transistors are miniaturized electrical switches and

are key elements in electronics and optics applications.

Transistors, which today are based on silicon technology,

are ubiquitous. In modern Liquid Crystal based televisions,

every single pixel is switched by a TFT, integrated circuits

including thousands of transistors are used in many mod-

ern devices for automotive, information, communication,

consumer electronics, housing and other applications.

The OTFT working principleFor the sake of simplicity we exemplify the basic technical

concept here for a field effect transistor. The unique fea-

tures of an organic field effect transistor are in principle

valid for other organic transistor types like bi-polar transis-

tors and for more complex electronics components based

on organic materials.

In an O-TFT instead of silicon an organic semiconductor

is used (cp. Picture 1). These are highly conjugated small

molecules or macromolecules based on many thousands

of repeating molecular subunits. The source and drain elec-

trodes are covered by the organic semiconductor. An insu-

lating layer separates the organic semiconductor from the

gate electrode. Based on the voltage applied to the gate

electrode, the organic semiconductor changes its conduc-

tive properties from an insulator to a conductor, hence the

gate voltage controls the current flowing between source

and drain electrode.

Key parameters that determine the performance and ap-

plicability of an O-TFT are the mobility of the charge carriers

through the semiconductor layer and the process condi-

tions that can be applied to the semiconductor. State of

the art organic semiconductors achieve mobilities of more

than 1 cm2/Vs. This is already in the range of charge car-

rier mobilites of amorphous silicon, which is widely used

for transistors in liquid crystal based TVs.

Referring to manufacturing process conditions, an im-

portant feature of these organic semiconductors is their

solubility in organic solvents. This opens the door for all

liquid based coating techniques to be used for the depo-

sition of organic semiconductors. Important are printing

Status and Future of Organic Electronics

processes which can be applied to organic semiconductors

and opens a new world compared to traditional semicon-

ductors like silicon.

Uniqueness of Organic Semiconductors and Or-ganic TransistorsThe main advantage of organic semiconductors currently

lies in the potential of much easier and faster processing

compared to silicon based technologies. As solutions, the

semiconductors can be printed, whole devices can be built

up by printing layer by layer which is a fast and additive

process that in principle can be done in ambient condi-

tions without cleanroom facilities and with relative small

plant investments. Printable formulations of organic semi-

conductors for established printing techniques like inkjet,

gravure, flexographic or offset are available. This facilitates

short production runs with roll-to-roll techniques on flexible

substrates, opening the whole range of new flexible appli-

cations like flexible displays (picture 2), printable circuits

(picture 3) or Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFID),

printable sensors and many others.

What are the key challenges ?Exhibiting a huge market potential, organic electronics

still has to be considered as an emerging technology with

many unknowns and hurdles to overcome. The complex-

ity of bringing organic electronics to the market requires

close cooperation along the whole value chain. Chemicals

companies, printing companies, equipment, machinery and

application and Universities and institutes have to work

together to move the technology to mass production. Stan-

dards and specifications need to be developed, process

parameters like printing registration are not defined yet and

resolution for necessary system integration needs massive

improvement.

For the materials, key seems to be a strong interdepen-

dency between performance and process applicability, ad-

ditionally more complex electrical circuit designs require

semiconductor mobilities of over 5 cm2/Vs.

There are many challenges ahead, but remarkable prog-

ress in the past years and a critical mass of players in

the field will eventually pave the way for a bright future of

organic electronics.

Organic Electronics at MerckMerck is one of the industrial pioneers of organic elec-

tronics, starting own research and development about ten

years ago. In 2005 Merck made a major acquisition in

OLED materials, in 2006 Merck opened a laboratory for

inorganic printable electronics together with the Technical

University of Darmstadt. Since 2001 all OPV and O-TFT re-

lated activities of Merck are run in Merck’s Technical Centre

in Southampton in the United Kingdom, which recently an-

nounced further investments to expand organic electronic

research facilities. Merck’s organic electronics materials

are commercialized under the brand name lisicon™.

Merck is one of the initiators of the OPV- BMBF initia-

tive of the Federal Minister of Education and Research and

will play a major role in the Spitzencluster initiative in the

Innovation Laboratory in Heidelberg.

Dr Michael Heckmeier, MBA Senior DirectorAdvanced Technologies (AT-C)Merck Chemicals Ltd.Southampton, UK

Picture 3: Printable circuits on a roll-to-roll line. Source: PolyIC

Merck Chemicals Ltd.Chilworth Technical Centre, University Parkway, Southampton SO16 7QD, UKPhone +44 (0)23-8076-3310Fax +44 (0)23-8076-3380Mail [email protected] http://www.merckchem.co.uk/

Picture 2: Flexible display driven by an organic TFT array.

Picture 1: Sketch of an organic Field Ef-fect Transistor (O-FET).

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Center for Organic Materials and Electronic Devices Dresden - COMEDDStill, a few technical issues remain to be addressed. The ef-

ficiency of white OLEDs and their lifetime have to be further im-

proved and translated into a cost-effective production. Several

research institutes and companies are looking into solutions for

these tasks. Together with the U.S.A. and Japan, Europe are in

the vanguard of this development.

However, for the European organic lighting industry to be in-

fluential in this market, it is a must that not only development

and design, but also fabrication capacities are located here. In

response to this, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has founded the

Center for Organic Materials and Electronic Devices Dresden

(COMEDD). The new research center specializes in the develop-

ment of cost-effective and production-ready processes for organic

semiconductor devices such as OLEDs and organic solar cells

on the one hand, and their integration into novel products on

the other.

The center's core facility are several vacuum coaters. For

the production of OLEDs on glass substrates, a new production

line for glass and foil was installed by Sunic System of South

Korea in cooperation with Aixtron AG Germany. This line enables

the prompt evaluation of new process concepts with a capacity

of up to 13 000 m2 per year. For the development and produc-

tion of flexible substrate OLED lighting module, COMEDD offers

a roll-to-roll production line by Dresden company Von Ardenne

Anlagentechnik GmbH installed at the Fraunhofer Institute for

Electron Beam and Plasma Technology – Fraunhofer FEP. Not only

do the new coaters allow for the production of organic lighting

systems. The research equipment also enables the production

of organic solar cells on the basis of small molecules in a roll-

to-roll process. COMEDD belongs to the Fraunhofer Institute for

Photonic Microsystems (Fraunhofer IPMS) under its director, Pro-

fessor Karl Leo.

IntroductionThe lamps predominantly used in today's general light-

ing engineering are incandescent lamps and luminescent

tubes, the production methods and functionality of which

have been technologically mature for a long time. Add to

this the light-emitting diodes (LED) made from semicon-

ductors over the past decade their development has leapt

forward. Due to their increased functionality, they are in-

creasingly being used beyond their original service environ-

ment (indicator, status, signal lights, display technology) as

light sources, too.

In contrast to LEDs, lighting units based on organic

light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are still in a development

stage, but they already show enormous potential as illu-

minants of the future. They will complement LEDs as a

second, important solid-state illumination – a substantial

growth market.

Technical BackgroundThe electroluminescence on the basis of organic materi-

als has been known for quite some time, but only in 1987

could an efficient OLED be produced. In its simplest form,

an OLED consists of stacks of organic layers (thickness

about 100-200 nm), which are inserted between two elec-

trodes (anode and cathode). Applied to a glass substrate,

this area light source measures less than 2 mm in total.

In applying a current, within the coating system light is

produced which emanates through one of the electrodes.

Usually, the substrate is glass coated with a transparent

conductive oxide being the anode, followed by the organic

stack, consisting of hole transport and electron transport

materials, followed by the inorganic cathode. Key advan-

tages of the organic luminescence are the chemical vari-

ability of the organic light-emitting diodes, allowing virtually

any color including white, and the thin film system, allowing

large-area and low-cost deposition, and the possibility to

use thin and even flexible substrates to realize a novel

class of lighting and display solutions not possible for other

technologies.

At present, two different systems of materials for or-

ganic light-emitting diodes are being researched: OLEDs

based upon vacuum-coated small molecules, so-called

small-molecules (SM-) OLEDs; and polymer light-emitting

diodes (PLED) based upon polymers which are applied in

the liquid phase. SM-OLEDs dominate the market; their

share in the display field alone amounts to almost 100

percent.

Lighting on the basis of organic light-emitting diodes. The development of OLEDs triggered a rapid development

which led to a consistent growth of the display industry,

with a turnover of half a billion US $ in 2007. The main ap-

plications today are the small, so-called sub-displays, used

for information in cell phones and MP3-players as well as

in the first mini-format TVs.

The efficiency of LEDs has increased to such a degree

that in the case of green diodes, it exceeds that of inorganic

light-emitting diodes. This has opened up yet another vast

market of the future for OLEDs within large-area lighting.

With their moderate luminance (as against LEDs), OLEDs

are predestined for use in diffuse area light sources. Their

low thickness makes novel, transparent as well as flexible

illuminants a distinct possibility of the future.

Already today, one thing seems for sure: light sources

on the basis of organic light diodes will revolutionize the

lighting market; replacing traditional lighting technology

in the field of area light sources as a second solid light

source besides LEDs. First, large-quantity product series

are predicted for as early as 2009. Marketing consulting

company IDTechEx Ltd. expects a market of 2.5 billion US $

as early as 2010.

Flat Light Sources on the Basis of Organic Light-Emitting DiodesA new technology for the lighting of the future

Fraunhofer InstitutPhotonische Mikrosysteme (IPMS)Jörg AmelungMaria-Reiche-Str. 2D – 01109 Dresden Phone +49 (0)351 - 8823 - 127Mail [email protected] www.ipms.fraunhofer.de

Jörg Amelung, Fraunhofer

Institute for Photonic

Microsystems, Dres-den Cluster tool for large-area OLED Deposition, Center for

Organic Materials and Electronic Devices Dresden

A scientist shows a large-area lighting unit fabricated in theCenter for Organic Materials and Electronic Devices

Flexible Organic Solar CellDemonstrator for Large-area OLED Lighting Applications

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be received by an adjacent channel’s receptor. Natural ap-

position compound eyes contain several hundreds (water

fly) up to tens of thousands (honeybee or Japanese dragon-

fly) of these ommatidia packed in non-uniform hexagonal

arrays. In superposition compound eyes several ommatidia

contribute to the formation of one image point in order to

increase the light sensitivity.

A major challenge for a technical adoption of natural com-

pound eyes is the required fabrication and assembly ac-

curacy. Recent micro-optical fabrication technologies such

as UV-replication allow for a highly precise generation of

uniform micro-lens arrays with small lens sags and their

accurate alignment to the subsequent optics-, spacing-

and optoelectronics structures. The results are ultra-thin

monolithic imaging devices with the high accuracy of photo

lithography for a variety of applications. However, up-to-

date artificial receptor arrays such as CCD- or CMOS im-

age sensors are fabricated on planar wafers. Thus, a thin

monolithic objective based on the artificial compound eye

concept has to be a planar structure as well.

Figure 3 shows the basic structure of an artificial apposi-

tion compound eye imaging optical sensor, fabricated by a

wafer-level-process. It basically consists of a polymer micro-

lens array on a glass substrate, several layers of apertures

for optical isolation of the channels, and an optoelectronic

detector array of different pitch in the micro-lenses’ fo-

cal plane. The pitch difference enables a different viewing

direction for each optical channel. The optical axes of the

channels are directed outwards in object space – just as

in the case of the natural archetype on a curved basis – if

the pitch of the receptor array is smaller than that of the

micro-lens array. A pinhole array can be used to narrow

the photo sensitive area of the detector pixels if they are

not small enough for the required resolution. The resulting

ultra-thin imaging optical sensor has only the thickness of

a Cent-piece, including the Silicon-die thickness and the

PCB (Fig. 4) and takes images with a resolution of up to

200 x 150 pixels (Fig. 5). Artificial compound eyes prom-

ise to lead to a completely new class of imaging systems

based on micro- and nanooptics. They are imaging systems

with a minimum thickness, high degree of integration with

the optoelectronics, extremely high magnification, large

depth of focus and a resolution which is sufficient for many

applications in machine vision.

Novel wafer level based optical systems like insect inspired

objectives impressively prove that due to micro- and nano-

optics optics currently undergoes a similar revolution from

niche-macro to mass-micro as electronics did to microelec-

tronics at the beginning of the 60s of the last century;

Germany is at the forefront of this development and will

gain significant market share in this upcoming area.

Optical technologies already have a long history in our life.

Starting with the use of simple mirrors documented long

before Christ over the invention of early microscopes and

telescopes several hundred years ago optics mainly con-

tributed to the understanding of our world. So e.g. Galileo

Galilei used lens-telescopes for his observations about

400 years ago and found mountains on the moon, sun-

spots, rings of Saturn and some moons of Jupiter.

Today, the entirety of methods and procedures in the field

of optics influences our way of life in an amount we couldn’t

imagine a few decades ago. However, the importance of

light in our daily life will even further increase in the next

years and in some cases it will even play a superior role.

Optics consequently becomes an enabler and catalyst in

science and engineering. Networks of glass fibres will sup-

port new forms of information and communication tech-

nologies. Minimal invasive therapies will take over more

and more in the medical sciences, which potentially also

will reduce costs in the health care system. Therefore the

21st century is also called the century of light.

The control of light in all its properties will play a major

role in the dominant technologies of the next century. Here

micro- and nanooptics have a special importance because

they offer new possibilities to form novel optical systems

and furthermore have compatibility within the meanwhile

established semiconductor fabrication processes.

Prominent examples for these novel types of optical sys-

tems are arrayed ultra-compact vision systems which have

their archetypes in the eyes of invertebrates. Natural com-

pound eyes combine small eye volumes with a large field

of view, at the cost of comparatively low spatial resolution.

For small invertebrates, as for instance flies or moths, the

compound eyes are the perfectly adapted solution to ob-

tain sufficient visual information about their environment

without overloading their brain with the necessary image

processing (Fig. 1).

Nocturnal insects such as moths possess superposition

compound eyes with high sensitivity and low resolution

while diurnal insects such as flies show compound eyes of

the apposition type which behave vice versa. All of theses

eye forms can use refractive mechanisms for image for-

mation while incorporating graded refractive index optics.

In superposition compound eyes, reflective mechanisms

can be found as well. A natural apposition compound eye

consists of an array of micro-lenses on a curved surface

(Fig. 2). Each micro-lens is associated with a small group

of photo receptors in its focal plane. The single micro-

lens receptor unit produces one image point for a certain

direction in the overall compound eyes field of view and is

commonly referred to as ”ommatidium”. Pigments form

opaque walls between adjacent ommatidia to avoid light

under a large angle which is focused by one micro-lens to

Micro- and Nanooptics: New P rospects in Optical Technologies

Fraunhofer IOFProf. Dr. Andreas Tünnermann Albert-Einstein-Str. 7D-07745 Jena Phone +49 (0)3641 - 807 - 201Fax +49 (0)3641 - 807 - 600Mail [email protected] www.iof.fraunhofer.de

Dr. Jacques Duparré

Figure 3: Basic structure of an artificial apposition compound eye imaging optical sensor.

Figure 4: Artificial compound eye objective assembled and pack-aged with CMOS-image sensor on PCB in comparison to a 1 Cent piece (supported by BMBF, project "X-Flaksa").

Figure 1Drosophila

Source:Jürgen Berger, Max-Planck-Institut für Entwicklungs biologie, Tübingen

Figure 5Image captured with the thin com-pound camera

Figure 2Diagram of a natural

apposition com-pound eye (drag-

onfly); Facettenauge einer Libelle

Source: public domain (previous: Meyers Konversa-tionslexikon 1888) (from Wikipedia))

Prof. Dr. Andreas Tunnermann

Andreas Tünnermann and Jacques Duparré, Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF, Jena

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such kind of coupling elements can be applied for multi-

mode and multilayer optical coupling of electrical-optical

circuit boards (EOCB) and to interconnect Silicon photonic

chip wires through high-index contrast vertical gratings to

the micro optical periphery.

These coupling elements consist of planar waveguide

arrays made by ion exchange and reflective mirror surfaces

for the light deflection. The waveguides can be narrow for

single or wide for multimode propagation. In Figure 2 a

schematic cross section is shown. The coupling element it-

self can be realized as single layer element or as a stacked

sandwich to realize more complex optical functionality and

mechanical properties. So in Figure 2 an ion exchanged

lens in the bottom layer is integrated to focus the out com-

ing light to a small PD or vertical grating structure to couple

to silicon photonics waveguide chips.

Figure 2: Schematic drawing of optical coupling element using the fiber laser fusion technology and lensing with beam deflection mirror.

One benefit of using thin glass substrates is the possibil-

ity of direct fusion bonding to silica fibers. The fiber end

face is positioned in front of the polished end face of the

integrated waveguide. A CO2-Laser beam focused on the

bonding zone melts both bond partners about the anneal-

ing point and fuses them together. A reliable bond can be

achieved [4].

But even in single layer glass foils more optical functionality

can be integrated by means of a double side ion exchange

process as depicted in Figure 3.

These waveguides are well aligned vertically and the 45

degree mirror is polished very precisely in order to achieve

a 90 degree deflection element for double layer waveguide

arrays. In Figure 4 the deflection and the out coupling is

demonstrated.

In the sensor demonstrator

realized recently [5] the photo

diodes and the laser chips are

butt coupled to the waveguide

chip. This approach is quite

common and the coupling ef-

ficiency depends on the beam

properties of the laser as well as

the waveguide profile which can

be adopted by controlling the dif-

fusion parameters. In Figure 5

the position of the butt coupled

components are shown. Most

critical is the active alignment

of the Mach-Zehnder-waveguide

plate to the very little already

assembled laser dies (upper

inset).

Figure 5: Design of the refractometric sensor with integrated MZI and fluidic channels, and optoelectronic components. The sensor has a length of 80 mm and a width of 10 mm

References1 “FutureBoard”, supported by the German Ministry of Re-

search and Technology (BMBF/vdivde-it).

2 “Light in Thin Glass module”, supported by the federal

Government of Berlin (Investitionsbank Berlin, IBB)

3 H. Schröder et al., Proc. 58th ECTC 2008, Lake Buena

Vista, Florida, USA, May 27-30, 2008

4 N. Arndt-Staufenbiel at al., Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 5445,

2004

5 L. Brusberg et al., Proc. Photonics Europe 2008, Stras-

bourg, France, 7-11 April 2008

1. Substrate Integrated Optical Interconnects The discussions whether and when the electrical to optical

transition for short distance interconnects in systems will

arise have been going on for a lot of years. Worldwide there

are many ongoing projects with strong industrial commit-

ment particularly in Japan, USA, and Europe. Due to ever-

faster processor clock speeds, there is a continuously rising

need for increased bandwidth to transfer large amounts of

data, noise-free, within computer and telecommunications

systems. For example the CPU chips in telecommunication

routers are mounted on Multi chip modules (MCM). Due to

these MCM are of a limited area the needed hundreds of

interconnects have to be of a very high density. Here, opti-

cal transmission paths using integrated planar waveguides

are a really viable alternative to high-frequency electrical

interconnections. The reasons for this include that a higher

connection density can be achieved and the power dissipa-

tion as well as interference from electromagnetic radiation

(causing bit error rate increase) are significantly lower. Con-

sequently optical interconnects start to penetrate deeper

into the systems from rack-to-rack level by optical fibers

to board-to-board and module level by integrated planar

waveguide technologies. In particular nano-photonics and

electrical-optical integration are rapidly growing fields with

a strong potential for data and telecom but also for optical

sensors. But its merit of ultra compactness becoming also

a challenge here since the periphery remained micro-level.

In the following section thin glass will be introduced as an

innovative substrate material for graded index waveguides

on board level and also for a new kind of optical coupling

elements on board and module level. This unique approach

has been developed at Fraunhofer IZM within public funded

co-operative projects [1,2].

2. Waveguide technology: Ion exchange in thin glass foilsA variety of polymer materials have been used for planar

optical waveguide layers. The waveguides are always mul-

timodal step index waveguides with core diameters in the

range of 30 … 70 μm. The length of the waveguides and

the obtainable optical attenuation are primarily determined

by the properties of the various structuring technologies

themselves. Thermal stability and reliability remain a seri-

ous problem.

The technology recently adapted to the thin glass sub-

strates is the silver ion-exchange technology. The resulting

single- or multi-mode waveguides are characterized by a

graded refractive index profile. The waveguide manufactur-

ing consists of processes in a molten salt at a temperature

of 350°C. A structured alloy mask deposited on the surface

of the thin glass substrates supports the local confined dif-

fusion process between the glass and the salt melt [3].

The ion-exchange technology is suitable for optical

circuits containing straight or curved waveguides, tapers,

splitters, Mach-Zehnder interferometers, and further inte-

grated planar optical structures below the surface of the

thin glass substrates.

3. Optical coupling New optical interconnection concepts have been developed.

Waveguide array coupling elements of very flexible design

are demonstrated to realize out of plane coupling. Thus

New Optical Interconnects for Communication and Sensors

Dr. Henning Schröder, Fraunhofer Institute for

Reliability and Microintegration (IZM)

Figure 1: Two dimensional refractive index profile of a multimode graded index waveguide.

Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM) G.-Meyer-Allee 25 D – 13355 BerlinPhone +49 (0)30 - 46403 - 277Fax +49 (0)30 - 46403 - 271Mail [email protected] www. izm.fraunhofer.de

Figure 4: (upper) Light coming out of the posi-tion A (Figure 4) and (lower) light coming out of the position B

Figure 3: 45 degree polished thin glass substrate with double layer ion exchanged optical waveguides. Dashed lines indicate both of the waveguides. A and B indicate the position of the out of plane coupled beams.

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Precision Work in Metal: Optical sensors for material processing with lasers

money. A defective lens can be replaced within minutes if

it is detected in time.

To weld two workpieces together precisely with a laser,

the laser beam must be guided exactly along the actu-

al position of the workpieces to be joined. Usually, the

seam tracking is captured optically by the light-sectioning

measurement. In this measurement, a fine laser beam is

projected onto the workpiece; an optical sensor captures

the reflected light and detects the position of the seam,

and the gap and the height offset of the workpieces to be

joined. But this measurement has its limits. TRUMPF is the

only manufacturer to add measurement with incident light

to the light-sectioning method. The TRUMPF seam sensor

SeamLine has an integrated camera with vertical illumina-

tion to detect both the laser beam of the light sectioning

measurement and the gray-value image of the incident light

measurement (Fig. 5). SeamLine calculates the position

of the workpieces to be joined 50 times per second and

achieves a position that is precise to within 0.02 millime-

ters, even at high welding speeds.

The next step in development will be SeamLine Pro, which

integrates the sensors for the entire process. In addition

to seam tracking, SeamLine Pro also inspects the welding

process itself, scanning and evaluating the quality of the

finished welded seam. This advancement is made possible

by cameras with rapid, highly dynamic sensors that simulta-

neously handle the bright process light in the welding area

and the measurement light for seam tracking.

TRUMPF is a pioneer in a development that encom-

passes broad areas of the metal and electrical industries.

In the study cited in the first paragraph, the Fraunhofer

ISI concluded that automatic image processing is the

technology currently undergoing the fastest expansion in

the industry. With the presentation of DetectLine, a sen-

sor system for laser cutting machines, TRUMPF demon-

strated in fall of 2008 what image processing can do.

A camera measures the contours of processed workpieces

and adjusts the zero point of the cutting program. Further

customer-specific measurement tasks are conceivable.

Production today is difficult to imagine without lasers.

Whether it be cutting (Fig. 1), welding (Fig. 2) or marking

(Fig. 3) – in every area this all-round tool is replacing con-

ventional processes and making it possible to manufacture

products and components that would not exist without the

laser. This viewpoint is confirmed by a survey of 1,450

companies in the metal and electrical industries, which

was carried out by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and

Innovation Research (ISI) in Karlsruhe, Germany.

According to the survey, the laser will take on an in-

creasingly important role in production in the future. The

reasons are obvious in the sheet metal processing indus-

try: Lasers can cut and join sheets more precisely and

more rapidly with less damage. As a result, companies

can manufacture high-quality products efficiently. The end

customer benefits, as well, from light, fuel-efficient auto-

mobiles, for example.

To perform its task precisely and efficiently, the laser

needs a sophisticated sensor system. This system en-

sures the quality of the component during processing by

positioning the laser beam precisely (Fig. 4), regulating

the output and reducing scrap. Some of these sensors

function, like the laser, on an optical principle. This is es-

pecially true of the piercing sensor that is now standard

on TRUMPF lasers. Using a photodiode, the sensor mea-

sures with a mirror the light emanating from the surface

of the workpiece. When the hole has been pierced, very

little light returns and the laser shuts off. This measure-

ment is very exact and recognizes more than just whether

the hole has been pierced. The piercing sensor can also

control the laser so that it generates only as much power

as necessary to make the size of hole that is required. This

“soft piercing”, performed by TRUMPF PierceLine technol-

ogy, protects the material and, in sheet cutting, makes it

possible to pierce very close to the edge to be cut, thus

saving time and energy.

In addition, an optical sensor is used in combination with

the lens of the processing optics. It ensures that the lens

does not overheat, which occurs when it is smudged, such

as when metal particles spatter onto the lens surface dur-

ing processing. This would cause a rapid increase in the

heat absorption of the lens, resulting in rupture of its coat-

ing, fouling of the optical path and, in the worst case, the

machine would be out of operation for days. For this rea-

son, TRUMPF equips its machines with a lens sensor that

recognizes the start of a thermal disturbance and shuts

off the laser within milliseconds. This, too, saves time and

TRUMPF GmbH + Co. KGJohann-Maus-Straße 271254 DitzingenGermanyPhone +49 (0)7156 - 303 - 0Mail [email protected] www.trumpf-laser.com

Peter Leibinger, Vice Chairman of the Managing Board and Head of the Laser Tech-nology and Electronics Division, is responsible for Research and Development and New Business Developmentfor the TRUMPF Group

Fig 1: Laser cutting a deep drawn steel work-piece with a CO2 laser

Fig 2: Laser welding a tube

Fig. 5: Because of the narrow seam geometry, laser welding requires exact

positioning of the laser focus to the joint. SeamLine detects the exact position

optically and regulates the system.Fig. 4: A Sensor in the cutting head maintains

a constant standoff between nozzle and sheet.Fig 3: Marking a serial

number with a marking laser

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Distance is one of the most important measurement quan-

tities in technical applications. Often, optical sensors are

applied, since they measure non-intrusive. However, the

precise measurement of dynamic processes with temporal

resolution high than the millisecond range was an unsolved

task. The world wide unique laser Doppler distance sensor

exhibits temporal resolutions in the microsecond range.

Moreover, the distance resolution is independent of the lat-

eral velocity of the object, which is an outstanding feature

of the novel sensor. This unique advantage has opened

new application areas.

The laser Doppler distance sensor is based on a clever

extension of the conventional laser Doppler velocimetry

(LDV). The well known LDV technique evaluates the scat-

tered light from objects passing parallel interference fring-

es in the intersection volume of two coherent laser beams.

Taking into account the constant spacing d of the fringes,

the lateral velocity v of the scattering object is precisely

calculated by the spacing d times the measured Doppler

frequency f.

The idea is to generate two superposed fanshaped

fringe systems with contrary fringe spacing gradients inside

the same measurement volume. In order to physically dis-

tinguish the two fringe systems different laser wavelengths

are employed. The fringe spacings are monotonously in-

creasing and decreasing functions d1,2(z) with respect to

the distance z. The quotient of the two resulting Doppler

frequencies f1,2 is independent of the velocity and yields

the distance. With the known distance z, the actual fringe

spacings can be identified via the calibrated fringe spacing

curves in order to determine precisely the velocity also.

One important application of the laser Doppler distance

sensor is the process control. The efficiency of turbo ma-

chines can be optimized by minimizing the distance be-

tween blade tip and casing in order to reduce leakage flows.

However, during operation the tip clearance is changing due

to mechanical forces caused by varying temperature and

pressure conditions inside the turbo machine and by vibra-

tions of rotor blades and casing. In order to prevent fatal

damage, it has to be assured that the rotor will not touch

the casing in any case. An accurate and online determina-

tion of the tip clearance is therefore indispensable for an

optimized and safe operation. The laser Doppler distance

sensor has achieved the demands of a resolution in the mi-

crosecond and micrometer range simultaneously, because

in principle the distance uncertainty is independent of the

object velocity. For enabling tip clearance measurements at

turbo machines under operational conditions such as tem-

peratures of up to 300°C, a flexible and robust measure-

ment system with an all-passive fiber-coupled sensor has

been realized. A water-cooling of the sensor guarantees the

reliable operation at high temperatures. With this system,

tip clearance and vibration measurements on a transonic

The Laser Doppler Distance Sensor

centrifugal compressor performed during operation at up to

50,000 rpm and 586 m/s blade tip velocity were accom-

plished. The results are in excellent agreement with those

of standard capacitive sensors, used as a reference, but

the accuracy achieved is a factor of more than two higher.

It predestines the application of the laser Doppler distance

sensor for future active clearance control systems.

Precise online shape and vibration measurements of

fast rotating objects are an important task in manufactur-

ing metrology. First part quality of the geometry of work

pieces is one goal. During manufacturing the diameter of

rotating cylindrical objects has to be controlled. The laser

Doppler distance sensor allows lateral velocity and dis-

tance measurements of rough surfaces simultaneously.

At each rotation of the work piece its diameter was deter-

mined with only one optical access. It makes an easy inte-

gration into a machine tool possible. Since the accuracy is

independent of the rotation speed fast turning and grinding

processes can be controlled. The novel sensor has been

employed also at electrical motors (Robert Bosch GmbH,

Germany) and vacuum pumps (Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum

GmbH, Germany) in order to check e. g. the vibration of

rotating parts.

The laser Doppler distance sensor also can be advan-

tageously applied in fluid mechanics. The simultaneously

velocity and distance measurement of scattering particles

allows the determination of the velocity profile of a flow.

Up to 100 nm spatial resolution of the velocity measure-

ment can be achieved. It allows the study of the smallest

structures of turbulent flows. Turbulence is the last not

completely understood phenomenon of classical physics.

The velocity profile measurement can help to improve air

plane wings, turbo machines or injection nozzles. However,

one of the most important applications in industry is the

flow rate determination of liquids and gases. In nano and

micro fluidics the dose of e.g. medicine has to be con-

trolled with nanolitre precision. At energy providing high

pressure natural gas flows have to be measured with volu-

metric flow rates up to 480 m3/hour. The novel sensor was

successfully employed to get the whole velocity profile of

the gas flow. Its integration has determined the flow rate

with a relative uncertainty of 0.33 %.

A fascinating huge number of different application areas

of the laser Doppler distance sensor have been identified.

Some examples of the sensor employment in industry were

presented. The sensor measures the lateral velocity and

the axial position, i.e. distance, of scattering objects such

as rough surfaces or seeded particles in flows simultane-

ously. Alone in the world is the advantage of this compact

robust sensor, that the distance accuracy is independent

of the movement velocity of the surface. It has allowed

online tip clearance determination of turbo machines to

mention one example.

From left: Dr. Büttner,

Prof. Czarske, Dr. Pfister,

Technical University of DresdenSource: Berthold Leibinger Stiftung

Two fan-like fringe systems of different wavelengths and with op-posite gradients are generated in the same measurement volume of the laser Doppler distance sensor. The distance z and also the velocity v in x-direction are precisely measured with high tempo-ral resolution.

Application of the laser Doppler distance sensor at a turbo ma-chine. The tip clearance of the rotating blades to the casing is precisely controlled during operation at 50,000 rpm (Cooperation with DLR, Cologne, Germany).

Technical University of Dresden Department electrical engineering and information technology Laboratory of measurement and test techniques Barkhausen building Helmholtzstr. 18 D – 01062 DresdenMail [email protected] http://eeemp1.et.tu-dresden.de

Laser Doppler distance sensor used for precise flow rate measurements of natural gas under high pressure of 50 atmo-spheres. Left: Sending op-tics with four mono-mode fibers, right: Receiving op-tics with one multi-mode fiber. (Cooperation with PTB, Braunschweig, Ger-many and E.ON-Ruhrgas AG, Dorsten, Germany)

Velocity profile measurements of turbulent nozzle flows with a resolution in the micrometer and microsecond range. The laser Doppler distance sensor employs four green laser beams with carrier frequency multiplexing.Source: Berthold Leibinger Stiftung

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Dipl.-Ing. Richard HendelSales Manager

Solar TechnologyROFIN Baasel

Lasertech, Starnberg

Ursprünglich ein Teilbereich der Halbleiter- und Elektronikin-

dustrie, hat sich die Photovoltaik längst zu einer eigenstän-

digen Hightech-Industrie entwickelt. Durch die Verknappung

der fossilen Rohstoffe sowie eine zunehmende Umwelt-

verschmutzung gewinnt die Solarindustrie immer größere

Bedeutung. Unabhängig vom Solarzellentyp, Silizium- oder

Dünnschichtsolarzelle - bei beiden Technologien spielen

Laser in den Produktionsprozessen eine wesentliche Rolle.

In vielen Anwendungen kann kein anderes Werkzeug mit

der Präzision und der Geschwindigkeit des Lasers konkur-

rieren.

Die Mikromaterialbearbeitung mit dem Laser ist eine

Schlüsseltechnologie zur Reduktion der Produktionskosten

pro Wp (Watt Spitzenleistung bei voller Sonnenbestrahlung)

einer Solarzelle. Sie kann etablierte Herstellungsprozesse

ersetzen und ermöglicht neue, effizienzsteigernde Technolo-

gien – etwa bei Rückkontakt-Zellen, Buried Contacts oder

Dünnschicht-Solarzellen.

Die Laserbearbeitung von Silizium-Wafern und Solarzel-

len beruht meist auf der sogenannten direkten, dampfdruck-

induzierten Schmelzeverdrängung durch Nanosekunden-La-

serpulse. Ein Beispiel ist das sehr gut etablierte Verfahren

der Kantenisolation von µ-kristallinen Solarzellen. Hohe Ge-

schwindigkeit und Präzision zeichnen dieses Abtragverfah-

ren besonders aus, das zunehmend auch für Schneid- und

Bohranwendungen eingesetzt wird.

Laser bohren Rückkontakt-SolarzellenRückkontakt-Solarzellen eliminieren die unerwünschten,

nicht solar aktiven Leiterbahnstrukturen auf der Vorderseite

und vereinfachen die Verschaltung der einzelnen Solarzellen

zu Modulen. Je nach Verfahren werden dazu die nötigen

Lötbahnen oder gleich die gesamte Kontaktierung der ne-

gativ dotierten Schicht auf die Rückseite der Solarzelle ver-

legt. Dazu sind einige Dutzend bis mehrere Tausend Löcher

rasterartig zu bohren und später mit leitendem Material zu

füllen. Gütegeschaltete Scheibenlaser erledigen dies heute

mit Durchsatzraten bis zu 5.000 Löchern pro Sekunde.

Laser sind unverzichtbar für die Herstellung von Dünnschicht-SolarzellenDünnschicht-Solarzellen werden durch eine Reihe von Be-

schichtungs- und Laserritzprozessen erzeugt, die die indi-

viduellen Zellen auf einem Substrat zu einem Solarmodul

verschalten. Für das präzise, selektive Ritzen einzelner

Schichten eignen sich insbesondere Laser mit bester Strahl-

qualität und sehr hohen Wiederholraten und guter Puls-zu-

Puls Stabilität. Um die hermetische Abdichtung der fertigen

Dünnschichtmodule zu ermöglichen, müssen alle Schichten

vollständig von den Kanten der fertig bearbeiteten Dünn-

schicht-Solarzellen entfernt werden. Hochleistungslaser er-

zeugen dafür mit neuen, quadratischen Lichtleitfasern ho-

mogene, quadratische Laserspots und erfüllen so die hohen

Durchsatzraten, die moderne Fertigungsanlagen fordern.

Das Einsatzfeld wächst stetigKantenisolation, Schneiden, Markieren - für zahlreiche wei-

tere Produktionsschritte in der Photovoltaik bietet der Laser

attraktive Lösungen. Und je höher die Anforderungen an die

fertige Solarzelle sind, desto mehr fallen die besonderen Vor-

züge dieser Technologie ins Gewicht. Das gebündelte Licht

der Lasers wird bei der Energiegewinnung aus Sonnenlicht

auch in der Zukunft noch für so manchen Innovationsschub

sorgen.

Photovoltaics, formerly allied with the electronic and semi-

conductor technologies, is fast becoming an independent

high-tech industry. Driven by the shortage of fossil fuels

and increasing environmental pollution, the photovoltaic

industry is significantly gaining importance, and is currently

one of ROFIN’s fastest growing markets. Independent of the

solar cell type, lasers play an important role in photovoltaic

production processes. Both silicon and thin-film based so-

lar cell technologies utilize lasers during their production. In

many cases, no other tool can compete with the precision

and speed of a laser.

Laser micro-material processing is a key technology for

reducing production costs per Wp (Watt peak power with

highest solar radiation) of a solar cell. Laser technology

may easily replace common production methods, and al-

lows for new, efficiency enhancing technologies, e.g. rear

contact cells, buried contacts or thin-film solar cells.

Laser processing of silicon wafers and solar cells is

mostly based on so-called direct vapor-induced melting

ejection by laser pulses in the nanosecond range. The well

established process of edge isolation of mono/multi-crys-

talline solar cells may be given as an example. High speed

and precision make this ablation technique outstanding

which is increasingly used for cutting and drilling appli-

cations (as a multi-pass process). Solid-state lasers are

ideal for this kind of material processing. They provide the

required combination of optimal beam quality coupled with

a high pulse frequency.

Laser drilling of rear contact solar cellsRear contact solar cells come without the conductive paths

on the front, which are not active for producing solar en-

ergy and simplify the wiring of the individual solar cells to

modules. Depending on the method, the required soldering

path or even the entire contacting of the negatively doped

layer is placed to the rear of the solar cell. For this purpose,

several dozen up to several thousand holes must be drilled

in a grid and will be filled with conductive material. Today,

q-switched disc lasers handle this with throughput rates of

up to 5,000 holes per second.

Lasers are indispensible for the production of thin-film solar cellsThin-film solar cells are manufactured via several processes

of coating and laser scribing which connect individual cells

on a substrate to an entire solar module. For precise and

selective scribing of individual layers, lasers with excellent

beam quality, very high repetition rates, and a good pulse-

to-pulse stability are most suitable. All layers have to be

ablated completely from the edges of the processed thin-

film solar cell in order to allow hermetic sealing of the fin-

ished thin-film modules. This is done by high performance

lasers, which produce homogeneous square laser spots by

applying new square optical fibers, and thus meet the high

throughput rates required by modern production lines.

More and more applicationsEdge isolation, cutting, marking…lasers provide attractive

solutions for additional production processes in the pho-

tovoltaic industry. With increasing demand for solar cells

around the globe, the special benefits of this technology

become extremely important. Going forward, laser-light will

continue to spawn new innovations in reaction to the on-

going demands for renewable energy generated by solar

radiation.

Solar Cells with Enhanced Efficiency Due to Laser Processing

Effizientere Solarzellen mit dem Laser

High performance lasers with homogeneous square laser spots are used for edge ablation to allow hermetic sealing and to meet the high throughput rates required by modern production linesHochleistungslaser erzeugen mit neuen, quadratischen Lichtleitfasern homogene, quadratische Laserspots und erfüllen so die hohen Durchsatzraten, die moderne Fertigungsanlagen fordern.

Lasers with best beam quality and very high repetition rates are particularly suited for selectively ablating individual layers with excellent precision.Laser mit bester Strahlqualität und sehr hohen Wiederholraten eignen sich besonders für präzisen, selektiven Abtrag einzelner Schichten

Carl Baasel Lasertechnik GmbH & Co.KGPetersbrunner Str. 1b D – 82319 Starnberg Phone +49 (0)8151 - 776 - 0 Fax +49 (0)8151 - 776 - 4159 Mail [email protected] Web www.rofin.com

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lation to the displacement. An interference correlogram

is generated that allows to determine the distances of all

of the measured points on the surface and to display the

complete three-dimensional topography of one or several

optical boundaries in a short time. Thus, optical layer thick-

nesses can be determined as well.

ExamplesMeasurement of Laser ChipsThe quality assessment of semiconductor laser chips re-

quires the determination of the exact geometry and topog-

raphy of any single sample with regard to the most impor-

tant parameters waviness, roughness and deflection. The

surface is very delicate and would be damaged by all other

but optical measurement methods. The 3-D representation

provides a preliminary impression of the general topogra-

phy of the laser chip (Figure 4). A more precise assessment

can be made based on cross sections which can be cut

in any desired direction and which deliver the respective

height profiles. Using these data, the desired values of the

parameters mentioned above can be determined.

Measurement on a Euro CoinThe topography of a Euro coin is a representive example of

large-area surface measurement. It has an inner diameter

of 21.5 mm. A complete measurement in one single run

can’t be done except by using a telecentric white light in-

terferometer. Typical measurement times are in the range

of seconds. In Figure 5 a 3-D representation of the coin

surface is shown.

Micro GearFigure 6 illustrates how white light interferometry has found

important applications also in micro system technology.

High-resolution measurements were made of a micro-me-

chanical (MEMS) gearing device using a microscope-based

white light interferometer.

IntroductionHighly precise instruments are required for measurements

of textured functional surfaces of parts and components

which have to meet close tolerances. They must be able

to scan the surface topography within a short time. How-

ever, interferometric measurements using coherent light

fail completely in case of rough surfaces due to speckle

effects. Likewise, ordinal information of interference fringe

patterns is lost when step heights or disconnected areas of

a surface are to be measured using this method. Both ef-

fects can be avoided by a measurement method that uses

short-coherent light. White light interferometry has become

a standard tool featuring a precision of a few nanometers,

or even below, in vertical direction. It is widely used e.g.

in non-destructive quality inspection and industrial produc-

tion testing. The determination of roughness, waviness,

smoothness and parallelism is a standard

requirement in many areas of industrial qual-

ity control, where sizes and structures of the

products are continuously decreasing.

White light interferometry is a non-contact

optical method enabling non-destructive and

rapid measurements of soft surfaces, and al-

so the determination of layer thickness under

defined conditions. As optical boundaries are

measured, the sample may be transparent to

a certain extent without disturbing the mea-

surement, like in the case of other methods

based on glancing light. These advantages

make white light interferometry an universal

tool for surface topography determination.

Polytec provides white light interferometers for both labo-

ratory and production environments with either large field-

of-view or high lateral resolution.

Measurement Principle and Benefits of White Light InterferometryA recent standard white light interferometer includes a

light source (e.g. a halogen bulb lamp or an LED, with a

coherence length in the μm range), a beam splitter, a refer-

ence mirror and a camera with an objective lens system

(Figure 2). This setup corresponds to a typical Michelson

interferometer or Twyman-Green interferometer. These in-

terferometers split the light in the following way: in a ref-

erence beam, the first part of the light is reflected on a

coplanar reference surface (generally a mirror). The second

part is directed to the sample object and is

reflected from the object’s surface.

If the distance between the beam splitter

and the sample corresponds exactly to the

distance between the beam splitter and the

reference mirror, both light beams superim-

pose and undergo a positive interference.

Otherwise, if the difference of the distances

corresponds to a half of the wavelength,

there will be negative (destructive) interfer-

ence. Inside the white light interferometer,

the reference mirror is shifted step-by-step,

and the camera detects the variation of light

intensity for every point on the surface in re-

White Light Interferometry for Quality Control of Functional Surfaces

Polytec GmbH Geschäftsbereich Lasermesssysteme Dr. Wilfried Bauer Polytec-Platz 1-7 D – 76337 Waldbronn Phone +49 (0)7243 - 604 - 369Mail [email protected] www.polytec.com

Figure 1: White light interferometer designed for in-line testing

Figure 2: White light interferometer designed for in-line testing

Figure 3: White light interferometer with large

field-of-view

Figure 5: 3-D representation

of a coin surface

Figure 6: Micro gearing measured by Polytec TopMap TMS-1200

Figure 4: Topography measurement on a

semiconductor laser chip

Dr. Wilfried Bauer Produktmanagement

Surface MetrologyPolytec GmbH

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Pulse durations on the order of less than one part in a

trillion of a second seem to be out of reach for common

sense. In this glimpse of time the light travels merely mi-

crometer distances despite its inherent speed of light.

Incredible short one might think. Not at all. From the per-

spective of an electron these time intervals seem natural.

It only takes such a short time interval for an electron to

travel around the nucleus. Only with the advent of ultrafast

lasers with pulse durations of 100 femtoseconds (fs) or

less (where 1 fs equals 10-15 s) it became possible to

visualize and investigate such fast events. Over the last

two decades it became evident that these ultrafast lasers

are the ideal tool for time resolved studies in the atomic

and molecular world. Since then they have revolutionized

many areas in science.

But these lasers have more to offer: due to the extreme

brevity of the pulses enormous peak powers in the range of

megawatts are reached at moderate average power levels.

By focusing the light down to focal spots in the micrometer

range the ultrafast laser is turned into a high precision tool.

When applied to various materials this results in remark-

ably clean ablation properties due to the ionization and

vaporization of the material quickly before thermal effects

such as heat diffusion can occur. Even delicate materials

can be processed. Further, the high pulse repetition rates

of tens or hundreds of megahertz support fast processing

speed and uninterrupted operation. Tool deterioration and

reproducibility is not an issue, since light is not getting

blunt. The ideal tool one might think. However, real world in-

dustrial applications of femtosecond lasers are at the very

beginning. At present nanosecond and picosecond lasers

with repetition rates in the kHz range are the first choice

for applications like molding, cutting or marking.

That femtosecond lasers can be an excellent alterna-

tive for some of the applications is shown in the lithogra-

phy system “Photonic Professional”. Based on direct laser

writing it offers a new level in precise manufacturing of 3D

nano- and microstructures. Together with Nanoscribe GmbH

we have engineered a femtosecond fiber laser that is the

enabling light tool for the laser writing process offered by

Nanoscribe (see Fig. 1).

Why are femtosecond lasers the perfect tool for this

application? The direct laser writing process makes use of

laser pulses with energy below the absorption threshold

of the photosensitive material. The illuminated material

is transparent for the light. Only by focusing the ultrashort

Not Just Fast – UltrafastFemtosecond fiber lasers as enabling tools

Nanoscribe´s compact and easy-to-operate table-top laser lithography system

light pulses to a small focal spot, multi photon absorp-

tion processes in a very localized volume can be triggered.

Hence, a chemical modification of this area occurs, which

in a subsequent baking process leads to a local polymer-

ization. The process allows engineering of almost arbitrary

3-dimensional structures out of various photosensitive ma-

terials such as SU-8, Ormocere, PDMS, and chalcogenide

glasses. Furthermore, these 3D structures can act as

templates for replication (positive – positive) or inversion

(positive – negative) processes into other materials like

e.g. silica, and silicon. The laser lithography system rou-

tinely achieves 150 nm linewidth in a sample volume of

300 x 300 x 80 μm. Main applications include the engineer-

ing of 3D photonic crystal structures, and the generation

of 3D scaffolds for biology, micro- and nanofluidic circuitry

(see Fig. 2 – 4).

We are convinced that applications such as lithography

will eventually pave the way for femtosecond lasers into

industrial applications. In the following years we expect

that femtosecond fiber lasers will extend their triumphal

procession from science to industry. In the end, extreme

precision combined with high process speed are arguments

that make the difference. We at Menlo Systems will by all

means get our femtosecond fiber lasers ready today for

the tasks of tomorrow.

For further reading please refer to:

1) On the application of ultrafast laser: Ultrafast Lasers:

Technology & Applications, Marcel Dekker Inc., New York,

2003.

2) Frequency Combs, Ultrafast Lasers, and its commercial

exploitation: see e.g. Menlo Systems GmbH, www. menlo-

systems.com.

3) Lithography with femtosecond fiber lasers: see e.g. Na-

noscribe GmbH, www.nanoscribe.de.

Figure 1: Menlo Systems Femtosecond Fiber Laser: Er:doped and Yb:doped lasers on an industrial platform for 24h/7d applications. Shown ist the T-Light Model with outer dimen-sions of only 187 x 178 x 77 mm.

Figure 2: The design of a new structure: Illustrated here is the simplicity of the design of structures in the GWL-writing-language, used for the 3D laser lithography systems. Merely the (x,y,z)-coordinates of the corners of e.g. a buckyball-structure are necessary in order to have the basic information for producing them. The structure design can be done e.g. with CAD.

Figure 3: Cells in a 3D artificial extracellular matrix, written by laser lithograph. The production of reproducible scaffolds pro-vides the basis for the clarification of biological questions such as the influence of the physical environment on the differentiation of stem cells.

Figure 4: 3D square spiral structure out of SU-8

Menlo Systems GmbHDr. Michael MeiAm Klopferspitz 19 D-82152 MartinsriedGermanyPhone +49 (0)89 - 189 - 166 - 0Fax +49 (0)89 - 189 - 166 - 111Mail [email protected] www.menlosystems.com

Michael Mei (left) and Ronald Holzwarth,

Menlo Systems GmbH

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Marktplätze und Netzwerke in Deutschland

Markets and Networks in Germany

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38

MARKETS AND NETWORKS IN GERMANY

39

MARKTPLÄTZE UND NETZWERKE IN DEUTSCHLAND

The economic importance of optical technologies is rapidly

increasing. The range of applications is rising continuously

– new areas which the technologies are penetrating are be-

ing added and already established applications are being

developed still further.

This development is primarily due to a large number

of factors. The fascinating technology itself, which offers

almost limitless possibilities, must be mentioned first of

all. However, other important factors include an efficient

promotion policy, quick knowledge transfer and interdisci-

plinary cooperation. Findings from research institutes and

universities must be implemented quickly and practically in

the form of new applications and products. Close coopera-

tion between science, research and industry is therefore

absolutely essential.

Established contacts are one of the main instruments

in this case. However, it is vitally important to have infor-

mation and networking platforms which continually provide

science, research and industry with the opportunity to ex-

change information and experiences with new contacts –

both national and international. Trade fairs, congresses,

seminars and workshops fulfill this role to a large extent.

But what exactly makes an event a driving-force for scien-

tific progress and economic success? First of all, it must

manage to attract all stakeholders from throughout the

world to one place in order to facilitate the international and

interdisciplinary exchange of information and experiences.

This must take place at all levels and for all functions: from

students, people studying for a doctorate, scientific staff,

first-class scientists, researchers and industrial engineers

through to top managers in companies. The event must

also be a showcase for the latest developments. Only then

can it arouse the interest of the leading figures in the in-

dustry to be the marketplace during which technological

developments are discussed and future-oriented projects

are started.

In the area of optical technologies LASER World of PHO-

TONICS and the concurrent World of Photonics Congress

are the leading international meeting-point for industry,

research and science. As the world’s first event for this

industry, the trade fair and congress have been presenting

research and industrial applications for 35 years and are

the platform at which the exchange of information and ex-

LASER World of PHOTONICS – World of Photonics CongressDriving-force for scientific progress and economic success

Angela Präg, Messe München International

periences between science and industry has continuously

launched successful developments.

In order to ensure that a sufficient number of young

people enter the occupational field of optical technolo-

gies, the trade fair has taken up the cause of promotion of

young people. During the initiative “Faszination Licht” the

trade fair, the German Federal Ministry of Education and

Research and the VDI Technology Centre introduce school

pupils, secondary school pupils and university students to

the technology through age-related programs.

Leading role played by GermanyGermany’s role as the world’s leading marketplace for in-

ternational trade fairs is undisputed. LASER World of PHO-

TONICS is one of the shows which confirms this position.

In 2007 the 139 international trade fairs held in Germany

attracted around 2.5 million foreign visitors, the highest

number ever. This was revealed in a now completed analy-

sis by the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry

(AUMA). In total just under 10.6 million visitors came to

the international trade fairs in Germany in 2007.

Around 500,000 or 20% of foreign visitors now come

from countries outside Europe, primarily South, East and

Central Asia, followed by North America, the Middle East

and Latin America.

Although the main countries for foreign visitors are Germa-

ny’s immediate neighbors and other large EU states such

as the Netherlands, Italy and Austria, 55,000 and 35,000

visitors already come from India and China respectively.

LASER World of PHOTONICS actually scores even higher

than the average for Germany as a whole: 47% of visitors

at the last event in June 2007 came from outside Germany

and from 77 countries in all.

Decision-makers using trade fairs as a communi-cation instrument

Another study published by AUMA in May 2008 shows

how decision-makers rate attendance at trade fairs as an

information and communication instrument. 72% of manag-

ers who personally attend trade fairs regard them as good

platforms for obtaining information while 71% appreciate

the opportunities for exchanging experiences and informa-

tion at trade fairs. Managers also use trade fairs to ob-

serve rival companies and the competition.

When asked about their wishes, the main request (55%

of respondents) was that only trade visitors be permitted

to attend trade fairs. 38% of decision-makers said they

would like to see more subject-specific orientation while

30% were in favor of accompanying congresses. The mes-

sage to trade fair organizers is crystal clear: organize trade

fairs whose subjects are precisely defined, which offer ex-

cellent contact opportunities and ensure that visitors are

able to obtain up-to-date technical knowledge both during

the trade fair and in other ideal ways.

LASER World of PHOTONICS and the World of Photonics

Congress are ideally suited in this respect. The next indus-

try forum will be held in in Munich from 15 to 18 June 2009

when industry and science will again have fertile ground for

forward-looking developments in optical technologies.

Secure the future – the aim of the project

“Faszination Licht” is to make young

people interested in optical technologies.

Create new knowledge – Prof. Dr. Theodor W. Hänsch, winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2005, at LASER World of PHOTONICS 2007

Messe Muenchen InternationalMessegelaendeD – 81823 MuenchenGermanyPhone +49 (0)89 - 949 - 20670Fax +49 (0)89 - 949 - 97 20670Mail [email protected] www.world-of-photonics.net

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Photonik entwickelt sich mehr und mehr zum Inbegriff des

technischen Fortschritts und von Innovation in Zukunfts-

märkten. Wenn in Deutschland Schiffe und Autos gebaut

und Medikamente entwickelt werden, spielen Laser und op-

tische Verfahren die entscheidende Rolle. Ob Nobelpreise

oder der Zukunftspreis des Bundespräsidenten - Photonik

zählt immer zu den Gewinnern. Die Industrie, die hinter die-

ser Technologie steht, entwickelt sich noch dynamischer als

ihre Anwendermärkte.

Mit einem Wert von 22,3 Mrd. Euro stieg der Gesamt-

umsatz der deutschen Industrie für Optische Technologien

im Jahr 2007 um 13,2 %. Zuwächse wurden dabei sowohl

im Inland als auch im Ausland erwirtschaftet: Der Inlands-

umsatz stieg um 14 % auf über 7 Mrd. Euro. Der Auslands-

umsatz konnte um 12 % zulegen und lag bei 15 Mrd. Euro.

Die Exportquote betrug damit beachtliche 68 %. Wichtigste

Zielregion der Ausfuhren dieser Industrie war wie in den ver-

gangenen Jahren die EU, auf die rund 68 % der Exporte ent-

fielen. Auf Platz 2 folgte Asien mit über 13 %. Auch bei den

Einfuhren konnten die asiatischen Länder zulegen: Mit 55 %

stammte der überwiegende Anteil der Importe im Jahr 2007

aus Asien. Dieser Umsatz wurde von 114.000 Mitarbeitern

(+ 6,9 %) in rund 1.000 Unternehmen erwirtschaftet. Für

2008 wird von einer erneuten Umsatzsteigerung im Inland

und im Ausland ausgegangen.

SPECTARIS, der deutsche Industrieverband für opti sche,

medizinische und mechatronische Technologien vereinigt

faszinierende, zukunftsfähige und wachstumsstarke Bran-

chen der deutschen Wirtschaft, deren globale Präsenz und

internationale Wettbewerbsfähigkeit beispielhaft sind. Der

SPECTARIS-Fachverband Photonik + Präzisionstechnik ist

der dienstleistungsorientierte Netzwerker zwischen Industrie,

nationaler und europäischer Forschungs- und Wirtschaftspo-

litik und Messelandschaft sowie Plattform für den Austausch

innerhalb der Branche. SPECTARIS gibt durch aussagekräf-

tige Marktdaten Orientierung im weltweiten Markt und un-

terstützt seine Mitglieder beim Knüpfen globa ler Kontakte.

Mit der Forschungsvereinigung Feinmechanik, Optik und Me-

dizintechnik (F.O.M.) stellt SPECTARIS eine unbürokratische

Fördermöglichkeit für den Mittelstand zur Verfügung.

Photonics is the driving force of technical progress and

innovation in future markets. The success of mature in-

dustries like shipbuilding, automotive and pharmaceutical

industries is directly linked to the use of lasers and opti-

cal components in Germany. Nobel prizes and innovation

awards widely deal with photonics topics. In Germany, pho-

tonics leads the way to scientific and economic success.

The photonics industry in Germany develops even more

dynamically than their application markets.

With a turnover of more than 22.3 billion Euro, the German

photonics industry rose by 13.2 % in 2007. Increases were

made in the domestic market and abroad. The domestic

German market grew by 14 % to 7 billion Euro. International

turnover results in grows of 12 % and reached 15 billion

Euro. Thus the export quota reached a notable 68 %. The

European Union is the most important target region, repre-

senting 68 % of the export market, followed by Asia (13 %).

Also the imports from the Asian countries grew and built

the major fraction of imports, holding 55 % of the import

market in 2007. This turnover was produced by 114.000

employees (+ 6.9 %) in about 1.000 enterprises. Follow-

ing the forecast of SPECTARIS, the positive trend in the

domestic and foreign markets will continue.

The German Industry Association for Optical, Medical

and Mechatronical Technologies (SPECTARIS) represents

high-tech SME´s in Germany. The association unites the

fascinating, sustainable and booming industries of the

German economy with a model global presence and inter-

national competitiveness. Through its political activities,

public relations and industry marketing, the association

gives its members a voice, formulates new responsibilities

and opens up new markets. Through worldwide market data

and numerous export promotion activities, SPECTARIS sup-

ports its members in their international business.

To promote the research activities of the R & D intensive

industry, SPECTARIS offers access to monetary support

programmes. This ensures the international competitive-

ness of German industry in these sectors and thus safe-

guards locations and jobs.

SPECTARIS

German Industry Association for Optical, Medical and Mechatronical TechnologiesGerman Photonics Industry Enjoys Significant Gains

SPECTARIS

Deutscher Industrieverband für optische, medizinische und mechatronische Technologien

Deutsche Photonik-Industrie verzeichnet deutliche Zuwächse

SPECTARIS Deutscher Industrieverband für optische, medizinische und mechatronische Technologien e. V. Dr. Joachim Giesekus Saarbrücker Straße 38 D – 10405 BerlinPhone +49 (0)30 - 414021 - 29 Mail [email protected] www.spectaris.de

Photos: Carl Zeiss AG Rodenstock GmbHBerliner Glas KGaA, Herbert Kubatz GmbH & Co. JENOPTIK AG Carl Zeiss AG

Photos: Heraeus Noblelight GmbH

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Die Optischen Technologien gehören zu den dynamisch-

sten Wachstumsbranchen sowohl in Deutschland als auch

weltweit. Immer mehr werden Funktionen durch Optische

Technologien realisiert, enthalten Produkte optische Kompo-

nenten als Schlüsselbausteine. Aus diesen Gründen haben

sich die Optischen Technologien in vielen Bereichen zum

Schrittmacher für Innovationen entwickelt. Deutsche Unter-

nehmen und Forschungseinrichtungen nehmen vielfach eine

Spitzenposition im weltweiten Wettbewerb ein.

Für die Entwicklung wettbewerbsfähiger Produkte in immer

kürzeren Zyklen werden Kooperationen zwischen Wirtschaft

und Wissenschaft zunehmend existenziell. Und genau hier

setzen die neun Kompetenznetze Optische

Technologien, zusammengeschlossen in

OptecNet Deutschland e. V., an mit dem Ziel

„Stärken zu stärken“. Mit ihren inzwischen

über 470 Mitgliedern bieten sie seit vielen

Jahren eine ganzheitliche und leistungsfä-

hige Vernetzung – branchenübergreifend

sowie entlang der Wertschöpfungskette.

Von der Lasertechnik, der optischen

Messtechnik, der Medizintechnik und den

Lebenswissenschaften bis hin zur Be-

leuchtungs- und Displaytechnik sowie der

Informations- und Kommunikationstechnik

repräsentieren die Kompetenznetze die

gesamte Bandbreite der Optischen Techno-

logien »Made in Germany«. Die Aktivitäten

und Dienstleistungsangebote der Kompetenznetze umfas-

sen zum Beispiel die Koordinierung von Arbeitsgemeinschaf-

ten, die Initiierung von Projekten und Kooperationen, die

Informationsvermittlung, die Unterstützung von Start-Ups,

Nachwuchsförderung, Öffentlichkeitsarbeit sowie vielfältige

Bildungsangebote. Als bundesweite und internationale Aktivi-

täten bieten die Kompetenznetze darüber hinaus, insbeson-

dere ihren KMU-Mitgliedern, Gemeinschaftsstände auf den

internationalen Fachmessen »LASER World of PHOTONICS« in

München, »OPTATEC« in Frankfurt am Main sowie im Rahmen

des »German Pavilion« auf der größten US-amerikanischen

Fachmesse »Photonics West« in San José.

Die jüngste Evaluation der Kompetenznetze im Auf-

trag des Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung

(BMBF)/VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH in 2007 hat erneut

ergeben, dass die Angebote und Dienstleistungen sehr stark

nachgefragt und intensiv genutzt werden: so besuchen zum

Bei spiel 90 % der Mitglieder die Netzwerkveranstaltungen

und Mitgliedertreffen und 75 % beteiligen sich regelmäßig

an Arbeitsgemeinschaften und Workshops. Die Kooperati-

onsinitiierung und Informationsvermittlung werden von den

Mitgliedern als wichtigster Nutzen der Netzwerkarbeit her-

ausgestellt. Dies und die rege Beteiligung an den Gemein-

schaftsständen belegen, dass der Bedarf für systematisches

Networking sowie Cluster-Bildung nach wie vor wächst. Zur

Unterstützung der deutschen Photonik-Branche werden die

Kompetenznetze Optische Technologien ihre Aktivitäten und

Dienstleistungen auch in Zukunft an diesem Bedarf ausrich-

ten und weiterentwickeln.

OptecNet Deutschland e. V.

Optical Technologies are one of the most dynamic growth

markets, both in Germany and worldwide. More and more

functions are realized by Optical Technologies and an in-

creasing number of products contain optical elements as

key components. For this reason, Optical Technologies have

become pacesetter for innovations. German companies

and research institutes manifold hold a leading position

within the worldwide competition.

In order to develop competitive products in even shorter

periods of time, co-operations between economy and sci-

ence become more and more existential. For this purpose,

the nine Competence Networks for Optical Technologies

and their common secretariat OptecNet Deutschland e.V.

were founded with the aim to “stengthen strengths”. To-

day, they have more than 470 members and promote and

initiate both, interbranch co-operations and co-operations

along the entire value-added chains.

From laser material processing to optical measure-

ment, medical technology, biophotonics as well as light-

ning, display technology and communication technology,

the Competence Networks represent the whole bandwidth

of Optical Technologies »made in Germany«. Their main

activities and services comprise for instance the coordina-

tion of working groups, the initiation of projects and co-

operations, knowledge transfer, the promotion of start-up

companies and young professionals, public relations as

well as various trainings and further education seminars.

On the national and international level the Competence

Networks for Optical Technologies offer their members –

especially the small and medium-sized enterprises – the

possibility to take part in joint exhibition stands at the

German leading trade fairs, »LASER World of PHOTONICS«

in Munich, »OPTATEC« in Frankfurt, as well as in the »Ger-

man Pavilion« on the largest American trade fair »Photonics

West« in San José.

The latest evaluation of the Competence Networks on

behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research

(BMBF)/VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH in 2007 again

proved that the activities and the range of services of-

fered by the Competence Networks are highly demanded

and visited, e. g. 90 % of the members visit network meet-

ings and cluster events and 75 % regularly take part in

working groups and workshops. According to the members,

the initiation of co-operations and knowledge transfer are

the most important benefits of the networking activities.

This last statement and the strong participation in joint

exhibition stands prove that the demand for systematic

networking activities and cluster creation is still growing. In

order to support the photonic branch further on, the Com-

petence Networks will continue to develop their activities

and services with regard to these demands.

OptecNet Deutschland e.V.Garbsener Landstraße 10D-30419 HannoverPhone +49 (0)511 - 277 - 1290Fax +49 (0)511 - 277 - 1299Mail [email protected] www.optecnet.de

Micro lithography object lens for the production of computer chips. Mikrolithographie-Objektiv der Carl Zeiss SMT AG für die Computer-chip-Herstellung.(© Carl Zeiss SMT AG, Oberkochen)

»German Pavilion« on »Photonics West« 2008 in San José / USA with 44 companies and institutions throughout Germany »German Pavilion« auf der Messe »Photonics West« 2008 in San José / USA mit 44 Unternehmen und Institutionen aus ganz Deutschland. (© OptecNet Deutschland e.V.)

The German Competence Networks for Optical Technologies

Die Kompetenznetze Optische Technologien in Deutschland

(© OptecNet Deutschland e.V.)

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priority “Life Science, Genomics and

Biotechnology” is also supported

within the 6th framework program of

the EU. Members of the working group

are, aside from delegates from research

institutions, university and other institutions

of higher learning, companies like Karl Storz En-

doskope, Leica Microsystems, Richard Wolff GmbH,

COHERENT Deutschland GmbH, Sartorius AG, LightTrans

GmbH and ZETT OPTICS GmbH.

Future Thematic PrioritiesLight technology as well as light sources like LEDs and

OLEDs can be expected to be among future thematic priori-

ties. Caused by the most recent research results in the

area of photonic crystals and meta-materials as well as

the interests of a variety of German producers of optical

materials and new and advanced materials, the DGaO will

increase its coverage of the topic Optical Materials and

Production Methods.

Annual MeetingsThe suitable forum for discussion of the above mentioned

themes and topics and to address them to the relevant

experts is the annual conference. These annual confer-

ences usually bring together several hundred scientists and

industrial representatives. They are held in spring, typically

during the week after Pentecost. The conference is usually

accompanied by an industrial fair, where companies and

organizations in optical technologies present their products

and services, for a very reasonable fee, to the conference

participants.

Joint An

Joint Annual Meeting of the DGaO and the SIOF in Brescia, ItalyThere is a long-standing tradition of the DGaO to hold the

annual meeting every three to four years together with a

friendly optics society of one of our European neighbor

countries. At the 107th annual meeting in Weingarten, it

was decided to hold the 110th annual meeting together

with the Italian Society of Optics and Photonics (SIOF) in

Brescia (upper Italy). The global topics of this conference

are:

Optical Sensors and Measurement Technology• Innovative Optical Materials• Optics for Space Applications• Bio-photonics• Optical Methods for Conservation of Cultural Artifacts•

Short presentations (12 minutes) and poster papers are

requested from the whole field of applied optics, preferen-

tially, however, in the aforementioned areas. Conference

language is English. The deadline for registering presenta-

tions is January 9, 2009, at www.dgao-proceedings.de.

At the Crossroads of Optics Experts from Industry and UniversitiesWith more than 100000 employees and an annual turn-

over of 16 billion Euros, optical technologies are among

the most important, future-oriented, areas of the German

economy.

An essential element of fostering this field is the ex-

change of knowledge and experience of photonics and op-

tics experts in industry as well as in research institutions,

universities and other institutions of higher learning. Since

its foundation in 1923, the DGaO is committed to this goal.

Aside from several working groups and conferences at the

national level, this role is taken on more and more at the

European level, too.

Key Role in Defining Applied Issues Relevant for Industry in EuropeFollowing the French and English optical societies, the

DGaO is the third largest branch of the European Optical

Society (EOS) and as such takes part in fostering optical

technologies at the European level. Because of the ex-

tremely strong German optics and photonics industry, the

DGaO has a key role in defining applied topics and issues

relevant for industry.

Ensuring High Quality in Optics Education, Train-ing, and Further EducationAnother element of ever increasing importance in the Eu-

ropean context is education, training and further education

in the area of optical technologies. The DGaO considers

itself partner and facilitator among institutions for educa-

tion and training and the industry interests in the field of

optical technologies. Considering the coming transition

to bachelor and master degrees in Germany, the DGaO is

particularly concerned with maintaining the currently high

standard and quality of training and education.

Thematic Priority BiophotonicsAn additional thematic priority of the DGaO is, aside from

optical measurement technology and micro-optics, espe-

cially the area of bio-photonics, which is covered in the

corresponding working group led by Prof. Gert von Bally.

Goal of this working group is the establishment of a com-

munication forum for bio-photonics as well as intensifying

the connections to other national and international topical

societies. Because of its up-to-date nature, the thematic

Deutsche Gesellschaft für angewandte Optik e. V., DGaOThe German Branch of the European Optical Society

DUV Water Immersion Microscopic Objective 200x/1.25/248nm with 65nm Structural ResolutionSource: Vistec Semiconductor Systems GmbH

High performance UV-VIS mirror objective mag.xTM RO 20x/0.35 from LINOS

UV-VIS Apo lens inspec.xTM 2.8/50 with super broadband color correction from LINOS

Quantitative digital holographic phase contrast image of living human erythrozytes (red blood cells).

Prof. Dr. Michael PfefferVorstandsvorsitzenderDeutsche Gesellschaft für angewandte Optik e.V. (DGaO) c/oHochschule Ravensburg-WeingartenDoggenriedstrassePostfach 1261D – 88241 WeingartenTel +49 (0)751 - 501 - 9539Fax +49 (0)751 - 501 - 9874Mail [email protected] www.dgao.de

Opto-mechanical Finite-Element Simulation

of a Monolithic Multi- functional Prism

Source: Prof. Dr. Pfeffer,

HochschuleRavensburg-

Weingarten

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Wegen ihrer wirtschaftlichen Bedeutung und ihrer enormen

Hebelwirkung auf angrenzende Technologiefelder und An-

wenderbranchen haben die führenden Industrieländer die

Optischen Technologien und die Mikrosystemtechnik zu ei-

nem Schwerpunkt ihrer Technologiepolitik gemacht.

Internationale Vergleiche haben gezeigt, dass Berlin mit sei-

nen über 400 Forschungseinrichtungen, Unternehmen und

Dienstleistern ein enormes Potential zur Etablierung eines

weltweit anerkannten Branchenstandorts hat.

Besonders unterstreicht dies die hohe Kompetenzdichte

bei Forschungs- und Entwicklungsinstitutionen. -Hieraus er-

gibt sich ein stetig wachsender Bedarf nach einem raschen

Transfer technologischen Wissens in die Wirtschaft. Nicht

zuletzt durch die vielseitigen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der

Optischen Technologien und der Mikrosystemtechnik kommt

der Innovationsförderung von der Invention bis hin zum

marktreifen Produkt eine entscheidende Bedeutung bei der

nachhaltigen Entwicklung des Berliner Wissenschafts- und

Wirtschaftsstandorts zu.

Um den Anforderungen von wissenschaftlichen Einrichtun-

gen und Unternehmen bei der Generierung neuer Innovatio-

nen in Zukunft noch besser entsprechen zu können hat sich

die TSB strategisch neu ausgerichtet.

Die TSB Adlershof wird dabei unter dem Dach der TSB Grup-

pe neue Herausforderungen bei der Entwicklung der Opti-

schen Technologien und der Mikrosystemtechnik in der Re-

gion angehen. Neben klassischen Aufgabenfeldern, wie der

Technologie- und Innovationsberatung, der Netzwerkarbeit

oder der ideellen Trägerschaft der Laser Optics Berlin wer-

den die kontinuierliche, wissenschaftlich fundierte Erfassung

der Branche und ihrer Potenziale, die stärkere Einbindung

in europäische Aktivitäten sowie eine gezielte Öffentlich-

keitsarbeit, unter anderem über den neuen Internetauftritt

www.tsb-adlershof.de, zur Erhöhung der Transparenz nach

Innen und Außen beitragen und so neue Ansatzpunkte für

zielorientierte Kooperationen schaffen.

Mit dem im Oktober 2008 erstmalig erschienenen Bran-

chenreport „Optische Technologien und Mikrosystemtechnik

in Berlin-Brandenburg“ und der Bewilligung des EU-Projekts

„Baltic Sea Innovation Centres (BaSIC)“, welches sich u.a. die

systematische Vernetzung der Optischen Technologien in der

Ostseeregion zum Ziel gesetzt hat, sind weitere Schritte zur

Umsetzung des neuen Konzepts gemacht.

In view of their economic significance and enormous lever-

age on adjunct fields of technology and user sectors the

leading industrial nations have now also placed Optical and

Microsystem Technologies at the focus of their technology

policy.

International comparisons have shown that Berlin with over

400 research institutes, companies, and service providers

has an enormous potential for establishing an internation-

ally acclaimed location on the sector. This is particularly un-

derscored by the high density of competence represented

by the R&D institutes. This gives rise to a constantly grow-

ing demand for a rapid transfer of technology know-how on

the trade sectors. And not least of all owing to the many

and diverse potential applications for Optical and Micro-

system Technologies, the promotion of innovation from the

invention to the marketable product gains key significance

in the sustainable development of this Berlin science and

trade location.

In order to comply even better in future with the require-

ments of science institutes and companies when generat-

ing new innovations the TSB has undergone a restructuring

process. This means that TSB Adlershof will be operat-

ing under the umbrella of the TSB Group when taking up

new challenges in the development of Optical and Micro-

system Technologies in the region. Besides the classical

assignments like technology and innovation consultation,

networks, or the ideal funding for Laser Optics Berlin the

continuous, researchbacked analysis of the sector and

its potential including their depiction in a branch report,

greater integration in European activities, and targeted

public relations, including the new web presence www.

tsb-adlershof.de, are intended to boost both internal and

external transparency and so generate new starting points

for target-oriented collaborations.

Further steps towards implementation of the new concept

have been made by publishing the branch report on Opti-

cal and Microsystems Technologies in Berlin-Brandenburg

in October 2008 and the approval of the EU-project “Baltic

Sea Innovation Centres (BaSIC)“, which aims at fostering

networking of Optical Technologies in the Baltic Sea Re-

gion.

TSB Innovation Agency Berlin to refocus

TSB Innovation Agency Berlin has an office in Berlin-Adlershof. Der Standort der TSB-Innovationsagentur Berlin in Adlershof. © WISTA-MG - www.adlershof.de

TSB Innovationsagentur Berlin setzt neuen Fokus

Prof. Dr. Eberhard StensTSB AdlershofRudower Chaussee 29D – 12489 BerlinPhone +49 (0)30 - 6392 - 5170Mail [email protected] www.tsb-adlershof.de

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The Congress Laser Optics Berlin 2008

Der Kongress Laser Optics Berlin 2008

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THE CONGRESS LASER OPTICS BERLIN 2008

50 51

DER KONGRESS LASER OPTICS BERLIN 2008

1996 von der TSB Innovationsagentur Berlin GmbH initiiert,

hat sich die Laser Optics Berlin bis heute zur internationa-

len Fachmesse mit Kongress für Optische Technologien und

Lasertechnik entwickelt. Nachdem sie sieben Mal im Wissen-

schafts- und Technologiepark Berlin-Adlershof ausgerichtet

wurde, wagten die Veranstalter 2008 den Sprung auf das

renommierte Messegelände.

Mit rund 2650 Besuchern endete die Laser Optics Berlin

2008, erstmals unter der Regie der Messe Berlin GmbH,

unter dem Berliner Funkturm. Das neue Veranstaltungsfor-

mat mit internationalem Kongress, Fachausstellung und

Forum war mit mehr als 130 Ausstellern für alle Teilnehmer

gleichermaßen überzeugend. Gemeinsam mit ihren Partnern

möchten die Veranstalter die Bedeutung der Laser Optics

Berlin als Treffpunkt von Anwendern und Wissenschaftlern

der Optischen Technologien ausbauen. Das neu platzierte

Bildungsforum fand großen Zuspruch, vor allem bei Schülern

und Akademikern.

Dr. Christian Göke, Geschäftsführer der Messe Berlin:

“Die Laser Optics Berlin auf dem Berliner Messegelände hat

den Anspruch der optischen Industrie als qualitativ hochwer-

tige Branchenplattform überaus erfüllt. Die Branche hat die

enge Verzahnung von Politik, Forschung und Unternehmen

am Standort Berlin-Brandenburg perfekt genutzt. Kontakte

auf höchstem Niveau, zahlreiche Impulse für nachhaltige

Geschäftsbeziehungen und exklusiver Wissenstransfer sind

das Ergebnis.“

Das hochkarätig besetzte Kongressprogramm mit mehr

als 30 Vorträgen bot Anwendern und Forschern ein attrak-

tives Diskussions- und Dialogforum. Die Laser Optics Berlin

präsentierte dem interessierten Publikum Spitzenleistungen

aus Unternehmen und Forschungsinstituten auf dem Gebiet

der Optischen Technologien.

Veranstaltet wird die Laser Optics Berlin von der Mes-

se Berlin GmbH zusammen mit der TSB Innovationsagentur

Berlin GmbH, den Partnern Max-Born-Institut für Nichtlineare

Optik und Kurzzeitspektroskopie, OpTecBB e.V., der WISTA

MANAGEMENT GmbH und dem Laserverbund Berlin-Bran-

denburg e.V. .

Die nächste Laser Optics Berlin findet vom 22. bis 24.

März 2010 statt.

Since its initiation by the TSB Innovation Agency Berlin and

its local partners in 1996 the Laser Optics Berlin has made

a remarkable development towards an international trade

fair and convention for optical and laser technologies.

The Laser Optics Berlin 2008 was hosted by the Messe

Berlin GmbH for the first time and came to a close on the

Berlin Exhibition Grounds with a final attendance figure of

some 2650. The new format for this event, comprising an

international convention, specialist exhibition and forum,

all of which were equally conclusive, attracted over 130

exhibitors.

Together with their partners, the organizers will con-

tinue to work to increase the importance of Laser Optics

Berlin as a meeting place for users and scientists in the

field of optical technology. There was a good response to

the newly established Training Forum, especially among

students and academics.

Dr. Christian Göke, COO of Messe Berlin: “Laser Optics

Berlin on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds more than met the

expectations of the optical industry as a platform of the

highest quality. The industry made full use of the close

interconnections between politics, research and business

at this location in Berlin-Brandenburg. Contacts at the high-

est level, a widespread impetus for long term business

relations and an exclusive transfer of knowledge are the

result.”

With more than 30 papers the convention programme

provided users and researchers with an attractive forum for

discussions and dialogue. For its keenly interested visitors

Laser Optics Berlin presented some outstanding achieve-

ments by companies and research institutes in the field of

optical technologies.

Laser Optics Berlin is organized by Messe Berlin in asso-

ciation with TSB Innovation Agency Berlin GmbH, and with

its partners Max-Born-Institut für Nichtlineare Optik und

Kurzzeitspektroskopie, OpTecBB e.V., WISTA MANAGEMENT

GmbH and Laserverbund Berlin-Brandenburg e.V. .

The next Laser Optics Berlin will take place from March

22nd to 24th, 2010.

Laser Optics Berlin – Showcase of the region

Kerstin Kube-ErkensMesse Berlin GmbHMessedamm 22D – 14055 BerlinPhone +49 (0)30 - 3038 - 2056Mail [email protected] www.laser-optics-berlin.com

Laser Optics Berlin – Schaufenster der Region

Prof. Dr. Eberhard StensTSB Adlershof

Rudower Chaussee 29 (IGZ)D – 12489 Berlin

Phone +49 (0)30 - 6392 - 5170Mail [email protected] www.tsb-adlershof.detria

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52 53


plied with external modulators that first carve the pulses

and then modulate the information onto the data stream.

However, future telecom transmission systems at 10 Gb/s

and higher will benefit from modelocked lasers for return-

to-zero (RZ) formats and soliton dispersion management

techniques.

We recently introduced a new concept of ultrafast semi-

conductor lasers which was inspired by our previous work

on SESAM modelocked solid-state lasers. Replacing the

solid-state gain material by a semiconductor gain material

makes it possible that both gain and absorber layers can

be integrated into one single wafer (Fig. 2). We referred to

this class of devices as modelocked integrated external-

cavity surface emitting lasers (MIXSEL). One key require-

ment was the development of quantum dot saturable ab-

sorbers that support integration with the same mode size

in the absorber and the gain as initially demonstrated in a

VECSEL-SESAM approach (Fig. 3). The MIXSEL platform

has a strong potential for applications in optical commu-

nication, optical clocking of multi-core microprocessors

and compact supercontinuum generation for bio-medical

applications.

For example, with optical clocking of multi-core micro-

processors it should be possible to define a road map for a

pulse repetition rates up to ≈100 GHz. The vertical MIXSEL

geometry in comparison to the edge-emitting semiconduc-

tor laser has the advantage that undesirable nonlinear in-

teractions that tend to distort the pulses and destabilize

modelocking are strongly limited, because the interaction

length with the semiconductor gain medium is very short.

For low noise operation these laser oscillators are funda-

mentally modelocked, i.e. a single pulse propagates inside

the optical resonator. For example at 50 GHz the optical

cavity length is 3 mm, and the semiconductor structure only

adds about 10 μm to the cavity length so that most of the

beam will propagate in air or a transparent wafer. Therefore

changing the pulse repetition rate mainly requires a change

in the propagation length in the fully transparent section

without substantially changing the physical dynamics of the

laser. We would hope that such lasers would eventually

find themselves in every household for providing a stable

clock for our multi-100-core personal computers.

My group at ETH Zurich has made key contributions to ultra-

fast solid-state lasers and their improvements using semi-

conductor saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs), a family

of optical devices that allow for very simple, self-starting

passive pulse generation of diode-pumped solid-state la-

sers (i.e. a technique referred as passive modelocking).

Our ongoing work involves understanding of both semicon-

ductor materials and devices plus solid-state lasers in col-

laboration with Prof. Günter Huber in Hamburg and Dr. Adolf

Giesen in Stuttgart which resulted in new unprecedented

performance improvements in terms of pulse widths and

average power – a frontier in laser physics that is also very

interesting for micromachining.

In 2008 a young team of engineers and scientists from

the Robert Bosch GmbH received the first-ranked Berthold

Leibinger Innovation Prize for their technology transfer from

university research results to industrial mass production

using ultrafast solid-state lasers for high-precision micro-

machining. This was the first application in industrial mass

production; a milestone for ultrafast lasers. The rapid prog-

ress in diode-pumped solid-state lasers and the novel pulse

generation technique using SESAMs made this technology

transfer possible. These ultrafast lasers have become

reliable and cost effective for industrial applications. The

first laser system used by the Bosch team was still based

on a laser oscillator followed by optical amplifiers. Further

pulse energy scaling of SESAM modelocked thin disk lasers

will make these lasers even more compact, reliable and

cost-effective because no optical amplifiers will be required

any more. The direct generation of energetic pulses with a

laser oscillator is a significantly simpler approach to gener-

ate stable and clean pulses. Since 1995 we have pushed

the pulse energy from ultrafast diode-pumped solid-state la-

sers by four orders of magnitude from the nanojoule regime

to above 10 microjoule – an energy level that makes micro-

machining possible (Fig. 1). This work was partially funded

by the Swiss KTI program which supports and encourages

technology transfer from universities to industry. In our

case the spin-off company Time-Bandwidth Products AG

was enabled to commercialize such SESAM modelocked

thin disk lasers. Such laser oscillators will be even able

to generate more than 100 μJ in the near future. This

will make high-precision micromachining using femto- and

picosecond lasers at megahertz pulse repetition rates very

attractive for many more applications.

In principle, semiconductor lasers are ideally suited for

mass production because they are based on a wafer-scale

technology with a high level of integration. Not surpris-

ingly, the first lasers entering virtually every

household were continuous wave (cw) semi-

conductor lasers in compact disk players.

What about ultrafast lasers – what will make

them go into every household? What about

micromachining with semiconductor lasers

directly?

Semiconductor lasers can be scaled up

to power levels interesting for micromachin-

ing but only at the expense of beam quality.

Poor beam quality makes it very difficult if

not impossible to obtain stable picosecond

pulses. Therefore, pulsed semiconductor la-

sers are limited to low power applications. So

far ultrafast semiconductor lasers have not

achieved the impact of cw lasers. One rea-

son for this lower market penetration is the

complexity and cost of these sources. Even

in long distance fiber-optic communication

with light pulses, modelocked semiconductor

lasers are currently not used in commercial

systems. Instead a cw laser is typically ap-

Advancing Frontiers of Ultrafast Lasers Enable New ApplicationsUrsula Keller, ETH Zurich, Physics Department, Switzerland

Ti:sapphire

DP-SSL

0.001

0.01

0.1

1

10

100

20102005200019951990

Fig. 1Frontier in pulse energy from laser oscillators. Maximum pulse energy gen-erated by megahertz femtosecond laser oscillators: closed black circles, Ti:sapphire lasers; closed red rectangles, thin disk diode-pumped solid-state laser (DP-SSL); open red circle, other directly diode-pumped lasers not based on the thin disk concept. The SESAM-modelocked thin disk laser concept defines this frontier and has the potential for further energy scaling by at least one order of magnitude (T. Südmeyer et al, Nature Photonics 2, 599, 2008).

Fig. 2Moving from separate gain in a vertical external cavity surface emitting semi-conductor laser (VECSEL) to wafer-scale integration. Integration scheme was motivated from conventional VECSEL-SESAM modelocking with large mode area ratios and thus large cavities (a), to obtain absorber-gain integration in a mod-elocked integrated external-cavity surface emitting laser (MIXSEL) (b). The MIX-SEL semiconductor wafer structure contains two high reflectors (HR), quantum dot (QD) saturable absorber, quantum well (QW) gain and an anti-reflective (AR) coating. The first HR reflects the laser light and forms the laser cavity together with the external output coupler. The second one, the intermediate HR, is to pre-vent the pump light bleaching the saturable absorber. The MIXSEL also has the potential for electrical pumping without an intermediate HR but with a current spreading layer (D. J. H. C. Maas et al, Appl. Phys. B 88, 493, 2007).

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Fig. 3VECSEL-SESAM modelocking with the same laser mode size in the gain and absorber section which is a prerequisit for integration and higher pulse repetition rates. A special quantum dot saturable absorber was developed to achieve this goal. Shown here is a 50-GHz laser cavity with an intracavity eta-lon for wavelength tuning (D. Lorenser et al, IEEE Journal of Quantum Electron. 42, 838, 2006).

ETH ZurichInstitut für QuantenelektronikWolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 16CH – 8093 ZürichTel: +41 (0)44 - 633 - 2146Mail [email protected] www.ulp.ethz.ch

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54 55


used to form a mirror around a hollow core, have extremely

high absorption. Multilayer mirrors might offer a solution,

but in practice these have less than perfect reflectivity and

are difficult to make. An new guidance mechanism had

to be found. In the early 1990s the idea emerged that

a two-dimensional lattice of hollow micro-channels could

support a two-dimensional photonic band gap for incidence

from vacuum, and thus allow light to be trapped within

a central hollow core without the need for total internal

reflection. The first such hollow core PCF was reported in

1999, and the lowest losses now stand at 1.1 dB/km at

1550 nm wavelength. The numbers are impressive: the

cladding mirror in the best of these fibres has a reflectivity

of 0.99999992; three million bounces are required per km

(each bounce requiring a new mirror); and all polarization

states are reflected at all angles of incidence. In telecom-

munications, the absence of any solid material in the core

would make it possible to greatly reduce the frequency

spacing between individual wavelength channels, because

there is no solid material to cause the cross-talk that limits

current telecommunications systems.

When filled with suitable gases, hollow-core PCF is ideal

for enhancing nonlinear optical interactions, offering prod-

ucts of intensity and path-length that are 10 million times

higher than previously possible. Such huge enhancements

are unprecedented in nonlinear optics, and are leading to

efficient low-threshold wavelength converters based on

Raman-active gases such as hydrogen. Hollow-core PCF

can also be used for ultra-high sensitivity environmental

gas/vapour monitoring, perhaps yielding parts per trillion

detection of trace chemicals in the atmosphere. It offers a

convenient micro-environment for studying chemical reac-

tions, using light for both monitoring and photo-initiation.

Laser dipole forces can be used to trap and propel small

particles along a curved path inside hollow-core PCF, and it

is intriguing to consider combining this with microfluidics to

study vesicles or cells in an aqueous environment.

IV. 0PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBRE RESEARCH IN ERLANGENIn the Max-Planck Research Group (which

in January 2009 will become the new Max-

Planck Institute for the Science of Light),

high quality solid and hollow core PCFs are

being routinely produced, and used in a wide

range of scientific experiments and applica-

tions.

I. INTRODUCTIONThe discovery that light could be focused using a lens

dates back at least to classical times. In the 19th century

the relationship between the width and the depth (range)

of a focal spot was given a formal basis by Lord Rayleigh,

and the arrival of the laser in the 1960s made it possible

to reach very extremely intensities, leading to applications

in high precision micro-machining, cutting and engraving.

A long-standing and until recently insuperable problem in

many applications of laser light has been how to maintain

high intensity, not just at the focus of a lens, but over long

distances in dilute media such as gases and vapours. To

achieve this one would have to overcome a fundamental

property of three-dimensional space: the diffraction (or

spreading out) of a beam of light as it travels.

II. SOLID CORE PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBRESKeeping light tightly focused over long distances is of

course possible in single-mode glass telecommunications

fibre (SMF), which with its astonishing optical clarity (>5

km/dB at 1550 nm) forms the individual “wires” that join

the nodes of the world-wide-web. SMF permits one to ex-

ploit the weak optical nonlinearity of the glass to investi-

gate effects such as soliton formation, four-wave mixing

and parametric amplification. Although the diameter of

the guided mode (~9 μm in SMF operating at 1550 nm

wavelength) can be reduced by using a smaller core and a

larger core-cladding index difference, this is limited by the

availability of compatible high-index core glass. In fibres,

the smallest mode diameters so far have been realised

in the waist of a tapered SMF, where the light is confined

by the glass-air interface. Waist diameters of ~1 μm are

routinely realizable over 10 cm lengths, but the resulting

structures are extremely fragile. Robust versions of similar

structures can be created in photonic crystal fibre (PCF), in

the form of μm-diameter cores held in place by ~100 nm

wide webs of glass and protected from the environment by

a thick glass outer cladding. An added advantage of tight

field confinement is that the wavelength of zero chromatic

dispersion (1.3 μm in standard SMF) can be strongly blue-

shifted so as to coincide, e.g., with 1064 nm, 800 nm

and 532 nm pump lasers. This has resulted in compact

and efficient supercontinuum sources – “sunlight lasers”.

Such sources, the brightest of which offer spectral intensi-

ties >5 mW/nm (100,000 times brighter than an incan-

descent lamp), can transform any measurement involving

conventional white-light sources. They are currently being

installed in commercial microscopes used in medicine. If

a mode-locked pump laser is used, the spectrum consists

of a comb of frequencies spaced by the repetition rate of

the laser. Octave-spanning frequency combs are used in

precision frequency metrology, important to, e.g., the global

positioning system and astronomy.

III. HOLLOW CORE PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBRESDespite the success of solid-core fibres, the “insuperable”

problem mentioned above remained: how can one keep

light tightly focused over long distances in empty space?

Before the arrival of hollow-core PCF, there was simply no

practical way to do this, at least at visible and near-infrared

frequencies, because no cladding material exists with a

refractive index less than unity. Metals, which could be

Photonic Crystal Fibers: Light in a Tight Space

Philip Russell, Max-Planck Research Group University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

Philip RussellMax Planck Institute for the Science of LightGuenther-Scharowsky Str. 1/Bau 24D – 91058 ErlangenPhone +49 (0)9131 - 6877 - 300Mail [email protected] www.pcfibre.com

Supercontinuum generated from 1 µm wave-length ps fibre laser source.

The fibre drawing clean-room. Stacking the capillaries for preform assembly.

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In first application studies we demonstrated the generation

of pseudo-nondiffracting Bessel-like beams and fringeless

beams (i.e. Bessel beams truncated at the first minimum

of the intensity profile which were referred to in our recent

publications as "needle beams" [4]).

By writing two-dimensional patterns in the phase and/or

grayscale map of arrays of such beams, image informa-

tion can be well propagated over large distances without

any additional relay optics because of keeping the discrete

channels separated and thus effectively suppressing cross-

talk effects. This can be well recognized in Fig.4 [4]. The

principle was referred to as "flying images" when proposed

by Peeter Saari in 1996 [5]. In our experiment, an ultraflat

axicon profile was generated by an LCoS-SLM of 1920 x

1200 pixels (HoloEye). Recently, adaptive ultraflat zone

structures (Fresnel-axicons or "fraxicons") in LCoS-SLMs

were applied to applications for single-shot pulse diagnos-

tics [6].

To conclude, the temporal transfer behaviour of par-

ticular variants of SLMs like PAN- and VAN-type LCoS-SLMs

enables for advanced beam shaping applications with ex-

cellent spatial resolution and surprisingly high stability of

the temporal signature of the pulses. Propagation invari-

ant complex patterns were experimentally demonstrated by

writing amplitude-phase maps in ultrashort-pulsed arrays

of needle beams.

References[1] M. Bock, S. K. Das, R. Grunwald, S. Osten, P. Staudt, and

G. Stibenz, High fidelity ultrashort-pulse transfer with spa-

tial light modulators, Laser Optics Berlin, Berlin 2008.

[2] M. Bock , S. K. Das, R. Grunwald, S. Osten, P. Staudt, and

G. Stibenz, Spectral and temporal response of liquid-

crystal-on-silicon spatial light modulators, Appl. Phys. Lett.

92, 151105 (2008).

[3] R. Grunwald, M. Bock, Beamer für ultrakurze Laserpulse,

Laser Magazin No. 2/2008, pp. 17-18, April 2008.

[4] R. Grunwald, M. Bock, S. Huferath, S. K. Das, S. Osten,

P. Staudt, and G. Stibenz, Programmable ultrashort-pulse

localized waves, PIERS Progress in Electromagnetics

Research Symposium, Cambridge, USA, July 2-6, 2008,

Workshop on Localized Waves, Proceedings on CD-ROM.

[5] P. Saari, Spatially and temporally nondiffracting ultrashort

pulses, in: O. Svelto, S. De Silvestri, and G. Denardo

(Eds.), Ultrafast Processes in Spectroscopy, Plenum

Press, New York, 1996, 151-156.

[6] S. Huferath-von Luepke, V. Kebbel, M. Bock, and R. Grun-

wald, Noncollinear autocorrelation with radially symmetric

nondiffracting beams, SPIE Optics+Photonics Symposium,

Advanced Metrology Conference, San Diego, USA, in: Proc.

SPIE Vol. 7063-36 (2008).

Liquid crystal spatial light modulators (LC-SLM) are of ever

increasing interest for various applications like spatial and

temporal beam shaping, wavefront correction, information

encoding and decoding, and adaptive diagnostics of laser

beams. In particular, reflective phase-only liquid-crystal-on-

silicon SLM (LCoS-SLM) are currently the most promising

candidates for the tailoring of highly intense and polychro-

matic ultrashort wavepackets with high spatial and phase

resolution.

However, the majority of ultrashort-pulse beam shaping ap-

plications reported so far use LC-SLMs as spectral synthe-

sizers in Fourier domain only. Therefore, all relevant SLM

parameters, in particular the pulse transfer behaviour in op-

tical few-cycle regime, have to carefully be studied yet and

the ranges of stable performance have to be identified with

high resolution and dynamics. First results of experimental

and theoretical investigations of novel types of LCoS-SLMs

with respect to their phase transfer functions in spectral

and temporal domain were recently presented [1 – 3].

By analyzing the specific diffraction efficiency of bi-level

gratings programmed into the grayscale contrast (Fig. 1),

weak phase distortions by Gires-Tournois resonances were

indicated for two different types of LCoS-SLMs called paral-

lel aligned (PAN) and vertical aligned (VAN) SLMs. To realize

the necessary initial parallel or perpendicular orientation

of the crystals, the intrinsic dielectric anisotropy has to

be properly chosen. The detected deviations were found

to be induced by multiple interference within the stratified

device structures.

On the other hand, the interference contrast reveals valu-

able information about internal optical parameters like the

refractive indices of the liquid crystals and the reflectivity

coefficients.

With a modification of the well-known spectral phase in-

terferometry for direct electric field reconstruction (SPIDER)

method using an extended crystal for frequency conversion

(in the literature referred to as LX-SPIDER [2]), gray-level

dependent spectral phase and temporal shape of 10-fs

Ti:sapphire laser oscillator pulses were determined before

and after passing the SLMs.

For SLMs with thin LC-layers (thickness in the range of few

microns), minimum distortion of a pulse was obtained de-

spite of very weak residual oscillations in the tails (Fig. 2).

Slightly broadened pulses, however, were detected for rela-

tively thick structures (15-20 microns thickness) with larger

index differences (Fig. 3).

Ultrashort-Pulse Transfer Functions of Spatial Light ModulatorsMartin Bock, Susanta Kumar Das, and Ruediger Grunwald; Max Born Institute, BerlinStefan Osten, HOLOEYE Photonics AG; Peter Staudt, Gero Stibenz, APE - Angewandte Physik und Elektronik GmbH

Fig. 1: Experimental setup

for the characteriza-tion of the phase

performance and optical parameters

of LCoS-SLMs by diffraction. Binary dif-fraction gratings were

programmed in the SLMs by

variable grayscale contrast and

detected spectrally resolved by a

fiber-based spectrometer

(schematically).

Fig. 2: High-fidelity temporal transfer of a few-cycle Ti:sapphire laser oscil-lator pulse reflected by the PAN-SLM of 4 µm thickness. The development of the pulse trace as a function of the gray-level was retrieved from LX-SPIDER data (contour levels: inten-sity).

Fig. 3: Slightly distorted temporal transfer of a few-cycle Ti:sapphire laser pulse reflected by the VAN-SLM of 18 µm thickness. The development of the pulse trace as a function of the graylevel was retrieved from LX-SPIDER data as well (contour lev-els: intensity).

Fig. 4: Nondiffracting image pattern generated by ultra flat axi-con profiles programmed into the phase map of an LCoS-SLM (HoloEye, 1920 x 1200 pixels); left: propagation distance 40 mm, right: propagation distance 67 mm (horizontal center-to-center distance: 387 µm) – gray scale inverted.

Dr. Ruediger GrunwaldMax-Born-Institut fuer Nichtlineare Optik und KurzzeitspektroskopieMax-Born-Strasse 2aD – 12489 Berlin-AdlershofPhone +49 (0)30 - 6392 - 1457Fax +49 (0)30 - 6392 - 1459Mail [email protected]

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quency ratio measurement between microwave and optical

oscillators is accomplished by linking the microwave to one

tooth of the base-band comb and the optical signal to one

tooth of the carrier frequency comb. The gap between both

domains is bridged by broadening the comb width to one

octave, i. e. to a frequency ratio of greater than two be-

tween both wings, thus facilitating the measurement of the

so-called carrier-envelope-offset frequency. Fig. 3 shows

the broadening of femtosecond pulses from a Titanium-

Sapphire laser using a so-called microstructured fiber. Such

fibers combine small core diameters with tailored disper-

sion properties for minimum pulse broadening.

The resulting long interaction lengths at high light intensi-

ties leads to a manifold of nonlinear optical processes like

self-phase modulation and soliton formation and fission

which ultimately generate the broad supercontinuum seen

in Fig. 3.

Optical frequency comb generators based on femtosec-

ond lasers have found widespread applications in optical

metrology during the last decade. These can be divided

into two classes: base-band and carrier frequency domain

methods.

Base-band techniques typically employ the envelope of

the periodic train of short pulses for sampling purposes, e.

g. of OTDM (optical time division multiplexed) data streams.

OTDM denotes the nesting of several data streams at a

base clock rate (e. g. 10 GHz) in order to achieve a data

stream at very high bit rates of up to 640 Gbit/s in a single

wavelength channel and single polarization state.

As a standard technique these data streams are char-

acterized using so-called eye diagrams. Such eye diagrams

comprise superimposed waveforms of numerous different

bits and thus provide statistical information on the trans-

mission quality, from which certain parameters like average

timing jitter, amplitude fluctuations or bit error rate can be

estimated. However, information on the true waveform of a

specific bit or its surroundings would be extremely helpful,

e.g., in identifying the cause of systematic bit errors. Such

errors may result, for example, from a resonance excited in

the transmission system by the bit sequence '01010100',

leading to an erroneous substitution of the '0' bit at the

end of this sequence by a '1'.

To this end, we have developed an ultra-fast optical

oscilloscope, which is capable of visualising true wave-

forms of repetitive data patterns, e. g. pseudo-random bit

sequences (PRBS) on a 1 Terabit/s scale.

As an example, Fig. 1 shows a deteriorated data stream,

caused by a missing termination resistor. One clearly sees

'doubtful zeros', i. e. insufficiently suppressed pulses at

75 ps and 175 ps whereas the 'zeros' at 225 ps and 250

ps are almost perfect. Probably, such a data stream would

give rise to systematic bit errors after attenuation in long

transmission lines.

Chemical imaging based on coherent anti-Stokes Ra-

man scattering (CARS) is an example for frequency comb

applications in carrier frequency domain.

Here, the specimen under investigation is illuminated

by two light fields, called pump and Stokes signal. Their fre-

quency difference, i.e. the so-called Stokes-shift, is tuned

to a Raman-active transition of the chemical compound of

interest. Now, the pump signal is inelastically scattered at

the generated collective material excitation. This results in

the emission of a so-called anti-Stokes (AS) signal which is

blue shifted with respect to the pump signal.

The CARS principle is a priori not background free which

results in contrast reduction due to nonresonant back-

ground signals. In addition, strong resonant background

signals may be present due to the broad Raman band of

water in aqueous solutions. Hence, weak AS signals from

small scatterers are frequently overwhelmed by these back-

ground signals.

We use a novel time-resolved heterodyne detection

scheme for background-suppressed CARS microscopy, re-

ferred to as ‘gated heterodyne CARS’ (GH-CARS). It allows

phase-sensitive detection and offers heterodyne gain. Thus,

shot-noise-limited detection can be achieved, in principle,

even in the presence of strong incoherent background sig-

nals, e.g. during combustion processes.

Fig. 2 shows as an example GH-CARS images of 10-μm

polystyrene beads embedded in water. In order to excite

the aromatic CH vibration of the polystyrene the Stokes-

shift is tuned to 3052 cm-1. Fig. 2A displays the GH-CARS

images in the case of a LO pulse which is not delayed. A

large background signal from the water molecules is seen.

Contrary to that, the image shows a much higher signal-

to-background ratio if the LO pulse is delayed by 530 fs

which is much longer than the vibrational dephasing time

of water (Fig. 2B).

As a the third example, optical frequency measurement

is actually a combination of frequency comb applications

in base-band and carrier frequency domain. Here, the fre-

Femtosecond Lasers as Metrological ToolsHarald R. TellePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt

Fig 1: Word-synchronously sampled PRBS (pseudo-random bit sequence) data stream, data format: 40 Gbit/s, return-to-zero code.

Dr. Harald R. TelleOptical Femtosecond MetrologyPhysikalisch-Technische BundesanstaltBundesallee 100D – 38116 BraunschweigPhone +49 (0)531 - 592 - 4530Mail [email protected]

Fig 2: GH-CARS images of 10-µm polystyrene beads embedded in water. (A) LO pulse not delayed, (B) LO

pulse delayed for 530 fs.

Fig 3: Supercontinuum generation in a micro-structured fiber as seen by the scattered light. The (dark red) femtosecond pulses from a TiSa laser are focused into the fiber on the left side. Just after a few cm they turn their color into a bright white.

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numbers of the following intervals. The working distance,

however, still can be in a range up to meters.

Being completely fiber coupled the system is highly flex-

ible in application. With the size of the sensorhead of only

18 mm x 40 mm it easily can be implemented into com-

plex technical facilities and systems or even adapted to

moving assembly. Therewith, measurements also can be

performed in small and difficult accessible apertures; the

remote optical sensig furthermore allows measurements

also being performed in vacuum or in low temperature en-

vironment.

Fig. 2 shows the sensor (encased in a cylindrical cone)

in industrial application. The measurement of the topology

of a grinded aspheric lens is done while the sensor – at-

tached to a moving shaft – is guided over the surface of

the green body of a grinded lens. The measured distance

between the sensorhead and the lens in comparison to

the programmed motion of the shaft gives the mismatch

between the grinded and the desired topology of the lens.

Performing this measurement within the grinding machine

itself allows a control of the process without a dismount of

the green body sparing process time and preventing mount-

ing tolerances. Fig. 3 shows another example of the sensor

application. With a working distance of about 2.5 cm the

topology of a diamond grinded metallic mirror is measured

by a lateral shift. On the right hand side of fig. 3 a detail of

the topology curve of the mirror is depicted. In this mea-

surement the high resolution of only a few nanometers of

the MWLI-System clearly can be identified.

The implementation of the priciple of multiwavelength

interferometry in a completely fiber-based system makes

the MWLI an highly flexible and ultra-precise measurement

system, revealing a whole new field of high precision mea-

surement within industrial application.

In many areas of industrial fabrication these days the preci-

sion of production processes reach beyond the scale of mi-

crometers. While the control of the position of axle bearings

in milling machines or the topological control of diamond

grinded surfaces requires 1/100 micrometer precision

the positioning of photolithographic stages e.g. is done

with nanometer accuracy. These ultra precise mechanical

processes set an even higher demand on the accuracy of

the involved measurement systems. These days high preci-

sion measurement in the majority of cases is done using

mechanical sensors, even though they combine a number

of disadvantages like the strong restriction in their working

range and the inevitable contact of the sensors that may

harm the specimen. Furthermore, their fragility makes them

inapplicable in rough industrial surrounding.

Here, non-contact – optical – sensors provide an advan-

tage over their tactile counterparts as their measurement

principle naturally prevents a damage of the test sample.

The sensing can be done from larger distances and the

working range ist scalable upto several meters (depend-

ing on the application). Moreover, optical sensors can be

employed in industrial environment and even in difficult

technical surroundings such as at low temperatures or in

vacuum. Nevertheless, most of the known optical sensors

cannot provide a large working distance and range while

keeping a high accuracy of the measurement at the same

time. Others, like simple interferometers, can indeed per-

form a high precision sensing at large distance, but suffer

from ambiguity and therefore cannot provide an absolut

distance information nor can they measure the topology of

rough surfaces by a lateral scan.

An innovative solution to the aforementioned problem

of ultra precision distance measurement with high flex-

ibility is provided by the newly developed Multi-Wavelength-

Interferometer (MWLI), featuring an accurate and absolute

determination of the distance with a resolution of a few

nanometers. Here, the high precision is kept even within a

dynamic range of 2 mm, being 6 orders of magnitude larger

than the resolution itself.

The basic principle of the MWLI-system is a fibre-coupled

superposition of three separated interferometers measur-

ing the same distance simultaneously. The light of three

highly stabilized diode lasers emitting at different but close-

ly adjacent wavelengths is coupled into an optical fiber and

guided to the head of the sensor system (see fig. 1). Here,

the light is focused to the object and recollected by the

sensorhead once it got reflected by the object. The three

signals are guided back through the same optical fiber to

the detection and analyzing unit, where – spectrally sepa-

rated – the individual phases of the interferometric signals

are determined.

The phase detection of the singal of each wavelength

provides an individual information about the position of the

object. While these signals provide a high precision of a

few nanometers within a range of the individual wavelength,

the mutual evaluation of the three wavelengths allows an

absolut determination of the position of the target within

the range of unambiguousness of about 2 mm. Beyond

this in a span of several centimeters a tracking of the posi-

tion still is possible by taking into account the subsequent

Ultra High Precision Non-Contact Distance Measurement Using Multi Wavelength InterferometryJürgen Petter, Ralf Nicolaus, André Noack, Theo Tschudi, Luphos GmbH

Luphos GmbHLandwehrstr. 55D – 64293 DarmstadtPhone +49 (0)6151 - 992 - 6814Mail [email protected] www.luphos.de

Fig. 1: Fibre coupled measurement system

Fig. 2: MWLI-Sensor in industrial implementation measuring the topology of a grinded lens.

Fig. 3b: Extract of the topology

curve of the mirror shown left;

the MWLI-sensor system detects variations

from a flat topology with sub-nanometer

resolution.Fig. 3a: MWLI-Sensor measuring the topology of a diamond grinded metallic mirror.

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ments a 2 mm thick quartz plate cov-

ers the micro channels. The light of an

air cooled 20 mW cw argon ion laser is

focused into these channels by a micro-

scope objective (Fig. 2, left).

The Raman scattered light generated

by the molecules flowing inside the mi-

cro channel is collected by the same

microscope objective, decoupled by a

beam splitter and focused into a spec-

trograph with a silicon CCD array detec-

tor (spectral resolution 10 cm-1). The

Raman spectrum measured with this

spectrograph consists of lines which

are characteristic for the chemical com-

pounds within the micro channels and

can be used to calculate their concen-

trations. The focal point of the laser can

be moved by a small xyz table to get a

concentration profile across the micro

channel. Fig 3 shows a picture of the

experimental setup.

The spatial resolution of the measured

concentrations is determined by differ-

ent factors. The minimum lateral resolu-

tion results from the diffraction of the

laser beam and can be as low as 1 μm

using lasers with small bandwidth. How-

ever, the quartz plate introduces optical

aberrations which deteriorate the lateral

resolution to about 10 μm. These aber-

rations can be minimized by a plate with low thickness and

a specially designed microscope objective, which was used

in these experiments. The depth resolution, along the laser

beam, depends on the collimation optics. In this case we

used the light integrated over the micro channel depth of

0.2 mm. This can be improved by a confocal optical ar-

rangement: a pinhole or a mono-mode fiber determines the

depth resolution which can be made smaller than 10 μm.

Adversely however, the intensity will decrease. The choice

of optics depends on the chemical application.

With this technique we measured the concentration

profiles of a chemical reaction, the hydrolysis of the acetal

2,2-dimethoxypropane (DMP) to acetone and methanol in

the presence of hydrogen ions (HCl) as catalyst. Figure 4

shows a Raman spectrum during this reaction. Spectral

lines of DMP, acetone, methanol and ethanol (carrier fluid)

can be seen. Because of some overlapping bands, a peak

fitting procedure was applied and the resulting single peaks

are shown, too.

Based on such spectra the concentration profiles of

DMP, methanol and acetone within our mixing channel were

measured at various distances from the mixing point. Fig-

ure 5 shows the concentration profiles across the mixing

channel at a distance of 25 mm. On the left side only DMP

is present, on the right side only water and HCl. As a result

of the hydrolysis acetone and methanol are produced in the

middle of the micro channel.

Generally, micro Raman spectroscopy can be applied

to monitor concentrations of liquids within micro mixers

and micro reactors with a spatial resolution of 10 μm or

below. Together with numerical simulations it is possible

to optimize micro reactors for laboratory and industrial ap-

plications.

Micro heat exchangers, micro mixers and micro reactors

have gained importance in chemical, pharmaceutical and

life sciences applications. Due to the large surface to

volume ratio these devices provide efficient mass and heat

transfer. This results in greater selectivity and higher yield

for chemical reactions. The Institute for Micro Process En-

gineering is working on the development, manufacturing,

and testing of micro channel devices mainly constructed of

stainless steel, where channel widths and depths lie in the

range of 0.2 mm. The production of microstructure devices

is based on mechanical micro machining of metal foils.

Micromechanical processes are for instance precision turn-

ing, precision milling and micro etching. These components

are pressure resistant up to several hundred bars and can

be used at throughputs up to 7000 kg/h with a thermal

heat transfer of 200 kW. As an example fig. 1 shows such

a cross flow micro heat exchanger. It consists of 75 foils

per passage. Each foil is 0.2 mm thick and has 100 micro

channels, which are 40 mm long, 0.2 mm wide and 0.1

mm deep. The total number of micro channels per passage

is 7500 with a hydraulic diameter of 0.13 mm of each

channel. The metal foils with grooves are stacked with an

angle of 90°. After that the foil stack is diffusion bonded.

The diffusion bonded body is then welded in a standardized

housing. The heat transfer area amounts 0.135 m2.

In order to get a better understanding of the physi-

cal and chemical processes within such components and

to optimize these devices it is necessary to get a look

into these micro channels during a mixing process or a

chemical reaction. For this purpose Micro Raman spec-

troscopy can be applied. This method is very selective for

individual chemical compounds and allows a good spatial

resolution.

Fig. 2 (right) shows the energy levels of a molecule

together with laser excitation and the emission of Raman

lines, schematically.

To apply this method to micro process engineering, first

experiments were done with a simple T-shaped micro mixer.

It consists of a metal foil with two feed channels with 0.2

mm width and 0.2 mm depth and a mixing channel of 0.4

mm width and 0.2 mm depth. For the Raman measure-

Raman-Spectroscopy for MeasuringConcentration Profiles within Micro ChannelsGünter Rinke, Angela Ewinger, Sigrid Kerschbaum, Monika Rinke and Klaus SchubertForschungszentrum Karlsruhe

Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe in der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Institute for Micro Process Engineering Dr. Günter Rinke Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 D – 76344 Eggenstein-LeopoldshafenPhone +49 (0)7247 - 82 - 3556 Fax +49 (0)7247 - 82 - 3186 Mail [email protected] Web www.fzk.de/imvt-en

Fig. 1: Cross flow micro heat exchanger together with a stack of micro structured foils

Fig. 2: Raman spectroscopy – energy levels and optical setup

Fig. 3: Micro mixer adapted to the microscope of a Raman system

Fig. 4: Raman spectrum during the hydrolysis of DMP

Fig. 5: Concentration profiles of DMP, acetone and methanol within the micro channel.

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Miniaturized Optical Oxygen Measurements In-VivoIn order to determine the content of dissolved molecular

oxygen (O2), more and more optical methods are used.

The technique rests upon dyes whose phosphorescence

decay times depend on the concentration of ambient O2.

Our work focuses on miniaturized probes, sensor-coated

glass fiber tips or dye-doped nanospheres, which allow spa-

tially resolved measurements within plant or animal cells

in vivo. This is important because, for example, a better

understanding of the cellular O2 metabolism will help to

breed more efficient plants. A capable optical oxygen sen-

sor with an intense phosphorescence around 650 nm is

Pt(II)-tetra-pentafluorophenylporphyrin (PtPFPP) immobilized

in a polymer matrix. PtPFPP shows oxygen-dependent phos-

phorescence lifetimes in the range from 69 μs (complete

absence of O2) to 23 μs (air or air saturated aqueous so-

lutions). These approximate values vary with the tempera-

ture and structure of the host polymer. The lifetime can be

determined using phase modulation, in which the sensor

is excited with sinusoidal modulated light. Depending on

the decay time of the excited state the emission of the

phosphorescence signal occurs temporally delayed, which

results in a definite phase shift between the excitation

and phosphorescence light. The corresponding oxygen con-

centration is calculated subsequently using a calibration

curve. As compared to time-resolved measurements, at

which the sample is excited with a pulse of light and the

time-dependent intensity of light emission following the ex-

citation pulse is detected repetitively, the response time of

the phase-modulation method is much faster, what is pref-

erable for real-time monitoring. A drawback of the phase

modulation technique is that the phase shift is strongly

interfered by background fluorescence, which may super-

posethe sensor signal. Therefore, for real-time monitoring

of O2 within green plant tissue, a special two-frequency

phase modulation technique was developed, which masks

interference signals arising from native fluorescence, e.g.

from chlorophyll. In brief: Measuring the respective phase

shifts at two different modulation frequencies, the contri-

bution of the chlorophyll fluorescence is quantified and

subsequently eliminated. This technique is based on the

fact that the time delays of all background signals can be

assumed to be zero compared to the microseconds lifetime

of sensor’s phosphorescence.

In cooperation with the company Optricon (www.optri-

con.de) a prototype device with unique selling points was

developed: A 405 nm "blue ray" laser diode is used to

excite extremely small probes and a two-frequency phase

modulation technique is applied to mask interference sig-

nals.

As stand-alone device the instrument runs with mi-

crooptodes (tip diameters 10 μm or even smaller). In com-

bination with a fluorescence microscope, spherical nano-

probes (diameters 50 nm) can be used. An extension of the

technique to measure further chemical substances, like

carbon dioxide or chloride ions, is currently under progress.

Within the BMBF program ForMaT, further research and in-

novation towards a Micro-O2-Lasersensor is planned.

Micro-O2-Lasersensor and Laser Ion Mobility Spectrometry –– Two Optical Techniques for the Detection of Chemical Substances

University of PotsdamInstitute of Chemistry / Physical Chemistry (UPPC)Prof. Dr. Hans-Gerd LöhmannsröbenContact person: Dr. Elmar SchmälzlinKarl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25D – 14476 Potsdam-GolmPhone +49 (0)331 - 977 - 5413, Fax +49 (0)331 - 977 - 5058Mail [email protected] www.chem.uni-potsdam.de/pc

10 µm O2 microoptode. The waves symbolize the excitation of the phosphorescent tip with modulated laser light.

The tip of the microoptode (barely visible in the center of the dot-ted circle) is inserted into the leaf of an ice plant.

Laser Ion Mobility Spectrometer (LIMS)The analysis of environmental and industrial chemicals by

conventional laboratory methods, like gas chromatogra-

phy/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), is expensive and very

time-consuming. Moreover, the investigated samples are

often non-representative and the number of samples is

insufficient.

Ion mobility (IM) spectrometers allow mobile on-site

analysis of chemical substances in real-time. The method

is based on the measurement of different drift velocities of

ionised molecules (cations or anions) in the electric field at

atmospheric pressure. An IM spectrum is obtained, where

the analytes appear at different drift times according to

their diffusion cross sections. Conventional instruments,

applied so far mainly in the safety/security field, use radio-

active substances for ionisation and provide a low detec-

tion selectivity and a limited dynamic range.

The LIMS (laser ion mobility spectrometer), however,

uses pulse lasers in the UV range as ionisation source,

what appreciably increases the application range of the

technique. By UV pulse lasers aromatic molecules can be

ionised directly and very sensitively by resonant two photon

ionisation (1+1-REMPI). In 1+1-REMPI, one photon excites

the molecule into a higher electronic state, whereas a se-

cond photon leads to ionisation of the molecule. Thus, the

gas phase absorption spectrum of the molecule is probed.

As result, a two-dimensional analysis is obtained according

to drift time and gas phase absorption spectrum. BTEX

aromatics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and

organic diisocyanates are detected semi-quantitatively or

quantitatively in the ppb range.

Polar molecules without aromatic system can not be

ionised by efficient 1+1 REMPI. However, they are ionisable

by non-resonant multiphoton ionisation or indirect ionisa-

tion methods. Indirect methods use aromatic dopants,

which are directly ionised by 1+1 REMPI and react with

the analyte molecules under formation of characteristic

product ions. Examples of such ion-molecule reactions are

proton transfer or electron transfer reactions from toluene

or complex formation reactions with phenol or aniline. Im-

portant industrial and environmental chemicals, explosives

like TNT, and warfare agents can be detected in this way.

Compared to conventional ion mobility spectrometers

the detection by LIMS occurs with better selectivity, with

higher sensitivity, in a larger quantitative dynamic range.

Laser IM spectrometry enables the analysis of sub-

stances both in the gas phase and on surfaces after la-

ser desorption. The instrument can also be designed as

multi-channel spectrometer in order to detect aromatic and

non-aromatic polar compounds simultaneously in parallel

channels by applying different ionisation mechanisms.

The activities on research and development with the

LIMS are carried out by the UPPC in close cooperation with

the company Optimare. Within the BMBF program ForMaT

the development of different LIMS designs adapted to the

customer’s requirements is planned.

Optimare GmbH Emsstr. 20 D – 26382 WilhelmshavenContact person: Dr. Robert Laudienwww.optimare.de Phone +49 (0)331 - 977 - 5303Fax +49 (0)331 - 977 - 5058Mail [email protected]

University of Potsdam Institute of Chemistry / Physical Chemistry (UPPC) Prof. Dr. Hans-Gerd LöhmannsröbenContact person: Dr. Toralf BeitzPhone +49 (0)331 - 977 - 5176Fax +49 (0)331 - 977 - 5058 Mail [email protected]

Functional principle of laser ion mobility spectrometers.

Design of a LIMS (with Nd:YAG laser, drift cell).

Elmar Schmälzlin, Toralf Beitz, Hans-Gerd LöhmannsröbenUniversity of Potsdam

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Ergebnisse und Leistungen in Forschungs-einrichtungen

Results and Services from Research Institutions

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68

RESULTS AND SERVICES FROM RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

69

ERGEBNISSE UND LEISTUNGEN IN FORSCHUNGSEINRICHTUNGEN

Optical System Technology for Future MarketsThe Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision

Engineering IOF is a competent partner for industry and

science in the area of optical system technology, especially

for the future-oriented markets energy and environment,

health and medicine, and safety and mobility.

The core competencies of the Fraunhofer IOF cover the

entire photonic chain, from optical and mechanical design

and the realization of multifunctional optical layer systems,

via micro- and nano-structured optics as well as system

integration and characterization, to manufacture of proto-

types of optical systems for wavelengths ranging from the

millimeter to the nanometer spectral range.

The close connection to the Institute for Applied Phys-

ics of the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena allows highest-

quality education of young scientists and ensures the nec-

essary scientific approach.

Ultra-precise aspherical Metal Mirrors for Earth ObservationThe gathering of ever more precise Earth surface data

from space, e.g., for harvest forecasts, disaster relief and

cartography, is possible through the use of multi-spectral

cameras. The satellite based Earth-Observation system

RapidEye was launched on August 29, 2008. It uses cam-

eras from Jena-Optronik in which the telescopic optical

system is based on metal mirrors. These ultra-precise

mirrors deliver the highest levels of stability and shape

accuracy, allowing continuous operation under space con-

ditions. The mirrors were manufactured at the Fraunhofer

IOF on a special, ultra-precision, engine lathe, tempered

with special coatings and accurately mounted.

Intra-oral 3D-Digitizer for DentistryOn behalf of Hint-Els GmbH, a 3D-Scanner was developed

with which tooth surfaces can be digitized directly inside

the mouth of the patient. Through the data gathered den-

tures can be produced without having to take impressions

or making a plaster model, saving time and cost. The

measurement system is utilizing the structured light 3D

scanner principle. For illumination an LCoS display with an

LED source is used, allowing a small package size.

THz System for Safety ControlTHz radiation (0,1THz – 10THz) penetrates paper, dry wood

and most synthetic materials. Organic substances like tab-

lets and drugs can be detected via THz radiation. For ap-

plications in security checking and safety control compact

and mobile systems with high imaging quality are required.

This can be achieved through the use of femto-second fiber

lasers for generating the THz radiation.

Optische Systemtechnik für Zukunftsmärkte Das Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Optik und Feinme-

chanik IOF ist kompetenter Partner für Industrie und Wis-

senschaft auf dem Gebiet der optischen Systemtechnik

insbesondere für die Zukunftsmärkte Energie und Umwelt,

Gesundheit und Medizin sowie Sicherheit und Mobilität.

Die Kernkompetenzen des Fraunhofer IOF bilden die gesamte

photonische Kette ab, vom Optik- und Mechanik-Design und

der Darstellung multifunktionaler optischer Schichtsysteme

über mikro- und nanostrukturierte Optik sowie Systeminteg-

ration und –charakterisierung bis zum Bau von Prototypen

optischer Systeme für Wellenlängen vom Millimeter- bis zum

Nanometerbereich.

Die enge Verbindung zum Institut für Angewandte Physik

der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena ermöglicht die Ausbil-

dung von wissenschaftlichem Nachwuchs auf höchstem

Niveau und sichert den notwendigen wissenschaftlichen

Vorlauf.

Ultrapräzise asphärische Metallspiegel für die ErdbeobachtungDie Gewinnung von immer genaueren Daten der Erdoberflä-

che für Erntevorhersagen, Katastrophenhilfe und Kartogra-

fie aus dem Weltall ist mit Hilfe von Multispektralkameras

möglich. Das am 29. August 2008 gestartete satellitenge-

stütze Erdbeobachtungssystem RapidEye ist mit Kameras

der Firma Jena-Optronik ausgestattet, deren Teleskopoptik

auf Metallspiegeln basiert. Die ultrapräzisen Spiegel erfül-

len ein Höchstmaß an Stabilität und Formgenauigkeit und

sichern den Dauerbetrieb unter Weltraumbedingungen. Sie

wurden im Fraunhofer IOF auf Spezialmaschinen durch Ult-

rapräzisionsdrehen gefertigt, mit Spezialschichten vergütet

und präzise montiert.

Intraoraler 3D-Digitalisierer für die ZahnmedizinIm Auftrag der Firma Hint-Els GmbH wurde ein 3D-Scanner

entwickelt, mit dem die Zahnoberflächen direkt im Mund des

Patienten digitalisiert werden können. Mit den gewonnenen

Daten kann Zahnersatz ohne das Abnehmen von Abdrücken

und das Anfertigen eines Gipsmodells hergestellt werden,

wodurch zeitlicher und finanzieller Aufwand reduziert wer-

den.

Das Messsystem basiert auf dem Prinzip der phasen-

korrelierten Streifenprojektion. Für die Beleuchtung wird ein

LCoS-Display mit einer LED-Quelle eingesetzt, wodurch eine

geringe Baugröße realisiert werden kann.

THz-System für die SicherheitskontrolleTHz-Strahlung (0,1THz –10THz) durchdringt Papier, trocke-

nes Holz und die meisten Kunststoffe. Mit THz-Strahlung las-

sen sich organische Substanzen wie Tabletten und Drogen

detektieren. Für Anwendungen in der Sicherheitskontrolle

sind kompakte, transportable Systeme mit einer hohen Abbil-

dungsqualität erforderlich. Das ist erreichbar durch den Ein-

satz von fs-Faserlasern zur Erzeugung der THz-Strahlung.

Aspherical Light-weight Mirror Asphärische Leichtgewicht- Spiegel

Telescope Optics with Metal Mirrors for RapidEye JSS56Teleskopoptik mit Metallspiegeln für RapidEye JSS56

Andreas Gebhardt of the Fraunhofer IOF at an Ultra-precision Engine LatheAndreas Gebhardt vom Fraunhofer IOF an einer Ultrapräzisions-drehmaschine

Measurements of Part of a Set of Teeth (Point Cloud)Messdaten (Punktewolke) eines Gebissabschnittes

Pocket Knife and Tablet in a closed

Parcel (False Color Representation

of THz Absorption)Taschenmesser und

Tablette in einem geschlossenen Paket

(Falschfarben dar stellung der THz-Absorption)

Intra-oral 3D-DigitizerIntraoraler 3D-Digita-lisierer

8-Chanel THz Detection System

8-Kanal-THz- Detektionssystem

Fraunhofer-Institut für AngewandteOptik und Feinmechanik IOFDr. Brigitte WeberAlbert-Einstein-Straße 7D – 07745 JenaPhone +49(0)3641 - 807 - 440, Fax +49(0)3641 - 807 - 600Mail [email protected] www.iof.fraunhofer.de tria

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The Institute of Photonic Technology IPHT

IPHT’s research activities are formed by several junior

research groups. The “Jenaer BioChip Initiative” for exam-

ple is an group of the Jena university located at the IPHT

which aims to develop robust, reliable, and cost efficient

analytical systems for chip-based detection of biomole-

cules. The goal is for these methods to be suitable for the

readout of biochips and to even achieve label free detec-

tion. Moreover, the JBCI is interested in the development of

fully integrated systems for the analysis of biomolecules.

These integrated systems should not only include the read-

out of chips, but also a sample preparation to the largest

extent possible in order to create point-of-care solutions

which are no longer bound to specialized laboratories and

can be operated by non-scientific staff.

The main goal of another junior research group is to

establish and advance the highly innovative research field

of molecular and functional imaging by means of CARS

microscopy (CARS = coherent anti-stokes Raman spectros-

copy).

Both groups collaborate closely with scientists from the

University of Jena and are examples of the strong scientific

ties between IPHT and the University of Jena. This collabo-

ration is essential to the future of IPHT.

Research and development at the Institute of Photonic

Technology (IPHT) in Jena can be described as focused on

four key activities:

Biophotonics/nanobiophotonics: Development of in-• novative optical, spectroscopical, and chip-based di-

agnostic methods for biology, biotechnology, medical

technology, pharmacy, and food technology as well as

for enviromental and safety engineering.

Photonic detection and imaging technologies: Creation • of innovative optical components, subsystems, and sys-

tems for highly-sensitive, commonly spectrally-resolved

two-dimensional detection of optical signals.

Fiber-based micro and nanooptics: Development and • production of optical fibers while selectively influenc-

ing their functional features for applications in commu-

nication and information technologies, micro material

processing, light sources and amplifiers as well as in

sensor technologies and metrology.

Photonic silicon: Development of photovoltaic modules • with Si thin films and analysis of silicon nanowires re-

garding applications in solar cells and sensors.

About 280 IPHT employees work in two research divisions:

Photonic Instrumentation and Optical Fibers & Fiber Appli-

cations. The scientific focus of the Photonic Instrumenta-

tion division is directed to both the applications of spectral-

optical technologies and the development of methods and

instruments. Among other things, the division designs,

produces, and tests nano and microtechnical devices and

systems for biological and biomedical applications. With

its access to the clean room facilities, the division com-

bines engineering with biochemical and basic molecular

biological expertise. The Optical Fibers & Fiber Applications

division, which is the largest group in Germany focused on

this topic and the world leader in the field of draw tower

fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) based on single pulse record-

ing, consists of the departments of Optical Fiber Technolo-

gies, Photonic Silicon, Optical Fiber Modules, Optical Fiber

Systems and Innovative Photonic Materials. This research

division has years of experience in fiber glass materials,

preform preparation, drawing of special fibers, fiber sensor

applications, micro-structured and photonic crystal fibers,

materials preparation, and laser chemistry.

In different departments at IPHT sensors are developed

to investigate physical, chemical, and biological processes.

New detection schemes will allow the analysis at low con-

centrations with a time resolution from microseconds up

to the femtosecond range and a spatial resolution from

micrometer size range down to the nanometer scale. Some

interesting developments in this area include the develop-

ment of IR/THz sensor technology, linear and nonlinear

Raman spectroscopy, and SERS and TERS technology. Fur-

thermore, fiber-optical systems are being developed at IPHT

that could be used as fast and cost efficient sensors for

biomolecules and microorganisms.

Institute of Photonic TechnologyAlbert-Einstein-Str. 907745 JenaPostal AddressP.O. Box 100 239D – 07702 JenaPhone +49 (0)3641 - 206 - 300Fax +49 (0)3641 - 206 - 399Mail [email protected] www.ipht-jena.de

In the research field of biophotonics, biological function can be understood in its temporal dynamic on a cellular or even molecular level by means of innova-tive spectroscopic and microscopic methods.

Quantum limited photonic detectors represent a research field which will significantly improve present-day devices and generate a multiplicity of future applications. The IPHT develops ultra-sensitive bolometers and bolometer arrays which allow the only quantum limited detection of radiation in the up to now hardly accessible terahertz frequency band. The successful astrophysical implementations as well as the development of a THz security camera system are the first application highlights.

Fiber Bragg gratings, which offer the possibility of realizing widely distributed sensor networks combined with the well-known advantages of optical fibers, are a versatile means for monitor-ing the structural health and efficient operation of industrial and technical facilities. High performance and reliability of the sensors and measurement units have already been demonstrated by the IPHT in railway engineering, power generators, wind and gas turbines, and aerospace as well.

As an alternative to the highly efficient and high-cost silicon wafer cells and to the less efficient, low-cost amorphous silicon thin film cells, the IPHT develops thin film cells based on crystalline silicon on low-cost glass substrates. Amorphous silicon is deposited onto glass and crystallized by scanning it with the beam of a diode laser to get a seed layer. On top of the seed the layer system of the solar cell is grown epitaxially. For this different methods are applied: layered laser crystalliza-tion or epitaxial, solid-phase crystallization. In particular, electron beam evaporation is used for depositing amorphous silicon at high rates.

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The Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Tech-

niques IPM develops and builds optical sensor and imag-

ing systems. These mostly laser-based systems combine

optical, mechanical, electronic and software components

to create solutions of robust design that are individually tai-

lored to suit the conditions at the deployment site. These

customized systems enable service providers to supply

sophisticated, high-tech services. The Institute creates

functional models and prototypes for modules as well as

turn-key systems. If requested, development packages in-

clude the transfer of such models and prototypes to mass

production.

Fraunhofer IPM develops optical measuring systems

based on absorption spectroscopy for the analysis of gas

and liquids. By using near and middle infrared radiation or

terahertz waves these systems are capable of detecting

molecules with a high degree of selectivity and sensitivity.

They are suitable for online process control, environmental

analysis and the measurement of emissions in the auto-

motive industry. The Terahertz measuring systems can be

employed in process measuring, quality control and secu-

rity systems. To ensure that the systems can be adapted

to suit particular applications, THz research at Fraunhofer

IPM also includes the development of new types of emitter

and detector components.

One key competence of Fraunhofer IPM is distance

measurement with laser-based systems. The Institute has

a good track record in the field of high-speed 2D and 3D

measuring technology, resulting in competencies in highly

dynamic signal processing. Based on this, Fraunhofer IPM

develops measuring systems for targeted maintenance

of railroad networks which are in use around the globe.

The development work for these systems is particularly

demanding as they need to be able to supply consistently

reliable and accurate measurement data even when oper-

ating in extreme environmental conditions such as rain,

dust, heat or cold.

Fraunhofer IPM develops systems for identification

in the micrometer range. One area of focus is the auto-

mated monitoring of biological samples. The systems are

designed to analyze morphological processes or detect

molecular interactions. Methods used include microscopy,

holography, interferometry, Raman spectroscopy and fluo-

rescence measuring techniques. The systems work inde-

pendently and require little maintenance, even when used

outside the laboratory environment.

The laser-based imaging systems developed by Fraunhofer

IPM record digital information onto photographic paper,

printing plates, microfilm or cinematographic film. The

technical design of these systems is characterized by the

way the optical, mechanical, electronic and software com-

ponents are matched to each other with a high degree of

accuracy. Fraunhofer IPM deploys its competencies in laser

technology in the development of holographic measuring

systems and diffractive optical elements.

Neuartige Polymersysteme für optische Technologien Das Fraunhofer IAP entwickelt optische Funktionsmate-

rialien, Verarbeitungs- und Strukturierungsverfahren und

optische Funktionselemente. Die Vorteile funktionaler Poly-

mersysteme liegen in deren enormer Variationsvielfalt hin-

sichtlich optischer Funktionalität und Polymerdesign sowie

in kostengünstigen Verfahren zur Herstellung optischer Bau-

elemente. Licht dient als Werkzeug zur Strukturierung und

Modifizierung, aber auch zur Entwicklung unterschiedlicher

optischer Elemente zur Licht-Emission, -Leitung und -Modu-

lation. Forschungsschwerpunkte sind Photopolymere (Mikro-

strukturierung, Holographie, anisotrope Funktionsschichten),

Licht emittierende Komponenten (OLEDs, Laser), Komponen-

ten für die Lichtmodulation (optische Filme für LCDs, dif-

fraktive optische Elemente), die Entwicklung holographischer

Materialien und Funktionselemente sowie die Modifizerung

von Polymeroberflächen. Neue Aspekte betreffen die Poly-

NanoPhotonik (optische Sensoren und Laser) sowie optische

Sicherheitselemente und Displaytechnologien für Multifunk-

tionskarten im Rahmen des Fraunhofer-Innovationsclusters

„Sichere Identität Berlin-Brandenburg“.

Für optische Technologien werden kundenspezifische

Entwicklungen und komplexe Lösungen von der Synthese

über die Strukturierung und Modifizierung von Polymeren

bis zur Device-Entwicklung angeboten.

Optical High Speed Systems – Reliable even in rugged environments

Fraunhofer IAP

Novel Polymer Systems for Optical TechnologiesThe Fraunhofer IAP develops novel polymer systems, pro-

cessing and patterning strategies and optical elements

based on them. The advantages of functional polymer sys-

tems are their large variety of optical functions and polymer

design as well as low cost processing technologies for the

fabrication of optical components. Light serves as a tool

for modification and patterning as well as development of

light-emitting, -guiding and –modulating optical elements.

Topics of current research are the development of photopo-

lymers (micro-patterning, holography and anisotropic func-

tional elements), light-emitting elements (OLEDs, laser),

components for light-modulation (optical films for LCDs,

diffractive optical elements), development of holographic

materials and elements as well as the modification of

polymer surfaces. New topics refer to PolyNanoPhotonics

(optical sensors, laser) as well as optical security features

and display technologies for multi-functional cards in the

framework of the Fraunhofer innovation cluster “Secure

Identity Berlin-Brandenburg”.

The Fraunhofer IAP offers a complete range of research

and development services for optical technologies from

synthesis, processing, structuring and modification of

polymers, and device technologies up to prototype test-

ing based on the interdisciplinary experience of chemists,

physicists and engineers.

Fraunhofer Institut für Angewandte Polymerforschung IAP Privatdozent Dr. Joachim StumpeGeiselbergstrasse 69D – 14476 GolmPhone +49(0)331 - 568 - 1259Mail [email protected] www.iap.fraunhofer.de

Holographically generated surface relief structure in an azobenzene polymer film:

AFM images of relief topology (a)

and cutting of the grating in 3D view (b);

photograph of the diffraction using 633nm laser beam (c).

Reference: O.Kulikovska, L.Kulikovsky, L.Goldenberg, J.Stumpe, Proc. SPIE, Vol. 6999, 69990I (2008).

a)

c)

b)

Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPMHeidenhofstrasse 8D – 79110 FreiburgPhone +49 (0)761 - 8857 - 0

c/o TU KaiserslauternErwin-Schroedinger-Straße 56 D – 67663 KaiserslauternPhone +49 (0)631 - 205 - 5100Mail [email protected] www.ipm.fraunhofer.de

Optical measuring systems integrated into the clearance profile inspection car of Deutsche Bahn

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Bereits seit Gründung des Fraunhofer IWS im Jahr 1992

ist die Modellierung, Entwicklung, Herstellung und Erpro-

bung von Beschichtungslösungen eine Kernkompetenz des

Institutes. Besondere Schwerpunkte sind bis zum heutigen

Zeitpunkt kohlenstoffbasierte Schichten wie DLC, ta-C und

Diamor® für tribologische Anwendungen sowie Präzisions-

schichten für Röntgen- und EUV-Optiken.

Motivation und EinsatzgebieteAufgrund ihrer im Vergleich zum sichtbaren Licht deutlich kür-

zeren Wellenlängen erlangt Strahlung des extrem ultraviolet-

ten (EUV) und Röntgenbereichs zunehmend an technischer

und wirtschaftlicher Bedeutung. Die derzeit prominenteste

Anwendung von Spiegeloptiken in diesem Spektralbereich

ist die EUV-Lithografie als Technologie, mit der zukünftig die

Volumenproduktion von Halbleiterchips vorgenommen wird

(Abb. 1). Die entsprechend dem sogenannten Mooreschen

Gesetz in wenigen Jahren notwendigen Strukturbreiten von

< 22 nm lassen sich kosteneffizient nur mit der EUV-Litho-

grafie herstellen. Darüber hinaus hat sich der Einsatz von

Röntgenspiegeln an Synchrotronstrahlungsquellen (Abb. 2),

in der Röntgendiffraktometrie und –reflektometrie sowie in

der Röntgenfluoreszenzanalyse in breitem Umfang durch-

gesetzt.

Technologische HintergründeDie Nutzung von Strahlung des EUV- und Röntgenspektral-

bereichs erzwingt die Entwicklung neuartiger Reflexions-

schichten mit außerordentlich hohen Präzisionsanforderun-

gen. Röntgenspiegel bestehen aus mehreren hundert bis

zu einigen tausend Einzelschichten mit Dicken im Bereich

von 0,5 – 20 nm. Diese Kombination aus Nanotechnologie

und Optik erfordert spezielle Kenntnisse und kann nur mit

maßgeschneiderter Anlagentechnik erfolgreich bearbeitet

werden. Um die erforderlichen Schichten präzise und re-

produzierbar herstellen zu können, wurden im Fraunhofer

IWS Dresden sich ergänzende Beschichtungsverfahren wie

die Magnetron- und Ionenstrahl-Sputter-Deposition sowie die

Puls-Laser-Deposition etabliert. Entsprechend dem konkre-

ten Anwendungsfall und den daraus resultierenden Anforde-

rungen an die Beschichtungen kommt die jeweils am besten

geeignete Technologie zum Einsatz. Vor der Beschichtung

röntgenoptischer Spiegelträger (Substrate) erfolgt optional

eine Ionenstrahlpolitur oder -konturierung der Oberflächen

(Abb. 3). Daran schließt sich der Arbeitsschritt der Präzi-

sionsbeschichtung an. Typischerweise müssen dabei Genau-

igkeits- und Reproduzierbarkeitsanforderungen im Pikome-

terbereich (1 pm = 0,000000000001 m) erfüllt werden!

Die Charakterisierung der Spiegel erfolgt anschließend

mittels Reflektometrie. Für die Schichtentwicklung werden

darüber hinaus die Rasterkraftmikroskopie, die Elektronen-

mikroskopie und Eigenspannungsmessungen eingesetzt.

Since its foundation in 1992 one

of the core competences of the

Fraunhofer Institute for Mate-

rial and Beam Technology (IWS)

Dresden is the modelling, devel-

opment, fabrication and testing

of demanding coating solutions.

Particularly carbon based coat-

ings like DLC, ta-C and Diamor®

for tribological applications as

well as precision coatings for X-

ray and EUV optics have been of

interest for many years.

Motivation and applicationsDue to its much shorter wavelength compared to visible

light, the technical and commercial impact of extreme ul-

traviolet (EUV) and X-ray radiation steadily increases. One

of the currently most important applications of mirrors for

this spectral range is the EUV lithography, the coming tech-

nology for the fabrication of integrated circuits (fig. 1). Cor-

responding to Moore's law, in a few years semiconductor

structures with dimensions < 22 nm have to be printed.

From today's point of view EUV lithography will be the only

cost-effective technology for high volume manufacturing.

Beyond EUV lithography, the use of X-ray and EUV mirrors

has been already well-established in synchrotron beam-

lines (fig. 2), X-ray diffractometers/reflectometers and in

fluorescence analysis instruments.

Technological backgroundThe utilization of EUV radiation and X-rays has forced the

development of completely new reflection coatings with

outstanding high precision requirements. X-ray mirrors con-

sist of many hundred or several thousand single layers with

thicknesses in the range of 0.5 – 20 nm. This combination

of nanotechnology and optics requires specific knowledge

and can only be successfully managed with tailored coat-

ing equipment. In order to fabricate the coatings with high

precision and reproducibility, the Fraunhofer IWS Dresden

has established various complementary technologies like

magnetron and ion beam sputter deposition and pulsed

laser deposition.

Depending on the concrete application and the result-

ing coating specifications the best suiting technology can

be applied. Prior to thin film coating, the surfaces of the

mirror substrates can optionally be polished or figured by

ion beam bombardment in order to obtain the maximum

performance of the mirrors (fig. 3). After this condition-

ing the thin film coating process follows. For typical nano-

meter multilayers precision and reproducibility require-

ments in the picometer range have to be fulfilled (1 pm =

0.000000000001 m)!

Finally, characterization and performance tests are carried

out by reflectometry. During the research and development

phase, technologies like atomic force microscopy, electron

microscopy and stress measurements are routinely used

in order to obtain information about surface roughness,

interface quality and internal stress of the mirrors.

Mirrors for X-rays and EUV radiation

IWS Dresden, Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam TechnologyDr. Stefan BraunWinterbergstraße 28D – 01277 DresdenPhone +49 (0)351 - 2583 - 432Mail [email protected] www.iws.fraunhofer.de/technologien/x-ray-optics

Spiegeloptiken für Röntgen- und EUV-Strahlung

Fig.1: Scheme of the

EUV lithographySchematische

Darstellung der EUV-Lithografie

Fig. 2:Synchrotron mirror

with tailored reflection coatings

Synchrotronspiegel mit maßgeschnei-

derten Reflexionsbe-schichtungen

Fig. 3: Surface smoothing of X-ray mirrors by ion beam polishingGlättung von Spiegeloberflächen durch Ionenstrahlbearbeitung

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The Potsdam Center for Fiber Spectroscopy and Sensing innoFSPEC is a joint initiative of Astrophysikalisches Insti-

tut Potsdam (AIP) and the University of Potsdam (UP), which

has created a national innovation center with funding from

the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research

(BMBF). Within the university, the center builds upon the

competence of the Physical Chemistry group (UPPC).

Specialized optical fibers are presently making a seri-

ous impact on many scientific disciplines. They are increas-

ingly found in novel applications in quite diverse fields, e.g.

astronomy and chemistry, as well as life, environmental and

material sciences. In an interdisciplinary research effort,

innoFSPEC Potsdam will investigate and develop new prin-

ciples and applications of fiber spectroscopy and sensing.

Based on the outstanding competence portfolio of AIP and

UPPC, research projects across all scales, ranging from

galaxies to single atoms and molecules, will be pursued

using fiber-based photonics.

MissionThe mission of innoFSPEC Potsdam is the development,

investigation and dissemination of innovative fiber-based

technologies for spectroscopy and sensing.

InnoFSPEC Potsdamundertakes fundamental research• develops new techniques and related science• pushes the frontiers of competitive technologies• stimulates the dissemination of newly developed • techniques

collaborates with local SMEs and research labs• supports related spin-offs• contributes to education and training in fiber-based • photonics

The primary research fields of innoFSPEC Potsdam are:

Fiber-coupled multichannel spectroscopy• Optical fiber-based sensing•

ResearchinnoFSPEC Potsdam research focuses on unique solutions

and outstanding optical fiber properties in spectroscopic

systems, such as:

Guiding and manipulation of light within fibers• Evanescent field effects• Spatial and spectral multiplexing• Distributed sensing• Active optical fibers and fiber amplifiers• Micro- and nanostructured fibers• Optoelectronic integration and miniaturization• and other future applications•

Targets:Next generation astrophysical instrumentation• Environmental sampling and testing• Manufacturing control and process monitoring• Medical diagnostics, non-invasive imaging, optical • biopsy

Genomics/proteomics, high throughput screening•

innoFSPEC Potsdam: “From Molecules to Galaxies.”

Fiber-optical probe for in situ measurements of O2 concentrations in living cells.

The fiber tip measures no more than 10 µm in diameter.

Dr. Martin M. RothAstrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam (AIP)An der Sternwarte 16D – 14482 PotsdamPhone +49 (0)331 - 7499 - 313Fax +49 (0)331 - 7499 - 436Mail [email protected] www.aip.de

PMAS, the “Potsdam Multi-Aperture Spectro- photo meter”, is an innovative fiber-optical integral field spectro graph at the 3.5m Zeiss telescope at Calar Alto Observatoryin southern Spain.

www.innoFSPEC-potsdam.de

Prof. Dr. Hans-Gerd Löhmannsröben Institut für Chemie/Physikalische Chemie (UPPC)Universität PotsdamKarl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25 (Haus 25/D210-11)D – 14476 Potsdam-GolmPhone +49 (0)331 - 977 - 5222Fax +49 (0)331 - 977 - 5058Web www.chem.uni-potsdam.de/pc

Innovationen und Kompetenzen aus Unternehmen

Innovations and Competencies

in Industry

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INNOVATIONS AND COMPETENCIES IN INDUSTRY

79

INNOVATIONEN UND KOMPETENZEN AUS UNTERNEHMEN

JENOPTIK AG

As an integrated opto-electronics company, Jenoptik is ac-

tive in the five divisions Optical Systems, Lasers & Material

Processing, Industrial Measurement, Traffic Solutions as

well as Defense & Civil Systems.

Among the customers worldwide are predominantly

companies in the semiconductor and semiconductor equip-

ment industries, the automotive and automotive supplier

industries, medical technology, the safety and defense

technologies, as well as the aerospace technology.

With its division Optical Systems Jenoptik is among the

few manufacturers worldwide producing precision optics

for highest quality demands. This division is partner in

the development and production of optical, micro-optical

and optical coating components, opto-mechanical and opto-

electronic units, assemblies and systems – made from

glass, crystal and plastic. Exceptional competencies exist

in the development and manufacture of micro –optics for

beam shaping.

With its Lasers & Material Processing division, Jenoptik

one of the leading suppliers of laser technology – from

components to complete systems. This division specializes

in diode lasers and innovative solid state lasers, e.g., disk

and fiber lasers. These lasers are developed for customer

applications and, upon request, integrated into complete

systems for material processing.

In industrial measurement technology, Jenoptik belongs

to the leading manufacturers and system suppliers for

high-precision, both contact and contact-free, production

measurement technology. The portfolio includes complete

solutions for the testing of roughness, contours, form and

the determination of dimensions – in-process and post-

process, or in the measurement laboratory.

In addition, Jenoptik is a leading vendor of components

and systems in traffic safety technology. Speed and traffic

light monitoring systems, partially operated autonomously,

increase traffic safety. With the entry into traffic service

providing in North America in 2006, Jenoptik now covers

the entire process chain in traffic safety technology.

In the Defense & Civil Systems division, Jenoptik com-

bines electrics/electronics and mechanics with laser sen-

sors, optics and opto-electronics into complex systems

– for security and defense technology, the aerospace in-

dustry, as well as the transportation industry.

JENOPTIK AGCarl-Zeiß-Straße 1D – 07739 JenaPhone +49 (0)3641 - 65 - 0Fax +49 (0)3641 - 424514Mail [email protected] Web www.jenoptik.com

LightTrans GmbH is an international trendsetter in elec-

tromagnetic optical engineering. More than 10 physicists,

mathematicians and computer experts develop the optics

simulation software VirtualLab™. This highly innovative

product works on the solid fundament of an electromag-

netic field kernel enabling the simulation with globally and

locally polarized harmonic electromagnetic fields. The mod-

eling techniques are applicable to a wide range of problems

arising from optical engineering with special emphasis on

laser optics, diffractive and micro-optics, high NA systems,

polarization optics, metrology as well as LED and excimer

laser modeling.

Also, complete optical engineering services including

paraxial and non-paraxial systems for beam splitting, beam

shaping and light diffusing, are offered.

The new release of VirtualLab™ unifies modeling tech-

niques ranging from geometrical optics to electromagnetic

approaches on one single platform. Light path diagrams

allow user friendly set up of optical systems and combines

sources, components and detectors. Dividing the package

into toolboxes allows practical and simple application in

analysis of systems, design of diffractive optical elements

and beam shapers, analysis of gratings and more.

LightTrans

Die LightTrans GmbH ist als ein internationaler anerkannter

Trendsetter auf dem Gebiet der Entwicklung von elektroma-

gnetischen optischen Systemen bekannt. Rund 10 Physiker,

Mathematiker und EDV- Experten entwickeln die Optiksimu-

lationssoftware VirtualLab™. Dieses hoch-innovative Produkt

arbeitet auf dem soliden Fundament elektromagnetischer

Feldkerne und ermöglicht die Simulation mit global und

lokal polarisierten harmonischen elektromagnetischen Fel-

dern. Die Modellierungstechniken sind für eine Vielzahl von

Aufgabenstellungen in der Entwicklung von optischen Sys-

temen wie Laser-Optik, diffraktive und Mikro-Optik, hohe

NA-Systeme, Polarisations-Optik, Messtechnik sowie LED und

Excimer-Laser-Modellierung geeignet.

Angeboten werden auch komplette Optical-Engineering-

Dienstleistungen einschließlich paraxiale und nicht-paraxiale

Systeme zur Strahlsplittung, Strahlformung und Verbreitung

von Licht.

Die neue Version von VirtualLab™ ermöglicht die Kom-

bination von verschiedenen Modellierungstechniken von

geometrischer Optik bis zu elektromagnetischen Ansätzen

auf einer einzigen Plattform. Light-Path-Diagramme erlauben

den nutzerfreundlichen Aufbau von optischen Systemen und

kombinieren Lichtquellen, Komponenten und Detektoren. Die

Aufteilung des Softpaketes in Toolboxen schafft die Voraus-

setzung für eine praktische und übersichtliche Anwendung

bei der Analyse von Systemen, dem Design von diffraktiven

optischen Elementen und Strahlformern, der Analyse von

Gittern und mehr.

LightTrans GmbHPetra WyrowskiGeschäftsführerin / Managing DirectorWildenbruchstraße 15D – 07745 JenaPhone +49 (0)3641 - 6643 - 53Fax +49 (0)3641 - 6643 - 54Mail [email protected] www.lighttrans.com

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INNOVATIONEN UND KOMPETENZEN AUS UNTERNEHMEN

Freedom to MoveFounded in 1990 miCos GmbH is now developing, manufac-

turing and selling state-of-the-art systems in the range of

micropositioning. 10 years ago miCos started to develop

parallel kinematic systems, like a hexapod (see picture

below).

These devices have the great benefit, that the turning

point (Pivot) can be varied by software. Stacked axes are

on the contrary fixed in the turning point and have the

specific problem, that yaw and pitch errors are dominating

the accuracy of the adjustment, which cannot be accepted

in several applications.

The new designed SpaceFab generation BS-3000 will

be more compact and enables to adjust 3 rotations with

10° and 3 translations with 25,4 mm in the standard set-

up. The high dynamic movement results in short processing

times. The repeatability is 1 μm and the resolution is less

than 50 nm. The modular design with standard axes en-

ables the user to create new spacefabs for specific applica-

tions with different travel ranges. Also in other temperature

and pressure ranges up to UHV, the SpaceFab design can

offer several advantages, such as compact setup fitting to

a vacuum chamber (see picture) or sample adjustments,

which cannot be realized with standard setups.

Help to solve your problemsMiCos offers also a wide range of precision stages and new

generation controllers. Together with application, relevant

know-how miCos can solve most of the requests of optical

measurements and general applications from micro- and

nanotechnologies. These mentioned features enables mi-

Cos to build complete turn-key machines including laser,

beam transforming, detecting and imaging, which qualifies

the customer to control the system via customized soft-

ware even in production processes.

In telecommunication, semiconductor industry, sen-

sors, lasertechnology, biotechnology& health care and

Space industry multiple customers profit from the high

competence of miCos.

miCos provides comprehensive customer support, sys-

tems integration and after-sales service and is prepared

to support our customers in future technologies in the

nanoworld. Additonally to these motion control based so-

lutions we are also designing laser systems for education.

The 24 systems are especially designed for practical work

at universities. The systems are delivered together with a

detailed manual and allows to understand and “feel” the

principal of lasers or optical measurements.

LT Ultra-Precision Technology GmbH

Obwohl erst im Jahre 1995 gegründet, hat sich LT Ultra-

Precision Technology GmbH mittlerweile zu einem der füh-

renden Hersteller von Hochleistungs-Metalloptiken, Ultrap-

räzisionsmaschinen, aero- und hydrostatischen Lagern und

Führungen sowie Strahlführungskomponenten entwickelt.

Neben der Serienfertigung von optischen Oberflächen auf

NE- Metallen, Kunststoffen und Kristallen mit Formgenauig-

keiten im Bereich von 0.0001 mm, werden in Zusammen-

arbeit mit den Kunden auch spezifische Lösungen innovativ

erarbeitet und realisiert. Eingehende Beratung, Betreuung,

Schulung und ein umfangreicher After-Sales-Service runden

das Programm ab.

Die LT Ultra-Precision Technology GmbH hat sich in kür-

zester Zeit bei vielen nationalen und internationalen Firmen

im Bereich der Laser- Materialbearbeitung und der Mess-

technik einen Namen als zuverlässiger Lieferant und Partner

gemacht. Gleiches gilt für den Bereich der aero- bzw. hydro-

statisch gelagerten Rundtische und Linearführungen. Kom-

plexe Ultra-Präzisionsmaschinen sind oft kundenspezifische

Sondermaschinen für die Halbleiter- und Optikindustrie, de-

ren Spezifikationen wesentlich von den Bauteilen bestimmt

werden, die später mit diesen Maschinen bearbeitet werden

sollen. So ergänzen sich Know-How aus Luftlagerfertigung,

Optikherstellung und dem Bau von Ultrapräzisionsmaschi-

nen zum Vorteil unserer Kunden.

Founded in 1995, LT Ultra-Precision Technology GmbH has

become one of the leading manufacturers of high perfor-

mance metal optics, ultra precision machines and aero-/

hydrostatic bearing components as well as beam delivery

components. In addition to the serial production of optical

surfaces on non ferrous metals, plastics and crystals with

shape accuracies in the range of 0.0001 mm, customer

specific solutions are elaborated in close co-operation with

our customers. Extensive consulting-, support-, training-

and after-sales services round out the program.

LT Ultra-Precision Technology GmbH has quickly gained

reputation among various national and international com-

panies in the field of laser-machining and metrology. It is

the same with aero-/hydrostatic stages, spindles and ultra-

precision machines. These are often customer specific so-

lutions for the semiconductor- or the optical industry and

specifications are derived from the parts to be machined.

In this way, know-how in the field of air- and hydrostatic

bearings, the machining of metal optics and the manufac-

ture of ultra-precision machines complement each other to

the benefit of our customers.

LT Ultra-Precision Technology GmbH Aftholderberg, Wiesenstr. 9D - 88634 Herdwangen-SchönachPhone +49 (0)7552 - 40599 - 0Fax +49 (0)7552 - 40599 - 50Web www.lt-ultra.com

MMC 1100 Z2, UP-Bearbeitungszentrum

Luftlager und Metall-Optiken

miCos GmbHFreiburgerstr. 30D 79427 EschbachPhone +49 (0)7634 - 5057 - 0Fax +49 (0)7634 - 5057 - 393Mail [email protected] www.micos.ws

Hexapod PAROS II

Space FAB SF-3000

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82

LASER TECHNOLOGY

83

LASERTECHNIK

Since its foundation in 1996 LASOS Lasertechnik GmbH

has become one of the leading OEM-suppliers for air cooled

Ar-Ion lasers, He-Ne-lasers and solid state lasers. The main

target markets are bioanalytics and medical instrumenta-

tion. The lasers systems were also applied in imaging,

interferometry, spectroscopy and science and education.

Especially in the field of confocal laser scanning microsco-

py LASOS is the world’s largest supplier for laser sources.

Today LASOS has about 60 highly skilled employees en-

suring high quality manufacturing of the well established

products as well as the continuous development of new

laser systems especially diode pumped solid state lasers

and high quality diode laser modules. A constant high-level

quality is ensured by a quality management certified ac-

cording EN ISO 9001.

LASOS’ strength is the establishment of close rela-

tions to the customer enabling a custom-tailored product

development. Because of this customer proximity LASOS

is able to react promptly on changing market requirements.

Besides the standard products LASOS offers a wide range

of customized solutions leading from laser modules to

complete optical sub-systems. To give the customers the

best service and quickest response and process orders

locally LASOS has posted representatives and distributors

all over the world.

Seit ihrer Gründung im Jahr 1996 entwickelte sich die LASOS

Lasertechnik GmbH aus Jena zu einem führenden OEM-

Lieferanten von luftgekühlten Argon-Ionen und Helium-Neon

Lasern sowie Festkörperlasern. Die Hauptzielmärkte von LA-

SOS sind die Bioanalytik und die medizinische Messtechnik..

Weitere Anwendungen liegen im Bereich von Bildbelichtung,

Interferometrie, Spektroskopie sowie Forschung und Lehre.

Speziell auf dem Gebiet der konfokalen Laser-Scanning Mi-

kroskopie ist LASOS der weltweit größte Anbieter von Laser-

quellen. Heute beschäftigt LASOS ca. 60 hoch qualifizierte

Mitarbeiter, die sowohl die qualitätsgerechte Fertigung des

etablierten Produktprogramms gewährleisten, als auch an

der Neuentwicklung von Laserquellen, insbesondere von

Festkörperlasern und hochwertigen Laserdioden-Modulen,

arbeiten. Eine gleichbleibend hohe Qualität der Produkte

sichert dabei das EN ISO 9001 zertifizierte Qualitätsma-

nagement. Die Stärke von LASOS sind die engen Kunden-

beziehungen, die es ermöglichen, eine auf den Kunden

abgestimmte Produktentwicklung zu betreiben. Diese Kun-

dennähe versetzt LASOS in die Lage, flexibel auf die Mark-

terfordernisse zu reagieren. Neben dem Standardprogramm

bietet LASOS auch eine große Anzahl kundenspezifischer Lö-

sungen, vom Lasermodul bis hin zum kompletten optischen

Subsystem an. Ein weltweites Netz von Distributoren sorgt

für bestmöglichen Service bei der Auftragsabwicklung vor

Ort und eine schnelle Reaktion auf Kundenanfragen.

Diode-Pumped Solid State Lasers for BioanalyticsDiodengepumpte Festkörperlaser für die Bioanalytik

Manufacturing of Solid State Lasers in the Clean RoomFestkörperlaser-Fertigung im Reinraum

LASOS Lasertechnik GmbHCarl-Zeiss-Promenade 10D – 07745 JenaTel: +49 (0)3641 - 2944 - 54Fax +49 (0)3641 - 2944 - 79Mail [email protected] www.lasos.com

At LIMOs headquarters in Dortmund, Germany, an inter-

national team of more than 220 engineers, physicists,

technicians and many other specialized staff develops,

manufactures and sells innovative micro optics and laser

systems.

We regard ourselves as strategic partner to leading compa-

nies using laser photons. Our mission is to make business

partners in the material processing & photonic industries

more successful with cutting edge technologies.

Micro optics & optical systemsWe develop and produce wafer-based optical components

and systems, suitable for cost-effective mass production of

premium lenses and customized beam shaping solutions.

These systems guarantee uniformity up to 99%. Our pat-

ented manufacturing process uses only high-quality glass

and crystals for a long lifetime. We are world-market leader

in refractive micro optics and have been awarded for this

technology with the “world’s first innovation award”. (In-

novationspreis der deutschen Wirtschaft 2007) We offer

as well complete optical systems for the following indus-

tries.

flat panel displays• micro lithography• photonics (beam shaping for all high power • laser systems)

photovoltaics •

High power diode lasers, laser complete systems & laser workstations LIMOs diode lasers impress with highest brightness and a

robust industrial design.

All high-efficient and long-lasting laser modules are

also available as complete systems for any application.

Our in-house produced refractive micro optics ensure high

efficiency for customized beam shaping. That guarantees

lower failure rates, lower electricity consumption, reduced

cooling requirements and a longer life time. Our laser sys-

tem technology products are used in industries like:

medical technologies• photonics (pumping)• automotive • flat panel displays• photovoltaics•

Technical service & consultingAltogether we offer full service in every way: Whether you

need customized assembly, installations-, maintenance-

and repair-services or an engineering seminar, a feasibility

study or methodical project management, LIMO is able to

provide exactly what you require.

For the various fields of applications for laser materials

processing, we have installed an Applications Center that

shows you the advantages of the LIMO technologies. The

flexible design of the Applications Center also allows short-

term customer-specific technology testing and training on

new systems. In this Applications Center, we demonstrate

our solutions "live" in use in a suitable environment - from

individual laser systems to complete materials processing

systems.

Successful Solutions – with Cutting Edge Technologies

LIMO Lissotschenko Mikrooptik GmbHBookenburgweg 4 – 8D – 44319 DortmundPhone +49 (0)231 - 22241 - 0 Fax +49 (0)231 - 22241 - [email protected]: www.limo.de

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84

LASER TECHNOLOGY

85

LASERTECHNIK

As a global market leader RAYLASE develops and manu-

factures galvanometerscanner based components and

subsystems for laser beam deflection, modulation and

control. Since its foundation in April 1999, RAYLASE has

been facing the challenges in this field and supplying the

market with innovative, high performance and quality scan

solutions.

DIN EN ISO 9001:2000 standard certified RAYLASE of-

fers customized solutions for the increasing requirements

of laser technology in many industries such as automotive,

electronics, packaging, textiles, security and solar. In these

and other industries laser technology is used for diverse

applications like cutting, marking, perforating and welding

of plastics, metal, glass, textiles, paper and many other

materials.

In addition to robust and reliable 2-axis laser beam

deflection units and 3-axis laser beam subsystems, RAY-

LASE offers customers the right combination of application

software and control electronics to accompany them at

exceptional value in a one-stop solution.

Thanks to the own application laboratory which is

equipped with Nd:YAG laser, Double-Frequency Nd:YAG la-

ser, UV laser and CO2 laser several applications can be

done:

Processing of material with XY-deflection units and F-• Theta objective for general applications of small and

middle working fields

CO• 2 processing of material with 3-axis subsystem AXI-

ALSCAN for general applications for smaller (100 x 100

mm) and larger (1.5 x 1.5 m) working fields. Really

small spot sizes are possible, e.g. 300 μm in a 500 x

500 mm working field. This offers a really fast process-

ing of different kinds of material.

Processing on-the-fly with XY-deflection unit for demon-• stration of cutting, perforating and kiss-cutting

Processing with PowStab®, AOM and XY-deflection unit • for applications which need an extremely stable input

power entry into the material

Processing with I-PCD® and XY-deflection unit for ap-• plications which need a constant energy input into the

material at any velocity of the laser focus on the tar-

get.

After applications are done customers receive a recom-

mendation for the most suitable solution.

After Sales Service is extremely important to keep our

customers systems running. RAYLASE offers repair work

within one week after goods have arrived at our facilities

in Weßling. If required we are able to repair any product

within 24 hours. Moreover we offer on-site service which

reduces downtime. Offering loan systems during repair are

one more advantage.

With the foundation of a Representative Office in early

2007 in Shenzhen (China), our customers can now also

benefit from our services in the Asia region. In addition to

Asia, the Russian Federation and the USA are further target

markets where we are increasing our level of involvement.

International sales are handled by a worldwide network of

distributors and representatives, offering global know-how

and local expertise.

Innovative Technology, Precision and Quality of RAYLASE AG

RAYLASE AGArgelsrieder Feld 2+4D – 82234 WesslingPhone +49 (0)8153 - 88 98 - 0Fax +49 (0)8153 - 88 98 - 10Mail [email protected] www.raylase.com

Omicron, located in Rodgau in the Rhein-Main area, devel-

ops and produces state-of-the-art diode lasers and DPSS

lasers for the industry. Founded in 1989, Omicron is a well

established company which has succeeded in positioning

itself as a market leader in the area of laser diode systems

and laser applications within a relatively short time-span.

Examples are the successful LDM-Series diode lasers and

the lasers of the FK-LA-Series which were developed for

high-end laser applications such as Computer to Plate

(CtP), DVD mastering, wafer inspection, microscopy and

reprography. Continuing to develop products in order to re-

main a step ahead of current standards is an integral part

of omicrons philosophy. One secret behind the success is

the modular principle Omicron uses for construction. This

is to great advantage for the customer since it allows for

an easy integration of both LDM- and FK-LA series lasers

in existing and new machines, so that adjustments in ac-

cordance with customers' wishes can be made at any given

point in time. Omicron guarantees its customers intensive

support, effective R&D and on-site assistance during the

integration of laser products in existing systems.

Innovative Products488nm lasers with direct modulationThe new diode laser series "Bluephoton® 488" is setting

trends in the 488nm wavelength. Particularly for biotech-

nological applications, this new product family is the first

choice. In comparison with traditional Argon gas lasers and

DPSS lasers, the "Bluephoton® 488" offers numerous ad-

vantages: Through the extremely fast direct analog modula-

tion capability up to 350 MHz, there is no longer any need

to use opto-acoustic modulators (AOM´s). As a result, the

Omicron diode lasers with 488 nm diodes are smaller and

more cost-effective. In addition, with a power of 20mW, they

are characterized by improved efficiency in power consump-

tion and have a longer lifetime. In the proprietary Deepstar®

version, the laser offers an outstanding modulation depth

of >>2.500.000:1, which is a very important advantage

for all applications where no residual light is allowed in

the “OFF”-moment during modulation. A significant feature

of the Omicron diode laser in the new wavelength is the

system operational-readiness in less than two minutes.

Furthermore, the astigmatism is compensated by the use

of the innovative Omicron optics. This archives not only a

round beam with a diameter of approximately one millime-

ter 1/e2 but also an absolutely round focus.

Further unique products are the Blue-/Redphoton® WavelengthStabilised lasers as well as the Dual- and TripleWavelength lasers which combine two or three laser

wavelengths in one co-linear laser beam.

Omicron Laserage Laserprodukte GmbHFlexible Lasers and LED Light Sources for Industry and Science

Omicron Laserage Laserprodukte GmbHRaiffeisenstr. 5eD – 63110 RodgauPhone +49 (0)6106 - 8224 - 0Fax +49 (0)6106 - 8224 - 10Mail [email protected] www.omicron-laser.de

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86

LASER TECHNOLOGY

87

LASERTECHNIK

Kraftgeregelte Nahtführung durch Zusatzdraht für Laser- und Lichtbogenprozesse

Nahtführungssysteme werden bei bekannten Schweißver-

fahren, wie Laser-, LaserHybrid-, Plasma und MIG/MAG

eingesetzt, um die fertigungsbedingten Toleranzen und dy-

namischen Einflüsse der Wärmeeinbringung auszugleichen.

Mechanische Nahtführung reduziert den Aufwand zur Kor-

rektur der Roboter- / Portalprogrammierung erheblich und

sorgt für mehr Prozessstabilität.

Das von Scansonic entwickelte, patentierte Nahtführ-

verfahren basiert auf einem einfachen und robusten Ar-

beitsprinzip: Der beim Fügen für die Nahtbildung benötigte

Zusatzdraht wird als mechanischer Taster eingesetzt. Mit

definierter Kraft in den Fügestoß gedrückt und im Brenn-

punkt abgeschmolzen, positioniert und führt der Zusatzdraht

den Bearbeitungskopf präzise über der Naht. Da die Kontur

der Naht am Rand des Schmelzpunktes abgetastet wird, ist

keine Vorlaufkompensation erforderlich. Kein anderes Ver-

fahren erzeugt derzeit Kehl- und Bördelnähte vergleichbarer

Qualität. Speziell am Nahtende und bei 3D Konturen zeigen

sich die Vorteile des Scansonic-Prinzips. Abweichungen in

der Lage der Fügestöße gleichen die Köpfe in einem Tole-

ranzbereich von einigen Millimetern selbsttätig und unab-

hängig von der programmierten Roboterbahn aus.

Für die konstruktive Auslegung von Bauteilen ergeben

sich vielfältige neue Möglichkeiten. Durch die Kenntnis des

genauen Prozessortes lassen sich optimale Prozessparame-

ter finden.

Adaptive Bearbeitungsköpfe

Bearbeitungsköpfe von Scansonic können mit geringem

Aufwand in bestehende Anlagen integriert werden. Die Ein-

bindung der Geräte erfolgt über den Anlagenfeldbus oder im

einfachsten Fall über digitale Ein- und Ausgänge. Bahnabwei-

chungen im Prozess werden über integrierte Sensoren als

Daten erfasst und so für Qualitätssicherungsmaßnahmen

zugänglich. Innerhalb des modularen Konzepts Scapacs®

steht eine Vielzahl zusätzlicher Komponenten, für eine

optimale Anpassung an Ihre Anforderungen, bereit. Hierzu

zählen Module wie: Temperaturüberwachung der optischen

Komponenten, Schutzgaszuführungen, Drahtzuführungen,

spezielle Strahlformungen, etc.

Die durchgängig modulare Bauweise ermöglicht indivi-

duelles, prozessgerechtes Konfigurieren des Bearbeitungs-

kopfes. Die permanente Weiter- und Neuentwicklung kom-

patibler Module gewährleistet zudem ein zukunftssicheres

System und permanenten Technologievorsprung.

Scansonic IPT GmbHRudolf-Baschant-Str. 2D – 13086 BerlinPhone +49 (0)30 - 912074 - 10Fax +49 (0)30 - 912074 - 29Mail [email protected] www.scansonic.de

Adaptive Laserbearbeitungsoptik mit mechanischer Nahtführung

TOPTICA Photonics, based in Munich, Germany and Roch-

ester, USA, develops, manufactures, and sales world-wide

lasers for scientific and industrial applications, either di-

rectly or via a global distribution network. The key point of

the company philosophy is the close cooperation between

latest research and the actual customer needs to meet

the requirements for leading-edge laser and laser system

solutions. We are proud to have not only some of the best

high-tech companies of the world but also nearly a dozen

of Nobel Laureates as our esteemed customers. Research

technology of today is matured by TOPTICA for being intro-

duced into new level products for industrial applications.

TOPTICA is ISO-certified and provides full manufacturing

capabilities also for the production phase.

Based on our profound experience in diode and fiber

laser technology, scientific and OEM customers alike ap-

preciate the sophisticated performance of our systems as

well as their long lifetime, high reliability and stability.

Latest development at TOPTICATOPTICA has been extending its offering of ultra-short

pulsed fiber laser technology over the last few years sig-

nificantly. A specific emphasis of TOPTICA’s activities has

been put on biophotonics solutions and this activity will be

extended over the next years.

TOPTICA Photonics AGLasers made with “A Passion for Precision.”

TOPTICA Photonics AG, zu Hause in München und in Roches-

ter, USA, entwickelt, produziert und vertreibt weltweit Laser

für den wissenschaftlichen und industriellen Einsatz, ent-

weder direkt oder durch ein globales Distributionsnetzwerk.

Der wesentliche Punkt in der Firmenphilosophie ist die enge

Verzahnung von aktueller Forschung und den drängenden

Bedürfnissen an neuartigen kundenangepasster Laser- und

Lasersystemlösungen.

Wir sind stolz darauf nicht nur einige der renommiertes-

ten HighTech-Firmen der Welt zu unseren Kunden zählen zu

dürfen, sondern auch ein Dutzend aktueller Nobelpreisträ-

ger. Forschung von heute wird von TOPTICA für die Produkte

von morgen aufgenommen und zur Marktreife gebracht. TOP-

TICA bietet den Kunden dazu hochwertige Kapazitäten für

die anschließende Einführung und Produktionsphase eines

neuen Produktes. TOPTICA ist in allen Funktionsbereichen

nach ISO 2001 zertifiziert.

Durch unsere langjährige Erfahrung im Bereich von Dio-

den- und Faserlasertechnologie können wir sowohl wissen-

schaftlichen als auch OEM Kunden einfachsten Zugang zu

innovativen Produkten und Systemen bieten, mit besonderer

Berücksichtigung der Anforderungen an Stabilität und lange

Lebensdauer.

Letzte Neuerung bei TOPTICATOPTICA hat in den letzten Jahren das Angebot an ultrakurz-

gepulsten Faserlaserlösungen ständig ausgebaut. Ein beson-

derer Anwendungsschwerpunkt liegt hier in der Biophotonik,

einem Bereich, der in den nächsten Jahren weiter ausgebaut

wird.

TOPTICA Photonics AGLochhamer Schlag 19D – 82166 GräfelfingPhone +49 (0)89 - 85837 - 0Fax +49 (0)89 - 85837 - 200Mail [email protected] www.toptica.com

All colors direct from diode laser solutions, now even 50 mW @ 488 nm

Tunable THz solutions for security or material screening made by TOPTICA

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88

PRECISION MANUFACTURE AND ITS PROTECTION

89

PRÄZISIONSFERTIGUNG UND DEREN SICHERUNG

Comprehensive quality assurance is the key to high prod-

uct quality. But manufacturers must simultaneously ensure

cost-effective production. This is especially true in indus-

tries that utilize coatings, where minor variations in coating

thickness or uniformity can lead to product quality failure.

AudioDev is a world leader in comprehensive quality as-

surance solutions for specialized industries. We offer high-

precision analyzers, backed by proactive customer support,

training, and TestCenters around the world.

Since acquiring ETA-Optik in 2007, we have focused on

growth and improved customer service for our Thin Film

Metrology business unit. The ETA product name stands for

robust, reliable spectral measurements as well as applica-

tion competence and know-how in development of non-

destructive quality assurance and cost-effective process

evaluation for a range of industries.

Industries we serve with products and customized solu-

tions are:

Automotive• Flat Panel Displays• Optical Media• Precision Optics• Solar• Technical Glass• OEM•

Our product range incorporates spectral solutions for inline

and offline measurement of:

Reflectance• Transmittance• Absorbance• Layer Thickness• Color •

Application example – Precision OpticsLenses for precision optics as well as ophthalmic applica-

tions involve several production steps. Many applications

require the deposition of anti-reflection (AR) coatings and,

regarding quality assurance, customers are particularly

sensitive to the following issues:

Inability to measure single surface rest reflectance of • the coated lens without destructive preparation of the

object’s rear surface.

High material cost and preparation time for plano-paral-• lel witness pieces to verify coating properties.

The inaccurate representation of coating properties on • the actual lens when measuring witness pieces.

Inability to characterize coating properties on the lens-• es that are actually sold, which adversely affects the

lens’s saleability.

We have helped trend-setting precision optics companies

to solve these issues by providing the following capabili-

ties:

Reduced cost1. No need for time consuming, destructive sample •

preparation

Reduced or even eliminated use of witness •

pieces

Improved saleability2. Measure the actual lens instead of a witness •

piece

The ETA-ARC-AT system measures the reflection of coat-

ings on the front side of the object while fully suppressing

reflection from its rear side. The system is contact-free,

so even delicate objects are handled without damage. Not

least, ETA-ARC-AT can be fully automated, to further im-

prove process efficiency. Contact AudioDev today to learn

more about the quality assurance and process evaluation

solutions that we provide for your industry. If you face a

specific challenge, our staff is more than happy to help you

to achieve the capabilities you need.

AudioDev GmbHThin Film MetrologyBorsigstr. 78D – 52525 HeinsbergPhone +49 (0)2452 - 9600110Fax +49 (0)2452 - 64433Mail [email protected] Web www.audiodev.com

AudioDev – Process Evaluation and Quality Assurance by Spectral Measurement

Mixing the different types – hybridising – creates variability.

In science, a hybrid is a creature that has formed through

crossing. In electronics, it is an assembly created by using

various processes and integrated as well as discrete com-

ponents, which generates new desired attributes.

For us, hybrid technology is more than ceramics-based

packaging of integrated circuits. It is an innovation strat-

egy. Our intelligent electronic components adjust to the

micro worlds surrounding them. The Micro Hybrid Electronic

GmbH specialises in particular habitats (small spatially de-

finable units), such as the application in extreme tempera-

tures, severe environmental conditions and in the smallest

of spaces.

Life forms from Micro Hybrid exist on Mars: Onboard the

Mars-Rover, modules in thick-film technology make sure the

Mößbauer spectrometer can operate despite temperature

differences between -10 to -100°C, enabling it to retrieve

samples of the mars surface. Micro sensors in anaesthe-

sia apparatuses perform the analysis of components in the

breathing air. At high speeds in the ICE, sensor modules

are steady companions. The habitats of our custom circuits

and micro sensors are high-tech companies in the fields

of automotive industry, aerospace, industry electronics and

medical technology.

Hybrid- und Mikrosystemtechnik für

Optische Baugruppen

Durch die Mischung zwischen Arten - Hybridisierung - ent-

steht Variabilität. Ein Hybrid ist in der Naturwissenschaft

ein Lebewesen, das durch Kreuzung entstanden ist. In der

Elektronik ist er ein aus unterschiedlichen Prozessen und

aus integrierten sowie diskreten Bauteilen zusammenge-

setztes Ensemble, das neue erwünschte Eigenschaften

hervorbringt.

Hybridtechnik ist für uns mehr als „Aufbau- und Verbin-

dungstechnik auf Keramikbasis“, sie ist eine Innovations-

strategie. Unsere intelligenten elektronischen Bauteile pas-

sen sich ihren Mikrowelten an. Die Micro-Hybrid Electronic

GmbH ist spezialisiert auf besondere Biotope (räumlich ab-

grenzbare kleine Einheiten), wie Applikationen bei extremen

Temperaturen, harten Umweltbedingungen und kleinsten

Bauräumen.

Lebensformen aus der Micro-Hybrid existieren auf dem

Mars: Module in Dickschichttechnik sorgen bei täglichen

Temperaturunterschieden von -10 bis -100 Grad Celsius für

das Funktionieren des Mößbauer Spektrometers für Boden-

proben an Bord der Mars-Rover. Die Analyse der Atemluft-

bestandteile vollziehen Mikrosensoren in Anästhesie-Gerä-

ten. Bei Hochgeschwindigkeit im ICE sind Sensor-Module

unerschütterliche Begleiter. Habitat (Lebensraum) unserer

kundenspezifischen Schaltungen und Mikrosensoren sind

Hochtechnologie-Unternehmen der Branchen Automobilin-

dustrie, Luft- und Raumfahrt, Industrieelektronik und Me-

dizintechnik.

Hybrid and MEMS Technology for Optical Components

Micro-Hybrid Electronic GmbHHeinrich-Hertz-Straße 8D – 07629 HermsdorfPhone +49 (0)36601 - 592 - 100Fax +49 (0)36601 - 592 - 110Web www.micro-hybrid.de

Our high sensitive multi channel thermopiles we developed espe-cially for NDIR gas measuring systems with high precision. At the application of one / three channels qualified for different gases by filters and a reference channel nether dust, smoke or changes at the IR source have any influences at the measuring value.

Microsystems technology (MEMS) combines processes of micro electronics, micro optics and micro mechanics. Pick & Place, bonding and micro packaging are technologies for the production of microsystems.

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PRECISION MANUFACTURE AND ITS PROTECTION

91

PRÄZISIONSFERTIGUNG UND DEREN SICHERUNG

For over 15 years TRIOPTICS GmbH is known as leading

manufacturer of optical test equipment. The company has

focused on research and development of accurate and fully

PC-controlled optical test instruments for industrial and

scientific use.

Company Profile and Missionto be the worldwide technology leader in optical test • equipment

to provide our customers with innovative products at • affordable prices

to develop products being recognized as excellent in • design and engineering

to co-operate interactively with our customers, to care-• fully assess their needs and listen to their sugges-

tions.

The development of innovative solutions in many fields of

optical testing allowed TRIOPTICS to achieve a prominent

presence on the international market. Our success is the

result of the commitment and dedication of our employees.

The TRIOPTICS staff consists of highly qualified physicists,

optical, electronic and mechanical engineers, software de-

velopers and experienced technicians for precision assem-

bly work. TRIOPTICS maintains a close contact to local

universities and creates opportunities for many students

to complete their thesis within our company.

TRIOPTICS is represented by own subsidiaries in France,

UK, Japan, China and USA, and other representatives in

all relevant countries for optical test equipment. Our long

relationship with large multinationals allows us to develop

innovative products according to new market needs.

ProductsThe WaveMaster®• is a new instrument providing real-

time wave front analysis of spherical and aspherical

optics. The range of applications covers lenses for digi-

tal cameras, contact and intra ocular lenses, pick-up

lenses for CD/DVD appliances and many more.

ImageMaster®• is the most comprehensive line of MTF-equipment for complete characterization of lenses and

optical systems in any spectral range UV, VIS and IR.

Ultra fast for production testing, ultra accurate for lab

and research, leadership in testing mobile phone and

digital cameras.

The OptiCentric®• family comprises tools for the pre-

cise and fully automatic centering, cementing, bond-ing and assembly of lenses and optical systems. It

includes the measurement of the individual centering

errors of multi-lens objectives in mounted conditions.

OptiSpheric®• is the industry’s standard for integrated

optical testing. It provides fast and reliable test results

of almost all relevant optical parameters, i.e. effective

focal length (EFL), modulation transfer function (MTF),

back focal length (BFL), radius of curvature, flange fo-

cal length (FFL). Extension modules include multi-wave-

length and intra ocular lens (IOL) testing.

TriAngle®• is the electronic autocollimator series of TRI-

OPTICS and provides excellent accuracy and repeat-

ability of angle measurement. PrismMaster® • is the first really automatic goniometer

featuring ultra-accurate angle measurements of prisms,

polygons and other plano optics.

The • SpectroMaster® is the very latest new product

development of TRIOPTICS. It offers high accuracy mea-surement of the refractive index of prims in all spectral

ranges UV, VIS and IR.

TRIOPTICS further supplies standard optical test tools like

spherometers, autocollimators, collimators, telescopes,

dioptermeters, alignment telescopes etc.

the whole spectrum of optical metrology…

TRIOPTICS GMBHHafenstrasse 35 - 39D – 22880 WedelPhone +49 (0)4103 - 18006 - 0Fax +49 (0)4103 - 18006 - 20Mail [email protected] www.trioptics.com

ImageMaster® PRO Wafer -- market leader in testing mobile phone and digital camera objectives

ImageMaster® PRO Wafer tests thousand of

miniature wafer-level lenses

in seconds

ZYGO designs, manufactures, and distributes high-end opti-

cal systems and components for metrology and end-user

applications. ZYGO's metrology systems are based on opti-

cal interferometry measuring displacement, surface figure,

and optical wavefront. Metrology and optical markets for

end-user and OEM applications include semiconductor

capital equipment, aerospace/defense, automotive, and

research.

ZygoLOT, based in Darmstadt, as a joint venture between

Zygo Corp. and LOT-Oriel GmbH has a long history and high

level of competence with optical metrology and as a system

integrator understands how to apply ZYGO technologies to

best serve our customers all over Europe.

Optical Profilometers - The NewView 7000 Series of optical profilers are powerful

tools for characterizing and quantifying surface roughness,

step heights, critical dimensions, and other topographical

features with excellent precision and accuracy. All mea-

surements are non-destructive and fast and require no

sample preparation. Profile heights ranging from <1 nm

up to 15000 μm can be measured at high speed. Based on

patented scanning technology, the NewView 7000 Series

delivers up to 0.1 nm height resolution - independent of

surface texture, magnification, or feature height - all in a

single scan, and for every measurement!

A complete line of standard and Super-Long-Working-Dis-

tance (SLWD) objectives are available to meet almost any

metrology task, including a low-magnification 1.0X, a high-

magnification 100X. The NewView 7000 Series can resolve

sub-micron X-Y features, and profile areas on large areas

with image stitching on a motorized stage.

VeriFire™ Series of InterferometersZYGO's VeriFire™ Series further exceeds the performance

of our industry-standard GPI products with capabilities and

features that include mechanical phase acquisition, supe-

rior optics quality, high-resolution CCD cameras, vibration

correction software, aspheric surface metrology and pat-

ented artefact suppression technology. While all VeriFire

models can perform standard interferometric metrology,

each model offers unique capabilities that set it apart in

the industry.

ULTRASPHERE /50 Transmission SpheresThe new ZYGO Ultrasphere product is designed to enable

surface form metrology with an uncertainty in the RMS

of ≤3.2 nm (λ/200 at 633nm) when used with a ZYGO

interferometer.

NewView 7000 - 3D optical profiler

ZygoLOT GmbHIm Tiefen See 58D – 64293 DarmstadtPhone +49 (0)6151 - 8806 - 27Mail [email protected] www.zygolot.de

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SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS, AND INTERMEDIATE PRODUCTS OF OPTICS

93

SYSTEME, KOMPONENTEN UND VORPRODUKTE DER OPTIK

II-VI Deutschland GmbH –a strong partner for Industrial Laseroptics

II-VI Deutschland GmbH is the leading company with re-

spect to high-power optics for industrial CO2- and YAG-La-

sers since more than 30 years now.

Under industrial conditions Zinkselenide (ZnSe), Zink-

sulfide (ZnS), Cadmiumtelluride (CdTe), Yttrium-Aluminium-

Granat (YAG), Ceramic YAG and Siliciumcarbide (SiC) are

produced. Other laser-optical materials – for example Ger-

manium (Ge), Gallium-Arsenide (GaAs), Silicium (Si), Alu-

minium (Al) and Copper (Cu) – are machined. From those

high precision laser optics and optical components are

developed and produced for serial application.

We produce highly precise laser optics – for example

laser resonator optics, focussing lenses and focussing mir-

rors – with miscellaneous geometries and coatings. Anti re-

flections coatings (with very low absorption) as well as high

reflecting and phase-shifting coatings are manufactured at

all locations world wide in unique quality and tested accord-

ingly before they are sent to our customers.

For laser scanner systems F-Theta lenses (-systems) as

well as tilted mirrors and beam expanders are produced.

Metal optics (with sometimes very complex surface

geometries) are produced up to a fraction of micrometers

by computer controlled diamond machining.

II-VI Deutschland GmbH – ein starker Partner

für Industrielaser-Optiken

Die II-VI Deutschland GmbH ist seit mehr als 30 Jahren füh-

rend auf dem Gebiet der Höchstleistungsoptiken für indust-

rielle CO2- und YAG-Laser.

Unter Industriebedingungen werden Zinkselenid (ZnSe),

Zinksulfid (ZnS), Kadmiumtellurid (CdTe), Yttrium-Aluminium-

Granat (YAG), keramischer YAG und Siliziumkarbid (SiC) her-

gestellt. Andere Laseroptik-Materialien wie z.B. Germanium

(Ge), Galliumarsenid (GaAs), Silizium (Si), Aluminium (Al) und

Kupfer (Cu) werden bearbeitet. Aus diesen werden hochpräzi-

se Laseroptiken und optische Komponenten entwickelt und

für den Serieneinsatz produziert.

Wir fertigen hochpräzise Laseroptiken – z.B. Laser-Resona-

torspiegel, Fokussierlinsen und -spiegel – mit den verschie-

densten Geometrien und Beschichtungen. Wir bieten z.B.

zur Selektion anderer CO2-Laserwellenlängen speziell be-

schichtete Optiken an (Band-Selective Resonatorcoatings).

Antireflex-Beschichtungen (auch mit sehr geringer Eigen-

absorption), sowie hochreflektierende und phasenverschie-

bende Beschichtungen werden an allen Standorten weltweit

mit einzigartiger Qualität gefertigt und entsprechend ge testet

bevor die Produkte beim Kunden eintreffen.

Für Laserscanner-Systeme werden F-Theta-Linsen

(-systeme), sowie Ablenkspiegel und Strahlaufweiter herge-

stellt.

Metalloptiken (mit u.U. äußerst komplexen Oberflächen-

geometrien) werden computergesteuert, auf den Bruchteil

eines Mikrometers genau, mit Diamantbearbeitungsmaschi-

nen hergestellt. Damit lassen sich CO2-Laserstrahlen formen

– aus einem Gauß-Profil ein Top-Head Profil, aus einem

punktförmigen Fokus ein ringförmiger Fokus.

II-VI Deutschland GmbHIm Tiefen See 58D – 64293 DarmstadtPhone: +49 (0)6151 - 8806 - 29Mail [email protected] www.ii-vi.de

Nd:YAG- / Nd:YLF-laser crystalNd:YAG- / Nd:YLF-Laserkristall

Plano Convex OpticsPlan Konvex Optiken

BERLINER GLAS GROUP – Your Partner for Optical Solutions

BERLINER GLAS GROUP is one of the leading suppliers

in Europe of optical key components, assemblies and in-

tegrated systems.

With its wide range of optical solutions from engineer-

ing to production, BERLINER GLAS GROUP supports optical

requirements in Information Technology and Communica-

tions, Industrial Sensors, Defense, Semiconductor Industry

and Life Science.

Engineeringsystems engineering• optical and mechanical design • coating design•

Key-Componentslenses: spherical, cylindrical, aspherical• plano and prism optics • microstructures• holographic gratings • special coatings (DUV, UV, VIS and NIR)•

Assembliesoptical assemblies• opto-mechanical assemblies• lens systems•

Systemsopto-mechanical systems• electro-optical systems• integration of optics, mechanics and electronics•

BERLINER GLAS is certified to DIN ISO 9001 and DIN ISO

14001. Dedicated to photonics, 950 well-trained and ex-

perienced employees in Germany, Switzerland, the United

States and China work on the invaluable use of light in its

highest functionality.

BERLINER GLAS ist einer der führenden Anbieter Europas

für die Entwicklung und Fertigung präziser optischer Schlüs-

selkomponenten, optischer Baugruppen oder komplexer op-

tischer Systeme. Mit innovativen Optik-Lösungen – von der

Entwicklung bis zur Serie – unterstützt die BERLINER GLAS

GRUPPE die optischen Anforderungen in der Informations-

technologie und Kommunikation, der industriellen Sensorik,

Halbleiterindustrie und Biotechnologie und Medizin.

EntwicklungSystementwicklung• Optisches und mechanisches Design • Beschichtungs-Design•

SchlüsselkomponentenRundoptik: sphärisch, zylindrisch, asphärisch• Planoptik• Mikrostrukturierung• Holografische Gitter• Spezielle Beschichtungen (DUV, UV, VIS und NIR)•

Baugruppenoptische Baugruppen• opto-mechanische Baugruppen• Linsensysteme•

Systemeopto-mechanische Systeme• elektro-optische Systeme• Integration von Optik, Mechanik und Elektronik•

BERLINER GLAS ist zertifiziert nach DIN ISO 9001 und DIN

ISO 14001. Mit rund 950 gut ausgebildeten und erfahrenen

Mitarbeitern in Deutschland, der Schweiz, den USA und Chi-

na garantiert die BERLINER GLAS GRUPPE den Einsatz des

Lichtes in höchster Funktionalität.

Berliner Glas KGaAHerbert Kubatz GmbH & Co.Waldkraiburger Straße 5D-12347 BerlinPhone +49 (0)30 - 60905 - 368Fax: +49 (0)30 - 60905 - 100Mail [email protected] www.berlinerglas.com

Spectrum of Berliner Glas Group Photonics and Systems

Leistungsprofil Systemkompetenz der Berliner Glas Gruppe.

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95


Seit vielen Jahrzehnten hat sich Leybold Optics einen Namen

als Hersteller von hochqualitativen Beschichtungssystemen

für die optische Industrie gemacht. Wir sind weltweit ver-

treten mit Tochtergesellschaften in Europa, Asien und den

USA.

Der nächste innovative Schritt war die Markteinführung

der Helios Sputteranlage für optische Beschichtungen. Die

Helios-Anlage ist ausgerüstet mit zwei dualen Magnetron-

Sputter-Quellen, die von einem Metall- oder Suboxyd-Target

im reaktiven Modus betrieben werden. Dies ermöglicht

das Erreichen hoher Beschichtungsraten. Eine zusätzliche

Sauerstoff-Plasma-Quelle erlaubt es, dünne Schichten zu er-

halten, die völlig stöchiometrisch sind und damit eine hohe

Dichte und niedrige Verluste aufweisen.

Die Stabilität des Sputter-Prozesses ist ausgezeichnet, die

Mehrzahl von Standart Filter Beschichtungen kann aus-

schließlich mit Zeitkontrolle durchgeführt werden. Für auf-

wendige Filterbeschichtungen ist die Helios mit dem insitu

optischen Monitoring System OMS 5000 ausgerüstet. Der

Durchbruch in Genauigkeit ist erzielt mit der direkten in-

termittierenden Messung auf dem Substrat. Es ist möglich,

schnell von einem Filterdesign zum andern zu wechseln.

Dies sind nur einige Beispiele der Vielzahl von möglichen

Filterbeschichtungen: Schmalband-Linienfilter, Rugate-Typ-

Filter, nicht polarisierende Strahlteiler, Farbfilter, UV-IR-Cut-

Filter und vieles mehr. Was gestern nur im Entwicklungslabor

erreichbar war, wurde heute Standart für die Produktion.

Over many decades Leybold Optics has made a name for

itself as supplier of high-quality coating systems in the

optics industry. We are operating worldwide with daughter

companies in Europe, Asia and the USA. The next step in

innovation was the market launch of the Helios sputtering

system for optical coatings. Helios is equipped with two

dual magnetron sputtering sources. These sources operate

from metal or sub-oxide targets in a reactive mode. This al-

lows achieving a high deposition rate. An additional oxygen

plasma source is used to achieve fully stoichiometric thin-

film layers which guarantee high density and low losses.

The stability of the sputtering process is excellent; the

majority of standard filter coatings can be done by time

control only. For high-end filter coating applications, Helios

is equipped with the in-situ optical monitoring system OMS

5000. The measurement is done directly on the substrate,

in transmission or reflection.

The accuracy-limiting tooling factor which is typical for

stationary test-slide changers is eliminated by the direct

measurement. Measuring directly on the substrate not only

provides highest accuracy but also avoids lengthy calibra-

tion batches and allows changing from one difficult design

to the other. Here are only a few examples of the large va-

riety of filter coatings: narrow-band pass filters, rugate-type

filters, laser mirrors, non-polarizing beam splitters, color

filters, UV/IR cut filters, and much more. What seemed to

be achievable only in the R&D department years ago, has

become a standard in production today.

Helios – sputtering for optics on the highest level

Helios – Sputtern für die Optik auf höchstem Niveau

Fig. 1 shows the machine in service position. The loading sta-tion and the operation terminal of the machine are placed inside the clean room. The deposition chamber is kept under vacuum all the time while the substrates are handled by an automatic single-substrate load-lock system. The machine itself is set up in the gray room.

In Abb. 1 ist die Anlage mit geöff-neter Kammer für Wartungszwecke zu sehen. Die Be- und Entlade-station und das Bedienpannel befinden sich im Reinraum, während sich die Anlage selbst im Grauraum befindet. Die Beschich-tungskammer wird die ganze Zeit unter Vakuum gehalten, während die Substrate in kürzester Zeit durch eine spezielle Vakuum- Schleuse be- und entladen werden können

Fig. 2 shows the details of the direct optical monitoring and the substrate plate with substrates in place.

Abb. 2 zeigt die Details des direkten optischen Monitorings und den Substratteller, beladen mit Substraten.

LEYBOLD OPTICS GmbHDr. Karl MatlSiemensstrasse 88D – 63755 AlzenauPhone +49 (0)6023 - 500 - 467Fax +49 (0)6023 - 500 - 483Mail [email protected] http://www.leyboldoptics.com

In Fig. 4 a 13-cavity filter with a bandwidth of 48 nm and a block-ing with high-optical density is displayed. Such a filter is proof of the accuracy of direct monitoring on the substrate.

In Abb. 4 ist ein Filter mit 13 Kavitäten gezeigt mit einer Band-breite von 48 nm und einer Blockung mit einer hohen optischen Dichte. Die Herstellung eines solchen Filters belegt die hohe Ge-nauigkeit des direkten Monitorings auf dem Substrat.

Fig. 3 shows a quadruple -notch filter which is used for applica-tions in fluorescence microscopy. The notches of the filter have a rejection bandwidth of less then 20 nm and an optical density above 4. With the accuracy provided by Helios using new designs based only on two materials with a combination of lambda quar-ter layers and very thin layers, the accurate and repeatable pro-duction of such filters has become possible.

In Abb. 3 sieht man die Spektralkurve eines „Quadruple-Notch“-Filters mit Anwendung in der Fluoreszenz-Mikros kopie. Die „Notches“ von diesem Filter haben eine Reflektionsbandbreite von weniger als 20 nm und eine optische Dichte von mehr als 4. Mit der Genauigkeit der Helios-An lage können solche Filter mit neuen Designs produziert werden mit nur zwei Beschichtungsmateria-lien. Damit wurde die Produktion von schwierigsten Filtern repro-duzierbar möglich.

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Goods and Services for every ApplicationWe are a system partner. This is important both for us and

for our customers. This begins with the solution develop-

ment. Our development and construction are application

oriented and customer specific, no matter if for complete

solutions or for prototypes; with and for our customers,

oriented toward the market and its requirements.

Within the framework of product research, we work to-

gether since years with scientific institutions in industrial

research projects on material testing and technology devel-

opment. Rarely are basic research and practical relevance

so closely connected. Basic material for glass and quartz

fibers for light waveguides is the pre-form made from highly

purified optical glass or synthetic quartz glass with different

core and mantle material. We produce customer specific

IR and UV pre-forms for fiber manufacture. Multimode fi-

bers (glass/quartz) with core diameter of 10-2000 μm with

different numerical apertures, coatings and mantling are

produced. From standard and special fibers (glass, quartz,

POF, PCF), we produce customer specific cables and hybrid

cables with electrical and optical conductors. LEONI Fiber

Optics is the European market leader for POF/PCF fiber-

optic cables.

We configure fiber-optic cables laser probes, and optical

probe components into fiber-optic systems for applications

in industry, medicine and science. The cable configurations

with different fibers from glass, quartz, and plastic, and

with different lengths, bundles, connectors and special plug

systems, all the way to optical switches and hubs form a

unique portfolio of more than 10000 products.

The vertical integration within the business unit generates

synergies for the product and, therefore, for the customer.

As system partner we assume responsibility for our cus-

tomers across the whole value adding chain and warrant

process reliability, from pre-form production, via fiber prod-

ucts and component manufacture, to complete fiber-optic

cables and fiber-optic systems. Our customers benefit: At

every process step, the product design can be optimized

to customer specifications. Our high vertical integration

and the extremely flexible product structures guarantee

decisive advantages for our customers, especially in highly

competitive markets with large innovation and pricing pres-

sure.

We recognize that to go from light waveguide to cables to

systems requires system components. Through integra-

tion of the German specialists IOtech, Prinz Optics and

FiberTech, LEONI Fiber Optics has broadened its compe-

tencies. We control planar light waveguide technology, we

produce optical hubs and couplers, fiber-optic switches,

special optical fibers, shape converters, and medical laser

probes. All competencies and experience for our products,

integrated in one business unit: Fiber Optics!

The Business Unit Fiber Optics of the LEONI group is

one of the leading providers of light waveguides for

the communication industry as well as special applica-

tions in the most varied industrial markets, in science

and in medicine. LEONI offers a unique portfolio at

each stage of the value-adding chain, from pre-form,

the pulled fibers, all the way to fiber-optic cables and

complete fiber-optics systems with self-developed com-

ponents.

We produce Germany-wide, at 8 locations in Berlin

and in Southern Germany. A highly innovative and in-

terdisciplinary technology like optical technologies is

sought after in many markets. Therefore, fiber-optical

products are being developed and produced for widely

different industries and applications.

The fiber optics business unit satisfies all prerequi-

sites in order to succeed in this market, for our custom-

ers: innovation, quality, service, process mastery.

This distinguishes the fiber optics business unit

from the competition: in every process phase the prod-

uct design can be influenced to maximize customer

benefit. No other European competitor has these op-

portunities.

LEONI Business Unit Fiber Optics – Light Switching, Light Distribution, Light Transportation

These markets are areas of competence for the fiber optics

business unit; here our products and technologies are used:

communication (industrial and building cabling)• energy (mining, wind, solar, atomic, oil, provider, high volt-• age applications)

machine and facility construction (e.g. cable carriers)• automation and robotics (industrial ethernet, bus systems, • material-handling high-power lasers)

transportation technology (air and space, automobile, rail • technology)

military technology (system components)• laser technology (passive light wave guides for laser weld-• ing/laser processing)

audio / video / mutimedia• medicine & life science (laser probes, endoscopic com-• ponents)

sensors / analytics (color, blurring and gas sensors, envi-• ronmental technology)

lighting technology• ship and marine technology (control system cables)• spectroscopy (chemical and food industry, astrophysics)• scientific institutions (university institutes, research cen-• ters)

LEONI Fiber Optics GmbHBusiness Unit Fiber OpticsMühldamm 6D – 96524 Neuhaus-SchierschnitzPhone +49 (0)36764 - 81 - 100Fax +49 (0)36764 - 81 - 110Mail [email protected] www.leoni-fiber-optics.com

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FiberTech makes use of a competence, which has continu-

ously grown for over 22 years now. Our customers share

our success: FiberTech products are the result of more than

two decades of experience in production, development and

new product design.

We exclusively produce multi-mode fibers with core

diameters from 10μm to 2000μm and fiber cable assem-

blies. Various numerical apertures, coatings and jackets

are available.

Fiber cable assemblies include cables for laser beam

delivery, fiber tapers and highly-efficient fiber bundles

for spectroscopy and sensing applications. Additionally

FiberTech offers a wide range of fiber products for various

medical applications.

FiberTech – Customizes PerfectionWe manufacture your products in series or custom-• built, just-in-time and quality secured.

We develop the design required for your individual de-• mands, custom-made by FiberTech.

Industrial ApplicationsOur products are applied in the materials processing indus-

try (e.g. automotive), in defence and aviation technology,

and bio-technology. A wide field of applications for special-

ty fibers are found in spectroscopy with high requirements

for high fiber transmission in the IR-range . We are partner

for fiber optical components, building kits and any systems

linked with fiber-optic cables. FiberTech is regarded lead-

ing in special fibers used in harsh environments like high

temperature, vacuum and nuclear technology.

Medical ApplicationsFor six years FiberTech has been renowned for bare-fibers

for Nd:YAG Lasers, Excimer Lasers, Holmium- Lasers and

Diode Lasers. FiberTech mass-produces surgical, endovas-

cular and specially produced probes in its own clean rooms

using bio-compatible materials. Depending on the type of

fiber sterilisation can be applied by ETO-gas, gamma radia-

tion or autoclave with the products being packed sterile.

FiberTech Group InternationalIn Central Europe FiberTech is well positioned in Berlin,

Germany’s capital. Its international position and market

activity is strongly based on FiberTech branches in North

America (FiberTech USA & FiberTech Optica Canada) as

well as representatives in UK, Israel, China, India, Korea,

Taiwan, Australia and Japan.

FiberTech GmbHNalepastr. 170/171D – 12459 BERLINPhone +49 (0)30 - 530058 - 0Fax +49 (0)30 - 530058 - 58Mail [email protected] Web www.fibertechgroup.com

Fiber Technology from Germany

OHARA-Group as supplier for optical speciality goods

Die OHARA-Gruppe als Lieferant für

optische Spezialitäten

Since more than 70 years OHARA is known as a world-

wide leading provider and supplies optical products into

key technologies.

In addition to a wide range of optical glasses OHARA

offers special products like CLEARCERAM®, an extremely

low thermal expansion glass ceramics with excellent prop-

erties regarding chemical resistance, dimensional stability

and machinability.

CLEARCERAM® is used where highest performance is

needed, as in semiconductor production devices, in mod-

ern laser gyroscopes or as a mirror substrate in astronomy.

OHARA supplies dics with diameter up to 2000 mm.

With 22 different Low-Tg-Glasstypes OHARA offers a

broad portfolio of pre-products for production of aspheri-

cal lenses. Actual introduced is L-LAH86 with nd 1,9. L-

BBH1, an extreme high-index glass-type (nd 2,1; vd 16,8,

Tg 350°C) is short before its release.

Currently OHARA offers with lithium-ions conducting

glass ceramics LIC-GC an outstanding material which in-

creases safety and performance of lithium-ion batteries

drastically.

OHARA aligns its continous development with the need

of the international market. So OHARA prepares since a

fairly long time together with a japanese partner its market

entry in solar technology.

Seit über 70 Jahren stellt OHARA als einer der weltweit füh-

renden Anbieter seine optischen Erzeugnisse als Grundlage

für Schlüsseltechnologien bereit.

Neben einem umfangreichen Sortiment an optischen

Gläsern bietet OHARA Spezialprodukte an wie CLEARCE-

RAM®, eine Glaskeramik mit Nullausdehnung mit hervorra-

genden Eigenschaften hinsichtlich chemischer Beständig-

keit, Verformungsstabilität und Bearbeitbarkeit.

CLEARCERAM® kommt dort zum Einsatz, wo höchste Prä-

zision gefordert wird, wie in der Halbleiterproduktion, in

modernen Laser-Gyroskopen oder in der Astronomie als

Spiegelträger. OHARA liefert Rohteile mit Durchmesser bis

zu 2000 mm.

Mit 22 verschiedenen Low-Tg-Gläsern bietet OHARA

ein umfassendes Portfolio an Vorprodukten zur Herstellung

aspärischer Linsen an. Aktuell wird L-LAH86 mit nd 1,9 vor-

gestellt. Kurz vor Veröffentlichung steht L-BBH1, ein extrem

hochbrechendes Glas (nd 2,1; vd 16,8, Tg 350°C).

Aktuell bietet OHARA mit der Lithium-Ionen leitenden

Glaskeramik LIC-GC ein hervorragendes Material an, das

die Sicherheit und Leistungsfähigkeit von Lithium-Ionen-

Batterien drastisch verbessert.

OHARA richtet seine kontinuierliche Entwicklungsarbeit

an den Bedürfnissen des Weltmarktes aus. Seit geraumer

Zeit bereitet sich OHARA daher zusammen mit einem japani-

schen Partner auf den Einstieg in die Solartechnologie vor.

OHARA GmbHNordring 30 AD – 65719 Hofheim a. Ts.Phone +49 (0)6192 - 9650 - 50Fax +49 (0)6192 - 9650 - 51Web www.ohara-gmbh.com

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LINOS ist als führendes Unternehmen in der Optikindustrie

ein starker und verlässlicher Partner für Kunden aus den

Bereichen

Information Technology & Communications,• Healthcare & Life Sciences und• Industrial Manufacturing.•

Hervorgegangen ist LINOS aus einer Reihe von traditions-

reichen deutschen Unternehmen wie Spindler & Hoyer,

Gsänger Optoelektronik und Rodenstock Präzisionsoptik.

In dieser Tradition blickt LINOS zurück auf eine lange Fir-

mengeschichte, die von optischen, optomechanischen und

optoelektronischen Innovationen geprägt ist.

Seit 2006 ist LINOS eingebunden in die Qioptiq Gruppe.

Dadurch verfügt das Unternehmen über ein weltweites, zu-

verlässiges Netz aus starken Partnern, die Kernkompetenzen

in allen Bereichen der optischen Technologien besitzen.

LINOS bietet seinen Kunden einen umfassenden Service

und begleitet diese von der Produktidee bis zur Serienlie-

ferung. Eine tragende Rolle dabei spielen immer optische

Technologien, die bei Design, Prototyping und Fertigung der

anspruchsvollen Baugruppen und Systeme verwendet wer-

den.

Laserbasierte AnwendungenIm Bereich von laserbasierten Anwendungen setzt LINOS

schon seit Jahren industrielle Standards mit hochwertigen

f-Theta Objektiven und exzellenter Elektrooptik. Zu den

Standardprodukten in diesem Bereich zählen unter ande-

rem Pockelszellen, Isolatoren und Modulatoren. LINOS ist

aber auch in der Lage, hochpräzise OEM-Produkte wie zum

Beispiel Laserpulspicker oder ganze Strahlführungssysteme

zu entwickeln und herzustellen.

LINOS Kunden profitieren von der permanenten Erweite-

rung der Produktpalette für wachsende Ansprüche hinsicht-

lich Wellenlängen (von IR bis UV), höherer Leistungsdich-

ten, immer kürzerer Laserpulse und vom weitreichenden

Applikations-Knowhow der LINOS Mitarbeiter. Dabei ist eine

kompetente Beratung in allen Phasen der Herstellung selbst-

verständlich.

Heute ermöglichen LINOS Produkte den Marktführern

für verschiedenste laserbasierte Anwendungen – von der

LASIK-Augenchirugie bis hin zur modernen Solarzellenpro-

duktion – einen entscheidenden Konkurrenzvorteil.

Machine Vision, Inspektion, Messtechnik und Projektion Sowohl beim Produktions- als auch beim Qualitätssiche-

rungsprozess vieler Produkte spielen hochwertige Objektive

oftmals eine entscheidende Rolle. Man benötigt sie unter an-

derem für die Herstellung von besseren Flachbildschirmen,

Chips mit höheren Speicherdichten und leistungsfähigeren

Prozessoren. LINOS stellt hierfür eine breite Palette an Ob-

jektiven und Modulen zur Verfügung, die sowohl modernste

hochauflösende CCD-Sensoren als auch Anwendungen im

tiefen UV-Bereich unterstützen.

Als technologische Basis für den Erfolg der LINOS Kun-

den dient die Beherrschung der gesamten Wertschöpfungs-

kette. Hierzu zählen die Fertigung hochgenauer Kompo-

nenten, der Einsatz modernster Coatingverfahren, speziell

entwickelte und patentierte Präzisionsmontagetechnologien,

sowie entsprechende Prüf- und Qualifizierungsmittel.

Nähere Informationen zu LINOS und seinen Produkten,

sowie die Ansprechpartner für jeden der LINOS Geschäftsbe-

reiche finden Sie auf unserer Homepage www.linos.de. Wir

freuen uns auf Ihre Kontaktaufnahme!

LINOS as leading company in optical industries

is a strong and reliable partner for customers

in the areas of

Information Technology & Communica-• tions,

Healthcare & Life Sciences and• Industrial Manufacturing.•

LINOS originates from a number of well-estab-

lished German companies like Spindler & Hoyer,

Gsänger Optoelektronik and Rodenstock Preci-

sion Optics. In this tradition, LINOS can look

back to a long and successful history based on

optical, opto-mechanical and opto-electronical

innovations.

In 2006 LINOS became a member of the

Qioptiq Group. Thus the company has at hand

a worldwide, reliable network of strong partners

with experience and core competencies in all

areas of optical technologies.

LINOS offers their customers full service and supports

them from the product idea to serial delivery. In the whole

process optical technologies which are applied in design,

prototyping and production of the demanding assemblies

and systems, play a decisive role.

Laser Based ApplicationsIn the area of laser based applications LINOS has been

setting the benchmark for industrial standards with pre-

mium f-Theta lenses and excellent electro-optics for many

years. Pockels cells, isolators and modulators are the most

important standard products in this field. But LINOS also

has the ability to develop and produce highly precise OEM

products like laser pulse pickers and complete beam de-

livery systems.

LINOS customers benefit from the continuous exten-

sion of the product range for growing demands regarding

wavelengths (from IR to UV), higher power densities and

shorter laser pulses, as well as from the extensive applica-

tion know how of LINOS employees. Professional guidance

in all stages of the development process plays an impor-

tant role in LINOS partnership.

Today, LINOS products enable market leaders for vari-

ous kinds of laser based applications – from LASIK oph-

thalmic surgery to modern production of solar cells – the

deciding advantage in competition.

Machine Vision, Inspection, Metrology and Projection The production process of many products is only possible

through a number of high-resolution lenses on which the

quality of these products largely depends. Among other

applications they are used for the production of better flat

panel displays, chips with higher storage density and pro-

cessors with higher capacity. For these applications LINOS

offers a broad range of lenses and modules which support

modern high-definition CCD sensors as well as applications

in deep UV range.

Technological basis for the success of LINOS custom-

ers is full control over the entire value-added chain. This

includes the manufacturing of highly precise components,

the use of state-of-the-art coating methods, specially de-

veloped and patented precision mounting technologies, as

well as the according inspection and qualification equip-

ment.

For more information about LINOS and their products

please refer to www.linos.de where you will also find the

relevant contact persons for LINOS Business Divisions. We

are looking forward to your call!

LINOS Photonics GmbH & Co. KGA leading Company in Optical Industries

LINOS Photonics GmbH & Co. KGEin führendes Unternehmen der Optikindustrie

Figure 1: Reflective Objective mag.x RO 20x / 0.35, 190-950 nm

Spiegelobjektiv mag.x RO 20x / 0.35, 190-950 nmFigure 2:

Pockels Cells, Faraday Isolators, ModulatorsPockelszellen, Faraday-Isolatoren, Modulatoren

LINOS AktiengesellschaftKönigsallee 23D – 37081 GöttingenPhone +49 (0)551 - 6935 - 123Fax +49 (0)551 - 6935 - 120Mail [email protected] www.linos.de

Figure 3: inspec.x L 5.6, 105mm – Lenses for high-resolution line scan sensorsinspec.x L 5.6, 105mm – Objektive für hochauflösende Zeilensen-sorenFigure 4: F-Theta Ronar 100 mm – Telecentric F-Theta Lens for 532 nm or 1064 nmF-Theta Ronar 100 mm – Telezentrisches F-Theta Objektiv für 532 nm oder 1064 nm

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Precision in Perfection

OWIS GmbHIm Gaisgraben 7 D - 79219 StaufenPhone +49 (0)7633 - 9504 - 0Fax +49 (0)7633 - 9504 - 44Mail [email protected] www.owis.eu

The OWIS GmbH is a worldwide leading manufacturer of

state-of-the-art precise components for the optical beam

handling and of micro and nano positioning systems.

OWIS products are applied in fields like information and

communication technology, biotechnology and medicine,

semiconducter and image processing industry as well as

mechanical engineering.

Founded in 1980, OWIS recognized in time the mar-

ket demand for spezial opto-mechanical parts, a segment

where only few suppliers were present. In particular, there

were almost no enterprises ready to produce customized

solutions in very small lots. From the very beginning OWIS

has concentrated on this market segment and has ever

since continued to specialize themselves. Furthermore,

OWIS belonged to the first companies having system com-

ponents set up on profile rails in their stocks. The fact

that this system is still very popular in all laboratories

worldwide and that it is still regularly used, confirms its

high acceptance. In the meantime, nearly all manufactur-

ers within this sector offer a similar rail system.

Today, OWIS has 50 employees and is present in many

countries worldwide through their agencies. In Germany,

distribution is made by the own sales force. Individual so-

lutions are also locally worked upon with the customers.

Many customers from universities, laboratories and

industry enterprises appreciate OWIS because of their au-

thority and reliability and because of the quality and the

compatibility of their products. Quality and precision have

for OWIS top priority, not at last ensured by the certification

in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001: 2000. OWIS owe

their successful market presence to their flexibility and

their fast reaction to global market development trends.

Qioptiq in Asslar is partner for sophisticated solutions for all technological advanced micro optical compo-nents and systems.Qioptiq GmbH was founded in 1952 as Neeb Optik Wetzlar

GmbH. Since 2006, the company is part of the international

Qioptiq Group.

For nearly 60 years, Qioptiq in Asslar developes, produces

and sells precision optical components and optical sys-

tems.

With 75 employees, the company manufactures single

lenses with smallest diameter of 0.4 mm and doublets of

0.6 mm, which are mainly used for medical application, as

well as opto-mechanical assemblies according to customers

specification and standard products for endoscopy and

machine vision. Using high-tech measurement equipment

Qioptiq GmbH is producing complex assemblies which are

continously improved together with the customer and all

sub-suppliers.

In cooperation with instituts and customers, Qioptiq in Ass-

lar is working on several projects for HD-applications, e. g.

Chip-On-The-Tip for flexible endoscopes. Qioptiq GmbH is

partner for the development, manufacturer of the prototypes

and first source for serial production.

Furthermore, Qioptiq

GmbH is one of the

leading regional trai-

nee companies for

skilled Precision Opti-

cians.

Because of the interna-

tional structure of the

Group with locations in

Singapore, USA, Great

Britain and Hungary,

Qioptiq GmbH can of-

fer his customers best

conditions for their

needs.

The product range of Qioptiq Asslar:Optical components•

Spherical lenses, plano parts, doublets and triplets•

All optical glasses and special materials•

(e. g.) fused silica, sapphire, silicon•

Endoscope optics • Compact objectives, rodlenses, negatives, prisms •

and T-Windows•

Mounting of complete Innertubes, Image Trans-•

mitter and Eyepiece Assemblies

Customized opto-mechanical assemblies • Development according to customers requirements•

Prototypes and serial production•

Testing und documentation•

Objectives for Image Processing / Machine Vision•

Competence in Micro-Optics

Single lens production or CNC grinding and polishing

- Diameter 0.4 to 60 mm- Possible diameter tolerance >= 0.005 mm- Possible surface quality >= 1 fringe- Possible irregularity >= 0.2 fringes

Cementing

- Diameter >= 0.6 mm (smaller diameter on request)- Doublets – Triplets - Compact Objectives - Rod Lens Systems- All typical UV und epoxy glues

Coating

Single-layer andMulti-layer for visible

to near IR

Assembling

Inspection

Centering - Centering error >= 1min- Center thickness up to ± 0.01 mm

Qioptiq GmbHYvonne FranzIndustriestrasse 10D – 35614 AsslarPhone +49 (0)6441 - 9896 - 30Fax +49 (0)6441 - 9896 - 33Mail [email protected] www.qioptiq.de

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Physik Instrumente (PI) GmbH & Co. KGAuf der Römerstraße 1D – 76228 KarlsruhePhone +49 (0)721 - 4846 - 0Fax +49 (0)721 - 4846 - 100Mail [email protected] www.pi.ws

piezosystem jena develops and manufactures piezo elec-

trical stages for high precision motions in the range of

nanometers. The company is worldwide one of the leading

providers in the field of nanopositioning. The development

department of the firm assures innovative new develop-

ments as well as the allocation of customized solutions.

piezosystem jena provides innovative piezo stages in the

field of actuating elements such as stack type actuators,

translation stages, mirror tilting systems, piezo electrical

fine focusing for objectives, slit systems, rotary stages,

piezo electrical grippers, micrometer screw drives as well

as optical fiber switches and the associated electronics for

the systems. Piezo actuators are suitable for applications

at low temperatures and vacuum. The piezo actuators

and positioning stages are characterized by a unique pre-

cision in the nanometer range, generate forces of several

thousand Newton and achieve precise positioning in micro

seconds. With these specifications the products are well

qualified for applications in optics, laser technology, mi-

croscopy, metrology, semiconductor and life science, as

well as in automotive engineering, manufacturing systems

engineering and the printing industry.

The subsidiary company, piezosystem jena Inc., distributes

the products in the USA. With representatives in over 20

countries the firm has a global network for the sales of

the systems.

Piezoceramic actuators and drives have features which

make them ideally suitable for many common imaging

tasks in medicine, biotechnology or for resolution enhance-

ment. They are fast, compact, basically vacuum compatible

and are not influenced by magnetic fields. Size and force

generated, as well as travel range and position resolution

are all scalable to fit varying requirements. In recent years,

PI (Physik Instrumente), with headquarters in Karlsruhe,

has played a significant role in advancing development in

this field. The company offers a wide range of piezoceramic

solutions tailored to fit the most diverse of possible ap-

plications.

Drive Solutions for Fast Scanners and ImagersA typical application for piezo translators is in dynamic

scanners. In white-light interferometry (WLI), for example,

piezoelectric drives are used to impart rapid periodic mo-

tion to the reference mirror and imaging optics. Such scan-

ners are designed to create three-dimensional images of

tissue or surface profiles.

The piezo drive of choice depends on what has to be

moved, and how far. Piezo actuators are capable of mov-

ing a few tens of microns at frequencies of up to some

hundred hertz. For large travel ranges, especially when

high speeds are also required, ultrasonic linear drives are

used. With resolutions as good as 50 nm (0.05 μm) they

become an interesting alternative to DC motor-spindle com-

binations. The ultrasonic drives are substantially smaller

than conventional DC motors, and the drive train elements

otherwise needed to convert rotary to linear motion are

not required.

Confocal Microscopy for 3-D ImagingConfocal microscopy can also be used to create 3-D im-

ages. In a diagnostic procedure, for example, this can be

done by shifting the focal plane to make virtual slices

through a tissue structure. The same technique can be

used to determine the surface character of a sample. This

procedure can be used in biotechnology and also for quality

assurance. Very precise motion of the optics is required –

along the optical axis to adjust the focal plane, and normal

to it for surface scanning. Alternatively, the sample can be

moved accordingly.

In either case, piezoelectric positioning systems, which

have already proven themselves in microscopy, are an ob-

vious choice. Again, the drive selected depends on the

requirements in terms of travel range, resolution and avail-

able space. Miniaturized ultrasonic linear drives can be

integrated directly in the optics.

Resolution Enhancement During ImagingA well-proven and economical way to increase the resolu-

tion of an image or to compensate poor lighting conditions,

is to scan the sensor (e.g. CCD array) rapidly back and forth

by a distance of about one pixel. This is already a current

technique in endoscopy and orthodontics. PI offers fast

scanners for such applications, and that at comparatively

reasonable prices. The piezo actuators used operate at

compatible frequencies in the video scanning range and,

with travel of up to a few tens of microns, cover the neces-

sary range.

Piezo-Based Scanning and Positioning in Imaging

Piezoceramic actuators have features which make them ideally suitable for many common imaging tasks in medicine

PIFOC® objective and sample scanner, used in biotechnology and materials science

piezosystem jena entwickelt und fertigt piezoelektrische

Antriebe für hochpräzise Bewegungen bis in den Bereich

weniger Nanometer. Auf diesem Gebiet ist die Firma weltweit

einer der führenden Anbieter. Die Entwicklungsabteilung des

Unternehmens gewährleistet innovative Neuentwicklungen

sowie die Bereitstellung kundenorientierter Lösungen.

piezosystem jena bietet im Bereich der Aktorik innovative

Piezoantriebe wie Stabelaktoren, wegübersetzte Positio-

niersysteme, Spiegelkippsysteme, piezoelektrische Feinfo-

kussierung für Objektive, Spaltantriebe, rotorische Antriebe,

piezoelektrische Greifer, Mikrometerschraubenpositionierer

sowie optische Faserschalter und die passenden Elektro-

niken an.

Piezoaktoren können bei tiefen Temperaturen und im Va-

kuum eingesetzt werden. Die Produkte zeichnen sich durch

eine einzigartige Präzision im sub-Nanometerbereich aus,

erzeugen Kräfte von einigen tausend Newton und realisieren

präzise Positionieraufgaben im Mikrosekundenbereich.

Die Produkte finden vor allem Anwendung auf den Ge-

bieten der Optik, Lasertechnik, Mikroskopie, Metrologie,

Halbleitertechnik und Biowissenschaft, aber auch im Auto-

mobilbau, Maschinenbau und in der Druckindustrie.

Die Systeme werden in den USA durch eine eigene Tochter-

firma, piezosystem jena Inc., vertrieben. Weltweit über-

nehmen Distributoren in über 20 Ländern den Vertrieb der

Produkte.

piezosystem jena GmbH Prüssingstraße 27 D – 07745 JenaPhone +49 (0)36 41 - 6688 - 0 Fax +49 (0)36 41 - 6688 - 66 Mail [email protected] http://www.piezojena.com

piezosystem jena

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Even for compact mobile devices, this technology ensures

reasonably large images with excellent resolution and qual-

ity that can be shared with a larger audience. Image bright-

ness at 10–50 lumens are good and sufficient for screen

diagonals of 10–20 inches under normal ambient lighting.

Screen diagonals at 60 inches are achievable as well, but

only under limited ambient lighting conditions.

Future direction: integration of projection mod-ules into devicesOne application direction is companion projectors for

connection with mobile devices. However, the vision for

the future is integration of Pico Projectors and projection

modules into cell phones and mobile consumer lifestyle

products. Future technology trends are clearly showing

image brightness increases, cost reductions, energy con-

sumption decreases and ongoing miniaturization. These

achievements are very important for projection technolo-

gies embedded into cell phones and consumer products

on a global mass market level.

In conclusion, with Pico Projectors, compact mobile

devices are not trapped in their small display world any

longer.

About Sypro OpticsSypro Optics, created from a joint venture between Jabil

(USA) and Carl Zeiss (Germany), is Jabil’s competence cen-

ter for optical technologies and solutions. The company

has more than 10 years of experience in development and

production of optical systems for DLP technology. More

information can be found on www.syprooptics.com.

Jabil is an electronics solutions company providing

comprehensive electronics design, production and product

management services to global electronics and technology

companies. With USD 12.8 billion revenue and with more

than 50 sites in 21 countries, Jabil is the third largest

electronic manufacturing services provider. More informa-

tion can be found on www.jabil.com.

According to information and communications industry

reports, digital data is received, stored, and distributed

by users’ mobile devices to an increasing extent. Mobile

TV, Internet, video and navigation systems are common

in today’s digital, mobile society. Mobile compact media

players can provide a wide array of information and enter-

tainment. To support this trend, the industry is investing

in broadband network equipment and corresponding mo-

bile receivers. Furthermore, mobile receivers such as cell

phones and PDAs have expanded functionality, and energy

sources are supporting longer operating time. Therefore,

more and better content with higher resolution and excel-

lent quality can be received on mobile devices by using

new digital technologies. Over time, mobile communication

devices have become increasingly compact and elaborate.

However, this compactness can also be a drawback. Due

to the small size of built-in displays, high-resolution images

cannot be viewed or shared in a reasonable manner. The

size of traditional built-in displays is simply limited by the

mobile device itself. Only a miniaturized projection display

is able to provide sufficiently large images.

Digital projection technologies have become possible

through progress in:

Semiconductor-based light sources (LED/laser)• Micro display panels as imagers (Digital Light Process-• ing (DLP)/Liquid crystal on silicon (LcoS)/scanner)

Miniaturized optical systems•

Typical display diagonals in mobile communication devices: Cell phone 1,8“ PDA 2,5“ Video iPod 2,5“ iPhone 3,5“ game console 4,5“

Pico projector 10“ – 20“ (up to 60“ )

The combination of these technologies with global-scale

networking for mass production and supply chain manage-

ment enable products with completely new and attractive

functionality.

Pico ProjectorsPico Projectors are miniaturized digital projectors the size

of a cigarette box. Connection to any mobile device, such

as a cell phone, PDA, game console, mobile DVB-T devices,

DVD or media player, can be made either by cable or wire-

less. Furthermore, as projection

modules or small projection en-

gines, Pico Projectors will be able

to be integrated into compact mo-

bile devices such as cell phones.

The job of these tiny projectors is

to provide impressively large im-

ages even from small mobile de-

vices. Based on patents for highly

efficient compact optical systems,

Sypro Optics developed both de-

sign solutions and corresponding

technologies. For the projector,

this innovation has resulted in better energy efficiency to

enable high screen brightness at lowest energy consump-

tion, as well as small dimensions for supporting optimal

compactness. Due to the use of the same components

for both illumination and projection channel, Sypro Optics’

patented Field Lens Design facilitates the fewest optical

components, resulting into lowest cost, higher energy ef-

ficiency and greater compactness.

Unlike lamps used in traditional business projectors, the

light source in Pico Projectors is RGB (red/green/blue) LED

sets consisting of three miniaturized LEDs. Benefits from

LED technology are:

A large color gamut resulting in excellent image qual-• ity

Compact architecture and high energy efficiency• LED modulation according to frame rate and even con-• tent

Almost unlimited lifetime, avoiding the need for lamp • replacement

When using LEDs for projection lighting, it is crucial to

collect as much as possible of the emitted light by opti-

mum adaption of the LEDs to the projector architecture.

The dichroic filter assembly combines primary colors into

a conjoint optical path. Image illumination uniformity will

be ensured by optical lens array.

LEDs offer excellent maturity and reliability, as do micro

display technologies for digital image generation. Digital

light processing (DLP) technology is highly efficient, without

the need for polarized light. Corresponding optical systems

can be designed for considerable simplicity, compactness

and low cost.

Pico Projectors: A significant new technology for future mobile communicationDr. Gerd Rieche, Hans-Joachim Stöhr, Dr. Ralf Waldhäusl - Sypro Optics, Jena

Sypro Optics Pico Projectors Optical Architecture 1. RGB LEDs2. LED light incoupling optics 3. Color recombination (dichroic filters assembly)4. Optical elements for light homogenization5. Field lens incoupling optics into digital imager6. Micro display digital imager7. Projection lens

Typical specifications: Pico „Standalone“ Pico Integrated/Embedded

Resolution HVGA / WVGA / HD720 HVGA / WVGA / HD720Number of pixels 480 x 320 / 854 x 480 / 1280 x 720 480 x 320 / 854 x 480 / 1280 x 720Energy consumption (W) 2 – 5 < 1Dimensions (mm) 55 x 100 x 15 34 x 25 x 10 image brightness (ANSI lumen) 10 – 50 10 – 20

Sypro Optics Pico Projector “Standalone“ (about 90cm³)

Pico Projector Module (about 11cm³) for integration into cell phones

Sypro Optics GmbH Hans-Joachim Stöhr Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 10D – 07745 JenaPhone +49 (0)3641 - 64 - 2912 Mail [email protected] Web www.syprooptics.com

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In the dynamic communications market environment with

its fast technology cycles innovation is a must for both,

telecommunications equipment and component manufac-

turers. Companies need to continuously develop new tech-

nologies and products to successfully grow their business

and keep their market position.

u2t Photonics AG within its 10 years company history

has proven its competency of market oriented research,

development and production and therefore substantiate

its position as a well-known, highly reliably vendor of Pho-

todetectors and Photoreceivers.

With its Balanced Receiver the company enabled the

field deployment of the latest 40Gbit/s generation of com-

munications technology based on Differential Phase Shift

Keying (DPSK). Leading Telecommunications carriers have

been enabled to upgrade their networks based on this tech-

nology and could therefore support the fast growing band-

width demand. Bandwidth consuming mobility technologies

such as UMTS and mobile TV as well as rapidly growing

bandwidth demand from IP based services like Triple play

lead to an annual worldwide growth of about 80%.

Standardization committees are already working on the

next generation transmission technology targeting a trans-

mission rate of 100 Gbit/s.Those require again innovative

solutions for optical components. Complex transmission

formats are used to overcome transmission impairments

due to the high bitrate. The offering of viable, cost effi-

cient technical solutions requires highly integrated opti-

cal components used to decode and receive the phase

coded signals. Hybrid integration of purely optical and opto-

electronics components within miniaturized packages is

required to satisfy the market needs.

u2t Photonics AG, the dynamic Berlin-based company,

founded 1998, with its cooperation partners in research

and development is well prepared to work on this new

trend. Early collaboration with leading Telecommunications

equipment manufacturers has prepared the company to

provide the necessary time advantage to compete even

against established larger optical component vendors and

to keep its options to further grow its global business.

u2t Photonics AG: Grow the market leadership with innovation

Im dynamischen Umfeld des Kommunikationsmarktes mit

seiner schnellen Abfolge neuer Produktgenerationen ist

Innovationsfähigkeit ein stetes Muss für Telekommunikati-

onsausrüster, aber auch für die Hersteller der eingesetzten

Komponenten. Nur kontinuierliche Weiterentwicklung und In-

novation ermöglicht den Unternehmen, ihre führende Markt-

position zu behaupten oder auch auszubauen.

Die u2t Photonics AG hat sich in den 10 Jahren ihres Beste-

hens mit ihrer Kompetenz in marktorientierter Forschung,

Entwicklung und Fertigung opto-elektronischer Komponen-

ten und somit als verlässlicher Lieferant der schnellsten

Photodioden und Photoreceiver der Welt zum Inbegriff ul-

traschneller Datenübertragung entwickelt.

So wurde mit Hilfe der von ihr entwickelten und geliefer-

ten Balanced Receiver die Verbreitung und Installation der

neuesten Generation von Übertragungstechnik, dem Diffe-

rential Phase Shift Keying (DPSK) im 40 Gbit/s Bereich erst

ermöglicht.

Führende Telekommunikationsanbieter konnten auf

Basis dieser Technologie Ihre Netze aufrüsten und so dem

wachsenden Bandbreitebedarf gerecht werden. Dateninten-

sive Mobilfunktechnologien wie UMTS und Mobile TV sowie

rasant wachsende Bandbreiteanforderungen im Internet

durch Ton-, Bild- und Videoübertragung führen zu einem

jährlichen Wachstum des Datenverkehrs um ca. 80% und

treiben damit den Ausbau der Netze.

Die Standardisierungsgremien arbeiten nun bereits an der

Folgegeneration mit einer Übertragungsrate von 100 Gbit/s,

die erneut innovative Lösungen im Bereich der optischen

Komponenten erfordert. Komplexe Übertragungsverfahren

werden zur Kompensation der Leitungsverluste bei diesen

hohen Bitraten eingesetzt. Zur kostengünstigen Umsetzung

dieser Technologie werden hoch integrierte optische Kompo-

nenten benötigt, mit deren Hilfe das phasenkodierte Signal

dekodiert und empfangen werden kann. Dazu müssen rein

optische und opto-elektronische Technologien hybrid in mi-

niaturisierten Gehäusen vereint werden.

Die u2t Photonics AG, das 1998 gegründete dynamische

Berliner Hightech-Unternehmen, mit ihren Kooperationspart-

nern in Forschung und Entwicklung ist bestens vorbereitet,

sich diesem neuen Trend zu stellen. Frühzeitige, enge Zu-

sammenarbeit mit führenden Herstellern von Telekommu-

nikationssystemen ermöglicht der u2t hier wieder einmal

den entscheidenden Vorsprung bei der Entwicklung dieser

Komponenten und sichert ihre Chancen, auch zukünftig

gegen weitaus größere Lieferanten zu bestehen und somit

das Wachstum ihres global ausgerichteten Geschäfts weiter

voran zu treiben.

u2t Photonics AG: Mit Innovation die Marktführerschaft ausbauen

Left: u2t's new miniaturized 43 Gbit/s high gain differential photoreceiver

Right:Integrated 40G DPSK Receiver con-taining an optical phase demodulator

u²t Photonics AG Andreas UmbachReuchlinstrasse 10/11D – 10553 BerlinTel +49 (0)30 - 72 6113 - 500Fax +49 (0)30 - 72 6113 - 530Mail [email protected] u2t.de

u²t's pre-assembly line

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110


It is now 40 years ago, when in 1968 SCHOTT´s famous

glass ceramic ZERODUR® was developed by a committed

glass developer. Ever since, ZERODUR® has been providing

the basis for precise measurements.

As early as 1973, the first four-meter class monolith

was poured for a telescope of the Max Planck Observatory

in Calar Alto, Spain. Then the NTT (New Technology Tele-

scope) at the European Southern Observatory ESO in La

Silla, Chile was installed in 1989 as the first telescope that

uses a thin actively bendable mirror made of ZERODUR®.

But with the VLT (Very Large Telescope) operated by ESO

in the Atacama Desert in Chile, for which SCHOTT supplied

four mirror substrates 8.2 meters in diameter, the reason-

able limitations with respect to monolithic mirrors for use in

astronomy had definitely been reached. The rising demand

for even larger mirrors led to the development of segmen-

ted mirrors consisting of hexagonal mirror segments. Here,

the two Keck Telescopes operating since 1992 and 1996

in Hawaii with two 10-meter mirrors each consisting of 36

ZERODUR® segments were major breakthroughs.

In the near future, two major projects are planned that

call for even considerably larger diameters. The TMT (Thirty

Meter Telescope) in the United States is to receive a mirror

with a diameter of 30 meters that consists of approx. 500

mirror segments. The European Extremely Large Telescope

(E-ELT) planned by ESO for the year 2017 is expected to

have a mirror 42 meters in diameter that consists of more

than 900 hexagonal segments. This would make the E-ELT

the world’s largest optical telescope.

Besides the impressive projects in the field of astron-

omy enabled by ZERODUR®, this glass ceramic is also

particularly well-suited for use in industrial applications

that need extremely high precision such as standards in

measurement technology, in ring laser gyroscopes, but also

as precision components in microlithography and LCD li-

thography. The material is used as movable elements in

wafer steppers or scanners to obtain exact and reproduc-

ible positioning of the wafers and therefore functions as the

“enabler” of the production of the designs of tomorrow’s

microchips. In the field of LCD lithography as the “macro-

lithography”, ZERODUR® also is a key material being used

for the larger optical systems and masks, securing the

projection of exact structures in the micron range.

Happy birthday ZERODUR®40th anniversary of an outstanding material

Schott AGAdvanced Optics Hattenbergstrasse 10D – 55122 MainzPhone +49 (0)6131 - 66 - 1812Fax +49 (0)3641 - 2888 - 9047Mail [email protected] schott.com/advanced_optics

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