The Fraunhofer IOF conducts application-oriented research in the field of optical systems engineering on behalf of its clients in industry and within publicly-funded collaborative projects.

The field of optical system engineering enables the step from specific optical, mechanical and electronic components to optical, opto-mechanical and opto-electronic modules and systems with complex functionalities. The objective is to control light, from its generation to its application. In this context, the sustainable energy-efficient use of light – "Green Photonics" – plays a special role for the Fraunhofer IOF, particularly with regard to the Fraunhofer innovation cluster.

Clients of Fraunhofer IOF come from the information and communications, lighting, transport, production, life sciences, food, medical technology, environmental and safety engineering markets.

The Fraunhofer IOF provides the entire process chain, starting from system design to manufacture of prototype optical, opto-mechanical and opto-electronic systems.

The competence portfolio encompasses:

• design and simulation
• micro- and nano-structuring
• materials for optics and photonics
• coatings and surface functionalization,
• diamond and laser-based ultra-precision machining,
• assembling and system integration,
• laser development and nonlinear optics,
• measurement and characterization.

The close cooperation with the Institute of Applied Physics at the Friedrich Schiller University is important for covering the scientific lead work and training young scientists.