Together with its partners, 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 objective is to develop innovative optical systems to control light, from its generation to its application in the cutting-edge fields of energy, environment, information, communication, healthcare, medical technology, safety and mobility. 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. To achieve these goals, the Fraunhofer IOF charts the entire process chain, from the system design to the 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 particular strategic importance in both covering the scientific lead work and training young scientists.