Fraunhofer IOF - Innovation driver since 1992

Areas of Competence

Depending on the task, we can offer the entire process chain or individual process steps for each of these areas - from design, to the manufacture of components, to assembly into opto-mechanical or opto-electronic systems, to holistic characterization.

Ranging from array projectors in the automotive sector to 3D real-time scanners in production and quantum technologies for tap-proof communication - the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF develops innovative solutions with light for a wide spectrum of applications.

Commissioned by science and industry, we realize optical solutions that open up new fields of application for photonics. As part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, our research is based on the passion to face important challenges and to break new ground.

To cover the entire photonic process chain, we use our comprehensive expertise in the areas of optical and mechanical system design, micro- and nanostructured optics, opto-mechatronic as well as precision optical components and systems, functional surfaces and coatings, laser and fiber technology, imaging and sensor technology, and emerging technologies such as optical quantum technologies.

Learn more about our motivation, our success stories, and how collaborations can be shaped: About us
Get to know our offers for (young) scientists and current job postings: Jobs and career at Fraunhofer IOF
If you have any questions or if you are interested in more details, please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help: Contact

News

 

Fraunhofer IOF promotes International Women's Day

Fraunhofer IOF supports the campaign of the International Women's Day by highlighting Women in Photonics.

 

Federal President visits Fraunhofer IOF

Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Fraunhofer IOF on February 22 as part of the event series “Werkstatt des Wandels” (Workshop of Change).  

 

Excellent research must be open to the world

Statement of the head of institute about the current social discourses. We strongly reject developments that go against the rule of law and democracy.

 

Double slit for space spectrometer

A high-precision double slit was developed at Fraunhofer IOF for the spectrometer on ESA's FLEX satellite. The assembly will be exhibited at SPIE Photonics West 2024.

Upcoming fairs

 

Fraunhofer IOF
at DWT-Konference

Fraunhofer IOF is participating in the conference and exhibition "Applied Research for Security and Defense in Germany" at "DWT 2024" as part of the Fraunhofer Defense, Prevention and Security Division VVS.

 

Fraunhofer IOF
at analytica

During analytica you will meet our IOF colleagues on April 9 - 12, 2024 at analytica in Munich. We look forward to seeing you!

 

Fraunhofer IOF at Control

From April 26 - 29, 2024, you can get to know our scientists and their innovative research at "Control" at booth 7301 in hall 7.

 

More fairs and events

Of course, you can also meet our researchers at other trade fairs and events. Here you will find an overview of our events:

Selection of current research projects

 

QuNET-Initiative

The QuNET initiative develops highly secure communication systems based on state-of-the-art quantum technology.

 

QUANTIFISENS

A regional alliance of industry and research aims to build a quantum-inspired, omnifunctional fiber sensor platform to provide customized fully integrated sensor solutions for broad applications in diverse markets.

 

fo+

Freeform Optics Plus is a regional growth core working on the development and commercialization of innovative freeform optical systems for UV-VIS-IR applications.

 

AMI

Fraunhofer IOF is a partner in the AMI alliance, which develops multimodal imaging processes for industrial growth fields relevant in Thuringia. Here, image processing technologies from different spectral ranges and real-time 3D images are combined.

 

Max Planck School of Photonics

The Max Planck School of Photonics is an interdisciplinary graduate school. Coordinated by the Fraunhofer IOF, it offers an integrated PhD program in the field of photonics for international young researchers.

 

Center of Excellence in Photonics

The Leistungszentrum Photonik is a joint initiative of several research institutes in Jena. Together with partners from industry, they develop new solutions with light for important future fields.

 

CAPS

The Cluster of Excellence Advanced Photon Sources CAPS under the leadership of the Fraunhofer ILT and the Fraunhofer IOF conducts research on laser sources and process technology for outputs up to 20 kW.

 

Fraunhofer Project Hub MEOS

At the Fraunhofer Center Erfurt, three Fraunhofer Institutes (Fraunhofer IPMS, Fraunhofer IZI, Fraunhofer IOF) are researching new biomedical applications together with partners from industry.

Fraunhofer IOF – Beutenberg Campus – City of Light Jena

 

Photonics –
Made in Jena

Fraunhofer IOF conducts applied research and develops innovative solutions with light on behalf of its customers from industry and research.

 

Women in photonics

We clearly advocate for more women in photonics and at our institute. We wish to tackle exciting photonic challenges with even more female colleagues in the future.

 

Thrice German Future Prizes

The Fraunhofer IOF received Germany's most important research award for the third time and was again recognized for its high innovative strength.

 

Excellent research must be open to the world

 

Statement of the head of institute