Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF

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

We have a lot of great women at the institute. They make groundbreaking inventions, lead innovative scientific teams, regulate the financial flows of the house and, as vice captain, keep the institute on course even when the waves are strong.

Hereby we highlight some of them to show how formative and enriching their work and dedication to photonics is. Because one thing is clear, if you want to get more female researchers excited about optics and physics, you need strong role models that future generations can look to for guidance.

And that's what they are: