Fraunhofer IOF at W3+

ESA’s CO2M mission is designed to measure CO₂ emissions worldwide in the future. For the mission, Fraunhofer IOF has developed a unique disperser for the onboard spectrometer. It enables high-resolution, quantitative measurements of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, thereby providing reliable data for climate protection and monitoring. These high-precision measurements are made possible by the optical gratings built into the disperser, which were manufactured at Fraunhofer IOF in Jena. These gratings have a particularly high efficiency of >90% and a low polarization degree of <10%.

The CO2M mission is part of the European Copernicus program. It is one of six extension missions developed to expand the Earth observation capabilities of the Copernicus program. The series of missions is being implemented by ESA on behalf of the European Union.

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A new, compact sensor measures vital signs completely contact-free—even while the person is moving or under challenging lighting conditions. Fraunhofer IOF is presenting the goVISCAN for the first time at W3+.

The system combines two core technologies in a single small device: a multispectral camera A multispectral camera consisting of a monolithic, aspheric, glass meniscus microlens array that captures nine spectral channels simultaneously. This complex camera is complemented by a real-time 3D sensor that tracks head movements, enabling robust measurements even when the person is moving.

goVISCAN was developed as part of the “Advanced Multimodal Imaging” (AMI) research alliance.

Space-qualified entangled photon pair source

At Fraunhofer IOF, within the research project "Advanced quantum computing Compact optomechanical prototype of a source for entangled photon pairs with a dual-beam displacement device for distributing entanglement from a satellite in low Earth orbit (LEO). The current prototype was a part of a space qualification process and underwent vibration and TeVAC tests. In the test, it achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 as part of the EU project QUDICE.

Model of the Jena Optical Ground Station

Located on the new Fraunhofer IOF building, the Optical Ground Station (OGS) enables research in the field of laser and quantum communication. The goal is to further develop existing findings from terrestrial quantum communication research for applications in space. , the built-in mirror telescope has a diameter of 80 cm and is optimized for the wavelength range from 810 nm to 1550 nm. The optical ground station enables the establishment of optical links to satellites.

Wafer-Level Optics in 300-mm Format

The 300-mm wafer demonstration showcases the high-precision fabrication of optical structures using grayscale photolithography followed by polymer-on-glass replication. Parallel wafer-level fabrication enables the particularly efficient and cost-effective production of complex optical modules and assemblies.

The fast UV curing process enables short cycle times. At the same time, the technology allows for large-area display arrays with diagonals of up to approximately 10 inches.

Large-Format Dielectric Diffraction Grating

The SBC grating is a high-precision dielectric diffraction grating made of quartz glass for reflection or transmission applications. With a potential diffraction efficiency of over 99%, it is particularly well-suited for demanding optical systems at a typical operating wavelength of approximately 1 µm.

In addition to binary grating profiles, custom profiles, materials, and wavelengths can be realized. Substrate sizes of up to 292 × 150 mm² or 230 × 230 mm² also enable large-format applications. Upon request, the gratings can also be designed with particularly low wavefront error.

More on micro- and nanostructured optics

Hands-On Exhibit: Spectral Combination

This hands-on exhibit demonstrates the spectral combination of multiple laser beams using a diffraction grating. The individual lasers have different wavelengths, which are represented by different colors. When correctly aligned with the grating, the beams are combined into a single beam.

The exhibit allows visitors to directly experience the diffraction properties of optical gratings and demonstrates how gratings can be used in both transmission and reflection.

Preforms and Structured Glass Rods

This exhibit showcases preforms and glass rods with different structures, produced using various manufacturing processes. The examples on display illustrate the wide range of possible preforms and manufacturing processes, including MCVD (Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition).

They serve as important starting materials for the production of specialized optical fibers.

Laser and Fiber Technology at Fraunhofer IOF

Large Laser-Beam-Brazed N-LaK9 Lens

As part of an ESA-funded project, a laser-based brazing technology was investigated for the low-stress bonding of large lenses (>100 mm in diameter) to mounts. The goal of the project was to overcome the limitations of conventional clamping and bonding techniques in terms of stress and long-term stability in harsh environments by using an inorganic-metallic binder and a localized, low-impact laser-based brazing technique known as Solderjet Bumping (SJB).

Opto-mechatronic Components and Systems

Free-form mirrors

Ultra-precise free-form mirrors custom-engineered for research and industrial applications. What sets Fraunhofer IOF apart is its integrated manufacturing process for developing ultra-precise metal optics for broadband spectral applications at the component and system levels across the IR, NIR, VIS, UV, and EUV ranges. Free-form optics are used in reflecting telescopes and spectrometer systems. For example, the DLR instrument DESIS (Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer), designed for use on the International Space Station (ISS), was developed based on an athermal, free-form-based three-mirror anastigmatic (TMA) telescope and spectrometer.

Precision Optical Components and Systems at Fraunhofer IOF