Future and trends of laser technology

Conventional tools abrade quickly on diamonds and hard ceramics. Non-contact laser machining processes ensure on going precision.

Intelligent scanning systems are paving the way for PHOTONICS 4.0. In additive manufacturing (AM), they are key components for higher productivity and quality-assured processes.

For EUV lithography, chip manufacturers are using high-end systems. The Fraunhofer Insti-tute for Laser Technology is working on EUV solutions for small and medium-sized companies.

In order to boost the potential of personalized medicine, photonic processes are essential.

Whether it is reliable sterilization, fast diagnoses, or research to gain a deeper understanding of infections, photonics supports the battle against the pandemic on many fronts.

It is not always possible to supply sensors and actuators with power through copper cable. In these cases, Power-by-Light systems could fill the gap.

No matter where you look, photonics is the silent enabler behind the drive to create sustainable forms of energy: from the construction of wind-energy systems and wind farms to photovoltaic production.

More efficient procedures are the key to producing hydrogen on an industrial scale using only renewable energy sources. Photonics offers interesting approaches and solutions.

Lightweight construction with carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) offers climate protection for air and road travel.

Industrial application of lasers isn’t limited to metal, glass and semiconductors.

VCSELs are get common in medical technology, industrial processes, smartphones, and automated driving.

Laser scanner data could provide valuable assistance during the reconstruction.

The key to the 5G cellular network are new antennas that are manufactured using laser technology.

The entrants for the Start-up Award are turning to imaging, 3D imaging, fiber-optic systems, and ultrashort pulse technology.

Ideas in the area of lasers and laser systems for production have one goal: The tool should be more flexible and precise.

In Industry 4.0 processes, there is demand for inexpensive sensors and flexible product labeling.

The Munich-based Center for Advanced Laser Applications is working on laser-based X-ray imaging.

Specialized cameras ensure transparency in space, under microscopes, in crash tests, and in fast production processes.

In smart homes, optical sensors ensure clean laundry, sparkling crockery, and perfectly cooked meals.

Shipyards are increasingly using lasers to join heavy steel plates and enormous cabin modules.

Lasers can increase visibility during night driving to up to a kilometer. Light technology for vehicles is gathering pace.

Lasers and optical processes could turn out to be key technologies for environmentally and animal-friendly farming.

Lasers play an important role in the recycling of high-quality metal alloys.

The prize winners in Chemistry and Medicine also used photonic technologies in their research.

Displays based on organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) have reached the mass market. Lasers are paving the way.

The ESA satellite Aeolus now measures wind from space, using high power lasers.

Suppliers parts to the exact nanometer, control laser processes, and ensure pure, dry air in the installation space.

Optical systems track the bonding processes in real time to prevent production faults.

Photonics paves the way in virtual worlds and enriches reality with useful information.

Lasers immunize component surfaces against wear and corrosion.

The use of carbon dioxide (CO²) as a material would be a huge success in the fight against climate change.

Photonics 4.0 approaches are needed for doctors to be able to make optimum use of the various procedures available.

Researchers around the world are pressing ahead with the development of smart glass with the help of optical technologies.

Using a huge laser interferometer, the Physics Nobel Prize winners managed to prove the existence of gravitational waves.

New concepts should enable faster and more productive processes.

The number of providers in this new field of technology is growing. And with it the choice of additive manufacturing processes.

LiDAR (light detection and ranging) systems use lasers to measure the distance to obstacles in the vehicle’s surroundings.

Flexible production technology and reliable in-line quality monitoring are in demand. Photonics has suitable solutions.