Fraunhofer Thüringen
Fraunhofer Thüringen

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF

About us

Light is a versatile tool. Due to its many possible applications and its unique properties as an electromagnetic wave and light particle, it is a key technology for future challenges in the modern world. With this in mind, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF, based in the traditional optics city of Jena, is researching the further development of photonic technologies to solve a wide range of problems and application scenarios.

The work of the research institute, which was founded in 1992, focuses on application-oriented research into light generation, guidance and measurement. The interdisciplinary bundling of the institute's own expertise in the fields of optics and precision mechanics enables the Fraunhofer IOF to develop complex and unique photonic components and systems together with cooperating institutions.

Together with partners from basic research and industry, innovative solutions are created that provide a technological advantage in science and industry. New fields of application are opened up for photonics and relevant added value is created for society.

© Fraunhofer IOF
Drei »Deutsche Zukunftspreise« für wegweisende Entwicklungen, an denen Forschende des Fraunhofer IOF beteiligt waren.

Three „German Future Prize“ awards for research from Jena

Groundbreaking developments by Fraunhofer IOF have already been honored three times with the German Future Prize, the award presented by the German President for outstanding innovations that have led to market-ready applications:

  • 2006 for the development of high-intensity LED lamps, which can now be found as universal light sources in almost every household
  • 2013 for the development of ultra-short pulse lasers for industrial applications
  • 2020 for EUV lithography, which enables the production of even smaller and more powerful microchips than ever before.

Research focus

  • Optical and precision mechanical components and systems
  • Functional optical surfaces and coatings
  • Optoelectronic sensors and measuring systems
  • Optical quantum technologies
  • Active and adaptive optics
  • Laser and fiber laser technologies
  • Systems for astronomy and space travel
  • Photonics for the automotive market
CubeEnik Satellite
© Fraunhofer IOF
Under the leadership of the Fraunhofer IOF, the CubEniK project has developed a satellite the size of a shoebox, the so-called “CubeSat”. The aim of the mini-satellite is to transmit a secure quantum key over a distance of 300 kilometers between two ground stations in Jena and Munich.
Projecting, dynamic flashing light that guarantees maximum visibility in a compact form, even in daylight conditions.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Projecting, dynamic flashing light that guarantees maximum visibility in a compact form, even in daylight conditions.
Decisive progress through optical laser cooling of quartz glass by 67 Kelvin in collaboration with the University of New Mexico.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Decisive progress through optical laser cooling of quartz glass by 67 Kelvin in collaboration with the University of New Mexico.
The Fraunhofer IOF is involved in various space projects, e.g. the James Webb Space Telescope or (pictured here) with the double-slit assembly of the FLEX mission
© Fraunhofer IOF
The Fraunhofer IOF is involved in various space projects, e.g. the James Webb Space Telescope or (pictured here) with the double-slit assembly of the FLEX mission.
© Fraunhofer IOF
At Fraunhofer IOF, scientists are passionate about researching innovative solutions with light.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Researchers at the Fraunhofer IOF have succeeded for the first time in creating a metasurface with a diameter of 30 centimetres – here in comparison with a one-euro coin.

Further information