Consortium

Research and development at Fraunhofer IOF in Jena, Germany focuses on optical systems technology with an emphasis on continually improving the control of light from generation via guiding and manipulation up to its application. The institute’s core activities are in multifunctional optical coatings, optical measurement systems, micro-optical systems, systems for the characterization of optics, opto-mechanical systems like fiber laser and assembling technologies. Applying the broad knowledge in these business fields the institute is a competent partner to the local, national and international industry and is also supplier to the public sector. A cooperative membership in different competence networks and alliances ensures the successful operation in the market. Clients of Fraunhofer IOF come from different markets such as information and communication, lighting, transportation and traffic, production, medical technique, environmental and safety engineering. The work on contracts includes the development of prototypes and testing. Ca. 250 employees are working in a modern institute building covering approximately 5000 m² laboratory and office area. The annual turnover of Fraunhofer IOF in 2016 was approx. 27 Mio. €. A close collaboration with the Institute of Applied Physics (IAP) of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena exists; the two institutes together form a center of competence (“Leistungszentrum”) for “Solutions with Light”. The institute’s outstanding competence in optical design, micro-and nano-structuring, system integration and ultra-precise machining allows Fraunhofer IOF e.g. to deliver telescope components, space spectrometer systems, space-proved laser systems, and quantum communication devices made by hybrid or for space born and earth bound application.