Master Thesis: Process Chain Development for the Laser-Based Fabrication of Micro-Optics

In cooperation with the Chair of Laser Technology (LLT), the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT)—Europe’s leading center for contract research and development in the field of laser technology—is offering the opportunity to write a thesis on the topic: »Process Chain Development for the Laser-Based Fabrication of Micro-Optics«.

Conventional optical manufacturing involves significant time and cost for form generation and polishing. To meet the demand for affordable, customizable components new manufacturing technologies are required. One approach for manufacturing micro-optics is the combination of selective laser etching (SLE) and laser polishing. This enables the production of optical components with a high degree of geometric freedom. However, there is currently a lack of understanding regarding the interaction between the two processes and a lack of a robust procedure for ensuring optical quality.

Be part of change

To reduce geometric errors (such as geometric deviation), you will develop a process strategy To this end, you will independently design and conduct experiments on the laser systems You will investigate the interaction between SLE geometry and laser polishing and evaluate the shape accuracy and surface quality In addition, you will fabricate demonstrator optics with commercial-grade quality You will carefully document the results and discuss them