Fraunhofer IOF presents digital live lecture series on photonic markets of the future

Top-level research live: “Photonics4Future” webinar series launches

Jena /

With its new, digital webinar series Photonics4Future, Fraunhofer IOF offers exclusive insights into pioneering research and technologies in the field of optics and photonics. Once a month, researchers from the institute will present their solutions for current and future challenges in industry and society live. The series starts on September 12, 2024 at 2 p.m. Participation is free of charge and possible online without pre-registration.

From ultra-thin metasurfaces that could replace traditional lenses and innovative 3D measurement technologies to microlenses for vehicle signals and precise characterization of high-performance optics - optics and photonics research at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena is often paving the way for disruptive innovations. What significance does this research have for overcoming current and future challenges in industry and society? And how can partners from business and industry in particular benefit from new technology and system solutions?

Graphical representation with the webinar name: Photonics4Future.
© Fraunhofer IOF
The Photonics4Future webinar series starts in September 2024.

Photonics4Future: Application-oriented knowledge for the optics and photonics industry

These and further questions are the focus of the new Photonics4Future series. The series will offer decision-makers from the optics and photonics industry exclusive insights into the institute's current research and its practical application potential. In an initial pilot series, four selected departments will provide information about their work in brief public presentations followed by an opportunity for exchange.

In addition to high-end technologies, Fraunhofer IOF presents its extensive know-how along the entire photonic process chain - from the design of optical components and systems to their production and system integration. At the same time, the series offers all participants the unique opportunity to gain application-oriented knowledge directly from the institute's leading scientists and to discuss these topics with them.

Collage with several optical devices.
© Fraunhofer IOF
In a pilot series of four lectures, Fraunhofer IOF will present technologies and their application potential for future photonic markets.

Start of the series on September 12, 2024

The live presentations will take place on the second Thursday of every month from September to December 2024, from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Interested parties can join online via Microsoft Teams without registering in advance. Participation is free of charge.

The event will kick off on September 12, 2024 with a presentation by the Department of Micro- and Nanostructured Optics. Head of department Dr. Falk Eilenberger will present “Scaling Micro- and Nanophotonics: Wafer-Level Metasurfaces and Beyond” on the potential of so-called metasurfaces, i.e. ultra-thin components that concentrate their optical functions on the surface and could thus replace lenses and mirrors in the future.

The full program of the webinar series can be found here:

September 12,
2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
“Scaling Micro- and Nanophotonics: Wafer-Level Metasurfaces and Beyond” Dr. Falk Eilenberger, Department of Micro- and Nano-structured Optics
October 10,
2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
“Compact and Efficient: Micro-optics transforming automotive lighting” Dmitrii Stefanidi - Department of Optical and Mechanical System Design
November 14, 
2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
“Characterization of Optical Surfaces and Coatings” Anne-Sophie Munser - Department of Functional Surfaces and Coatings
December 12,
2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
“Multimodal 3D Measurement: Imaging Beyond Three Dimensions” Dr. Peter Kühmstedt - Department of Imaging and Sensing


Make a note of the dates in your Outlook calendar today. That way you will never miss a webinar: Calendar entry as ICS file