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UltraLIMO

Project name:UltraLIMO – Ultrashort-pulse laser material functionalisation for innovative micro-optical components
Department: Engineering – Applied Physics
Project lead:Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Kontermann
Project participants: 
Project partners:  
Duration:01.07.2017 – 30.06.2019
Funding body or client: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), FHInvest 2016

 

Logo of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany, featuring a black eagle symbol on the left side and a vertical bar in the colors of the German flag (black, red, and gold) to the right, with the ministry's name displayed prominently in black text.
Logo featuring three icons: a network graph, a building, and a computer screen with data visualization. Below the icons, the text reads "Forschung an Fachhochschulen," which translates to "Research at Universities of Applied Sciences." The design emphasizes research and education.

Project description

Ultrashort pulse (USP) laser technology enables flexible, fast, customised and automated manufacturing processes. These are used for the micro-functionalisation of optical media, layers and silicon, with which the UltraLIMO project at the Institute of Microtechnologies (IMtech) of RheinMain University of Applied Sciences realises innovative component designs for combined applications in micro-optics, photonics and microsystems technology. They are important components for the automated value-creation process addressed by Industry 4.0, which IMtech implements industrially together with its project partners.

At the heart of the project is an ultrashort pulse laser system with pulse durations below 35 fs and peak pulse powers above 200 GW.

Project partners and tasks

  • Topag Lasertechnik GmbH, Darmstadt: diffractive optical elements
  • Polyscale GmbH, Aachen: light-guiding microstructures in plastics
  • Fela GmbH, Villingen-Schwenningen: illuminated transparent touch displays
  • Spittler Lichttechnik GmbH, Goslar: transparent light panels
  • Unique Lights GmbH, Bad Lauterberg: transparent LED luminaires
  • Clausthal University of Technology: absorption measurements, laser technology
  • University of Western Ontario, London (Canada): coupling gratings for diffractive optical elements
  • Optence e.V. – Competence Network Optical Technologies, Wörrstadt: networking with industry and the public in the field of photonics

Funding

UltraLIMO was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the measure “Funding of strategic investments at universities of applied sciences” (FHInvest 2016). The measure supports universities of applied sciences that expand their research profile or a research focus through investments in research equipment, facilities or demonstrators. This makes training of highly qualified, research-oriented specialists more attractive, improves research cooperation – especially with small and medium-sized enterprises – and increases the competitiveness of the universities.

The image features advanced laser equipment labeled "Spitfire Ace" and another unit, highlighting specifications for pulse duration under 35 femtoseconds and pulse power over 200 gigawatts. It also includes project information related to the BMBF UltraLIMO initiative. Logos of supporting institutions are present at the bottom.
Poster

Project overview

Poster
A man wearing protective eyewear and gloves is closely examining a laser apparatus that emits bright green light. The setting appears to be a laboratory, emphasizing safety and precision in a scientific environment.
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