Institute of Photonic Technologies

The Institute of Photonic Technologies (LPT) is an institute of the department of mechanical engineering at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg. We are developing and optimizing processes that use light as a tool for different tasks. We are not only working on laser-based manufacturing technologies like laser beam cutting or welding but apply light as well in medical diagnostics and therapeutics, for example for the detection and treatment of cancerous tissue. Ultrashort pulse laser technologies are a focus of our research activities. Laser pulses as short as pico- and femtoseconds bear great potentials in material processing on a microscopic or even nanoscopic scale. We strive towards clearing the path for ultrashort pulse laser to industrial application and thus to realize efficient processes with extremely high precision. Furthermore, we are developing capable simulation methods which contribute to an in-depth understanding of laser based manufacturing processes. Our models enable the calculation of optimal process parameters without the need of numerous cost-intensive experiments. In order to ensure good machining quality we are also developing real-time sensing and control systems for various laser processes. With such technologies, it will be possible to choose and adapt process parameters automatically to reach desired process results. Finally, an interdisciplinary research group is engaged in the laser based Additive Manufacturing of metal parts. The group deals with fundamental as well as industry specific application research projects in order to assure a comprehensive understanding of two processes, namely laser beam melting in powder bed (LBM) and laser metal deposition (LMD). Both are based on the principle of creating fully dense structures by melting metal powder layer by layer with a focused laser beam.