Laser Tech - a strategic addition to the institutes portfolio

Since its inception, Fraunhofer IOSB’s skill-set has covered most of the optronics evaluation chain: from signal generation, sensors, image acquisition, processing and exploitation up to user-oriented reports. On the other hand, the generation of light suitable for active sensor systems and other purposes such as optical communication did not belong initially to the research spectrum of the institute. With the head of the division Photonics and Optronic Systems poised to retire, the institute was able to follow through on the long-held strategic aim of appointing a laser specialist as division manager.

In April 2018, the physicist Prof. Marc Eichhorn took up the management position in Ettlingen and was appointed professor for optronics at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Immediately after, he began the establishment of a new science department devoted entirely to components and systems that generate and amplify light for optronics applications – the Department of Laser Technology (LAS). The institute’s skill-set now covers the entire optronics chain.