Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS“We specialize in the analysis of optical thin films and the microstructure-based development of glasses and glass-ceramics”
The “Optical Materials and Technologies” business unit at Fraunhofer IMWS develops innovative, microstructure-based solutions for glass, glass-ceramics, and optical coatings. Using state-of-the-art nano- and surface analysis techniques, materials are optimized for high-tech applications in optics, lithography, and laser technology. In addition to material characterization, a key focus is on the development of glass and glass-ceramics tailored to specific properties.
In your view, what were the success stories of the past year that illustrate the concrete benefits of your research work for customers?
In 2025, we became an integral part of the laser fusion ecosystem established with support from the BMFTR. In several consortia, some of which are regionally based, we are working on highly sophisticated components for future fusion power plants.
We benefit from the fact that, with funding from the European Chips Act, a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment for microstructure diagnostics has been installed at Fraunhofer IMWS. For example, a multi-ion plasma FIB helps us prepare samples with minimal artifacts, which are then examined for microstructure and element distribution using our extremely powerful analytical transmission electron microscopes.
One example is the BMFTR project “SHARP,” which began in 2025 with partners such as SCHOTT, OptiX fab., and 3D-Micromac. Together, we are working on new high-performance mirrors for the beam path in future laser fusion power plants that is, for one of the six topics the German federal government has defined as a priority in the High-Tech Agenda for Germany. The expected results are also significant for other future markets, particularly for high-power laser applications and laser material processing, as well as for aerospace and, specifically, for the next generation of substrates and coatings for EUV lithography.
In which areas is your business unit currently active? How do you collaborate with industry to create added value?
In 2025, we completed a strategic process with external support. In doing so, we more precisely defined our positioning in the R&D market and outlined future development paths.
In addition to diagnostics on optical multilayer coatings, we are developing new, property-tailored glasses and glass-ceramics. While we are able to keep our analytical capabilities at the cutting edge thanks to massive investments in the latest generation of diagnostic instruments, we are currently establishing the technical infrastructure to further improve our equipment for the synthesis and recycling of glasses and glass-ceramics. Furthermore, we are making very concrete efforts to commercialize proprietary technologies.
The fact that for years we have financed more than half of our activities through direct commissions from industry demonstrates that for us, direct, collaborative partnership on an equal footing with project partners from the business sector is not just an empty phrase, but a reality we live by.
Through our involvement in associations such as SPECTARIS and various relevant working groups, as well as active participation in selected conferences, we are gaining an ever-deeper understanding of the requirements of the relevant markets and execute projects in a way that meets industry demands for quality, speed, and flexibility.
What developments are on the horizon to further advance the business unit’s offerings in the future?
In light of the pressure facing industry in Germany and Europe due to challenging conditions, our offerings must be even more targeted, and we must actively seek ways to curb cost increases through improvements in industrial engineering and workplace organization and by curbing excessive regulation and administrative barriers.