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Whether they are needed for medical technology, telecommunications or aerospace: the demand for high-power lasers is increasing in many industrial sectors. Users are focusing on how cost-effective and stable the systems are. The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT has now made significant progress in the development of efficient and stable high-power diode lasers. In principle, it has transferred the writing of fiber Bragg gratings from the world of fiber lasers to that of diode lasers. Dr. Sarah Klein developed the process as part of her dissertation and recently won 3rd place in the prestigious Hugo Geiger Prize.

On April 8 and 9, 2025, the UKP workshop will once again open its doors and bring together experts from industry and research at the venue DAS LIEBIG in Aachen. As the most important platform for material processing with ultrashort pulse lasers, this event not only offers visitors the latest insights into technological advances, but also a unique opportunity to discuss the latest applications and solutions.

In the HyCoFC research project, industry and research partners are working together to develop bipolar plates for durable, cost-effective and high-performance fuel cells, specifically for heavy-duty applications. The project is using innovative material combinations and the latest laser technologies to meet the strict requirements and demanding conditions in heavy-duty transportation. In this way, HyCoFC not only addresses sustainability in logistics, but also strengthens Germany as a business location and creates forward-looking solutions for the energy transition.

Just in time for the start of UNESCO's International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, North Rhine-Westphalia is setting up the first node for the quantum internet of the future. A team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT brought the system developed with TNO in Delft in the Netherlands to Aachen in mid-January to test it here, develop it further and establish the first regional connections to Jülich and Bonn. The project is a milestone on the way to the “Quantum Technology State of NRW.”