Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

Technology Focus Laser Measurement Technology

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Laser Measurement Technology

Lasers are ideally suited for the precise measurement of physical, chemical or biological quantities in various fields of application. Fraunhofer ILT develops laser measurement processes, e. g., for tasks in manufacturing and inline-capable process control, and implements them in prototypes and small series together with customers and partners. In this field, the institute is also focusing on material and bioanalytics, identification and analysis technology in the field of recycling, and raw materials as well as measurement and testing technology.

In materials analysis, Fraunhofer ILT has profound know-how in spectroscopic measurement processes at its disposal. Applications in this field include automatic quality assurance, the monitoring of process parameters and the online analysis of, for example, old electronic components, metal scrap or exhaust gases, dust and wastewater. Among other processes, laser emission spectroscopy (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy LIBS) is used, allowing particularly fast and accurate material identification. In addition to process development, the institute manufactures prototype systems and mobile systems for industrial use.

Together with international partners, Fraunhofer ILT is also breaking new ground in researching modern recycling processes. Solutions are being developed jointly – with laser technology – to make processes more effective and efficient. 

In the field of recycling old electronics, LIBS can be used to quickly and selectively detect individual components or entire groups of components.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
In the field of recycling old electronics, LIBS can be used to quickly and selectively detect individual components or entire groups of components.
Analysis of metal scrap by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy LIBS.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Analysis of metal scrap by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy LIBS.

The institute and its partners are focusing on recycling parts and components no longer in use instead of on mining raw materials. Here, inverse production is taking center stage. In contrast to being shredded conventionally and treated with pyrometallurgy processes, old electronics or metal scrap, for example, are first measured and valuable components specifically dismantled or valuable alloys separated before mixing in order to achieve high grade purities.

For analysis in chemistry, biotechnology and pharmacology, Fraunhofer ILT uses and develops laser scattered light analysis, laser-induced fluorescence and microscopy with broadband lasers. It is focusing, for example, on designing inline measurement systems and continuing to develop waveguide technology and probes for chemical process analysis. Thanks to laser-based measurement technology, molecules can be excited selectively and particle sizes or size distributions as well as their chemical composition determined in real time.

As the networked technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution advance, the amount of data that must be processed quickly and inline is growing. Real-time signal processing is becoming increasingly important, and not only in production metrology. To this end, Fraunhofer ILT is developing, among other things, absolute measuring interferometric sensors that allow the non-contact detection of geometric features, as well as powerful electronic units for customized applications.

Fraunhofer ILT has extensive know-how in the field of laser measurement technology and develops efficient and adapted laser processes for customers from industry and research.

Find out more about our range of services on the websites linked in the blue box.

Selected Press Releases

More information on research and development at Fraunhofer ILT