Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering, Research institute in Jena, Germany
The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering in Jena develops optical systems, components, and technologies for scientific and industrial use. The facility houses extensive laboratories and clean rooms where research teams work on optical technologies and precision engineering.
The institute was founded in 1992 and quickly became an important research facility. It has won multiple German Future Prizes for breakthroughs in LED technology, ultrafast pulse lasers, and EUV lithography.
The institute collaborates closely with Friedrich Schiller University, offering students hands-on experience in optical research and innovation. This connection between academic study and practical industry work shapes how research happens in Jena.
The institute is located in Jena and accessible by public transport, though visits typically need to be arranged for research purposes. Tours are usually possible upon request if you have academic or industrial interest in the work.
The institute developed a specialized satellite called CubEniK designed to transmit quantum keys between ground stations in Jena and Munich. This project demonstrates how precision optics can enable quantum communication across vast distances.
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