idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
With the utmost precision, the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST has won this year’s Manufacturing Challenge at the Optical Interference Coatings Conference (OIC2025) in the USA. In this international competition, a spectroscopically precisely defined optical filter had to be manufactured as accurately as possible – a task that demands both creativity and the highest precision in design, production, and measurement technology. The first place among the worldwide entries is impressive proof of the institute’s outstanding expertise in the field of optical coatings.
“This year, an interference coating was to be designed in such a way that it would ultimately produce the image of a roadrunner, i.e. a running bird,” explained Dipl.-Phys. Stefan Bruns, award winner and Senior Scientist at the Fraunhofer IST. “To achieve this, we utilized our high-precision EOSS® coating plants, with which we were able to create coatings on both sides – a key prerequisite for this complex task.”
The challenge thereby was to develop an optical stack that united three different spectral features: The top of the bird was to be visible in the reflection of the front side, while its underside should be visible in the reflection of the reverse side. In addition, the characteristic appearance of the feet had to be visible in the transmission range. This complex design was only technically feasible through the precise control of layer thicknesses, optical constants and oxidation behavior.
“This task required not only exceptional technical skill, but also the close intermeshing of simulation, production, and measurement technology,” continued Mr. Bruns. “We are delighted that we were able to secure first place with our solution. Participating in the OIC2025 Challenge was not only an exciting scientific challenge for us, but also a possibility to demonstrate our technological expertise in an international context. We would, of course, like to take part again next time.”
The Optical Interference Coatings Conference OIC
The Optical Interference Coatings Conference is regarded as one of the most important international platforms for innovations in the field of optical coatings. It encompasses fundamental research on coating design, materials, deposition processes, characterization technologies and numerous applications in areas such as electronic displays, optical communication, high-power and ultrashort pulse lasers, sensor technology, solar cells, low-emission coatings, optical instruments, space travel and more. The Manufacturing Challenge, which takes place every three years, is a major highlight of the conference and an opportunity for developers from all over the world to showcase technological excellence in creative formats.
https://www.ist.fraunhofer.de/en/press-media/2025/oic-2025-manufacturing-challen...
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