Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF

facetvision by Fraunhofer sets new standards in miniaturized imaging optics in the fields of consumer electronics, life sciences, automotive and sensors. The ultra-thin cameras and microscopes represent a paradigm shift compared to the conventional design of imaging optics, with bionic inspiration from insects and state-of-the-art fabrication technologies merging micro-optics, micro-electronics and image processing to enable thinner, lightweight and cost effective cameras. facetvision – see the world with different eyes.

Mission

facetvision is an R&D project of the Fraunhofer Future Foundation exploring next-generation designs in imaging optics. The goal of the project is to develop new camera technology concepts addressing miniaturization and high volume production at low cost which is required in consumer electronic devices, low weight and scalability as needed in machine vision and unique overall set-up designs required by medical and sensing applications. Inspired b y concepts found in nature and combined with state-of-the-art micro-optical fabrication technologies, unique optical solutions are developed focussing on short-term industrial implementation.

Fraunhofer

Fraunhofer is Europe’s largest application-oriented research organization. Our research efforts are geared entirely to people’s needs: health, security, communication, energy and the environment. As a result, the work undertaken by our researchers and developers has a significant impact on people’s lives. We are creative. We shape technology. We design products. We improve methods and techniques. We open up new vistas. In short, we forge the future.

Facts and Figures at a Glance
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft undertakes applied research of direct utility to private and public enterprise and of wide benefit to society.

Our Contractual Partners and Customers:

• Industry
• Service sector
• Public administration

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the largest organization for applied research in Europe

• More than 80 research units, including 66 Fraunhofer Institutes, at different locations in Germany    
• The majority of more than 24,000 staff are qualified scientists and engineers
• €2.00 billion total annual research budget. Of this sum, €1.70 billion is generated through contract research. Two thirds of the research revenue is derived from contracts with industry and from publicly financed research projects. Only one third is contributed by the German federal and Länder governments in the form of institutional funding
• Research centers and representative offices in Europe, the USA, Asia and the Middle East

Fraunhofer IOF

FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE
FOR APPLIED OPTICS AND PRECISION ENGINEERING IOF

Focus of application-oriented research in the following fields:

• multi-functional optical multi-layers
• micro-structured surfaces
• characterizing of surfaces and coatings
• micro-optical systems, waveguide optics
• fiber lasers and their application
• optical measurement systems and sensors
• systems for optics characterization
• fine mechanical precision systems
• procedures of optics assembly

The central elements of IOF expertise are optics and mechanics design.
The Fraunhofer IOF is a competent partner of local, national and international industry and also supplies the public sector. Cooperative work in different competence networks and alliances ensures successful operation in the market. Clients of Fraunhofer IOF come from the markets: information and communication, lighting, transport and traffic, production, medical technology, environmental and safety engineering. The work on contracts includes the development of prototypes and testing. About 200 employees work in our modern institute building covering approximately 7000 m² of laboratory and office space.