🚀 Fraunhofer ILT at #PhotonicsWest 2025 – 17 Talks Showcasing Cutting-Edge Laser Research! At this year’s Photonics West 2025, the Fraunhofer ILT, Lehrstuhl für Technologie Optischer Systeme TOS - RWTH Aachen University and Lehrstuhl für Lasertechnik LLT - RWTH Aachen University team contributed 17 presentations covering the latest advancements in applied laser and optics technology. Among them, key enabling technologies for fusion energy, both MFE and IFE, was a key focus, with two dedicated talks: 🎤 Plenary Talk by Prof. Dr. Constantin Haefner on "Global Advancements in Laser Fusion Energy and Their Implications for the Photonics Market." 🎤 Session Talk by Dieter Hoffmann in “Current Approaches to Laser Fusion Energy, titled "The Contribution of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT to the Fusion 2040 Program in Germany." In addition to the presentations, we were also at the German Pavilion, where we, along with our partner chairs from RWTH Aachen University, engaged in discussions and shared insights about our latest research as we work with and enable industry. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited us, exchanged ideas, and contributed to inspiring conversations. We look forward to #PhotonicsWest 2026! 👋 #PhotonicsWest #LaserTechnology #FusionEnergy #FraunhoferILT #RWTHAachen #Innovation SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, Forschungscampus Digital Photonic Production DPP, Surface Technology at Fraunhofer ILT, Additive Manufacturing at Fraunhofer ILT, Laser joining and cutting at Fraunhofer ILT,SPECTARIS Photonik
At this year’s SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics #PhotonicsWest in San Francisco, I had the privilege of presenting the LASE Plenary Talk titled “Global advancements in laser fusion energy and their implications for the photonics market,” which explored the transition from groundbreaking experiments at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to harvesting fusion for energy. It followed remarkable discussions on #FusionIgnition and laser technologies, including presentations by Tammy Ma (2022) and Jean-Michel DiNicola from LLNL (2023), as well as insights from Ahmed Diallo on ARPA-E programs (2023). Lasers are essential not only as powerful drivers for generating fusion plasmas but also as precise tools in laser machining, additive manufacturing, or sensing. To realize #FusionEnergy, lasers must become more powerful yet cost-effective. Until the market for fusion plants emerges, establishing robust supply chains is vital. We must enhance the technical readiness of key technologies, address material challenges, and ensure manufacturing readiness, with lasers playing a pivotal role in MFE and IFE technologies. However, the challenges present immense opportunities for innovation. Demand for many optical and laser components is set to exceed current market capacities. To address this challenge, we must reimagine laser and optics production by fully automating their manufacturing and developing scalable, cost-effective solutions. Thus, #FusionEnergy has the potential to be a transformative driver for the #photonics industry, as it will create unprecedented demand for advanced laser technologies, optics, and precision manufacturing solutions, leading to significant innovations and growth across the sector. Fraunhofer ILT is proud to be part of this transformative journey and our passionated team is committed to supporting the development of a competent fusion industry and innovation ecosystem.