Micro- and nanophotonics

Guest scientist

• Prof. Dr. Sascha Wallentowitz, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
  Topic: Construction of a resonator for 3D printed laser-active materials

PhD students

• Yannick Bauckhage
  Subject areas: Robot-based inkjet printing, micro-projection stereolithography, photopolymerization
• Selina Burkert
  Subject areas: Nanoimprint lithography, 2 photon polymerization, dielectrophoresis
• Annika Dehm
  Subject areas: Physics Informed Neural Networks, Transformer Models, AI Models
• Mike Dohmen
  Subject areas: Dielelectrophoresis, Automation
• Christian Eder
  Topics: 2 photon polymerization, doped polymers, photopolymerization, simulation
• Arielle Koffi
  Subject areas: Focused ion beam, nanoimprint lithography
• Sangeetha Suresh-Nair
  Subject areas: Stereolithography, photopolymerization, refractive index, simulation

Research Master

• Tilia Gädeke
  Topic: Nanoimprint lithography of complex structures
• Carlos Hernandes
  Topic: Evaluation of the refractive index during polymerization
• Christos Karapatzakis
  Topic: 2 photon polymerization and nanoimprint lithography on curved sub-rates
• Bhavesh Kothari
  Topic: 2 photon polymerization of optical waveguides
• Ahmad Raza
  Topic: Wavefront measurements during photopolymerization
• Cordelia Wittemann
  Topic: 2 photon polymerization, nanoimprint lithography, COMSOL of 3dim. shaped objects

Bachelor and Master students

• Julia Cikos (Bachelor thesis)
  Topic: Prism coupling measuring station for additively manufactured waveguides
• Millad Goodarzi (HiWi)
  Topic: Shearing interferometry during photopolymerization
• Saskia Sichermann (advanced practice Bachelor)
  Topic: Shearing interferometry during polymerization
• Marvin Seiche (Master thesis)
  Topic: Nanoimprint lithography of 3D structures

Employees ZOT

• Horst Müller - Foreman mechanical workshop ZOT
• Michael Wagner - Laboratory engineer ZOT
• Jan Wilczek - Foreman electronics workshop ZOT

The group focuses on the following topics:

• Design and layout of (additively manufactured) optical components and systems
• Additive manufacturing of optical components (from the nanometer scale to the centimeter scale) with commercial printing systems
  • Ink-jet printing
  • Sterolithography
  • FDM printing
  • Ultrasonic printing
  • 2 photon polymerization
• Development of additive manufacturing processes (focus on 3D printing optics)
  • Robot-based inkjet printing
  • µPSL with double patterning for increased structure resolution
  • Process based on dielectrophoresis for individual microlenses / deforation of polymers in an electric field
• Analysis and simulation of optical properties in additively manufactured optical elements
  • Raman investigations
  • Microscopy (light, electron and atomic force microscopy)
  • Interferometry (white light interferometry, shearing interferometry)
  • Refractive index measurement
  • Scattered light measurement
  • Simulation of diffractive optical elements (Fourier optical simulations)
  • Simulations with Light-Tools, RSoft and Code V
• Design of optical systems
  • passive optical systems
  • active optical systems
  • Adaptive optical systems
• Replication of optical structures using nanoimprint lithography
  • Master and stamp realization using FIB or 2PP
  • flat and curved substrates
  • Investigation of the influence of electric fields
• Machine learning methods and artificial intelligence
  • Neural networks in the field of inkjet processes and optical design
  • Diffractive neural networks based on additively manufactured elements
  • Physics Informed Neural Networks and Transformer Models to describe the deformation of polymers in an electric field

M. Dohmen, A. Heinrich, C. Neumann, "Modeling and simulation of custom microlenses from electrically deformed droplets", Proceedings Volume 13381, Advanced Fabrication Technologies for Micro/Nano Optics and Photonics XVIII; 1338103 doi.org/10.1117/12.3042017 (2025)

Regina Schuster, Annika Dehm, Selina Burkert, Christos Karapatzakis, Andreas Heinrich, Anne Harth, Manufacturing of phase gratings using nanoimprint lithography, SPIE: Advanced Fabrication Technologies for Micro/Nano Optics and Photonics XVII, doi.org/10.1117/12.3001400 (2024)

C. Eder, A. Heinrich "Dynamics of polymers with neodymium doped nanoparticles under optical excitation", Proceedings Volume 12882, Optical Components and Materials XXI; 1288202 doi.org/10.1117/12.3001572 (2024)

M. Dohmen, A. Heinrich, C. Neumann "Additive manufactured and electrically deformed lenses on optical fibers for improved coupling", Proceedings Volume 12898, Advanced Fabrication Technologies for Micro/Nano Optics and Photonics XVII; 1289808, doi.org/10.1117/12.3001481 (2024)

S. Burkert, L. Schwörer, T. Schubert, D. Stein, A. Heinrich "Non-destructive multi-parameter investigation of nanoimprinted structures", Proceedings Volume 12898, Advanced Fabrication Technologies for Micro/Nano Optics and Photonics XVII; 128980M, doi.org/10.1117/12.2692650 (2024)

R. Schuster, A. Dehm, S. Burkert, C. Karapatzakis, A. Heinrich, A. Harth "Manufacturing of phase gratings using nanoimprint lithography", Proceedings Volume 12898, Advanced Fabrication Technologies for Micro/Nano Optics and Photonics XVII; 128980N, doi.org/10.1117/12.3001400 (2024)

B. Rapp, F. Kotz-Helmer (editors) "Additive Manufacturing of Glass: From Science to Applications", Elsevier Part 6, ISBN 978-0323854887 Chapter 9: M. Dohmen, A. Heinrich "Next-generation (micro-)optic" (2024)

S. Hägele, M. Rank, R. Terborg, A. Heinrich, V. Pruneri "Comprehensive optical monitoring of photopolymer curing for additive manufacturing of diffractive elements", Optics Express, doi.org/10.1364/OE.530967 (2024)

J. Krüger, P. Manley, D. Bergmann, R. Köning, B. Bodermann, C. Eder, A. Heinrich, P.-I. Schneider, M. Hammerschmidt, L. Zschiedrich, "Introduction and application of a new approach for model-based optical bidirectional measurements", Meas. Sci. Technol. 35, 085014, doi.org/10.1088/1361-6501/ad4b53 (2024)

A. Heinrich, A. Harth, "Evaluation of the refractive index during the polymerization of UV-curable acrylates"; ISSN: 1614-8436 - urn:nbn:de:0287-2024-B009-6; DGaO Proceedings (2024)

M. Dohmen, A. Heinrich, C. Neumann, "Electrically deformed lenses for optimized optical fiber coupling"; ISSN: 1614-8436 - urn:nbn:de:0287-2024-B010-1; DGaO Proceedings (2024)

S. Burkert, L. Schwörer, T. Schubert, J. Grundmann, D. Stein, A. Heinrich, "Non-destructive multimodal analysis of polymer-based micro- and nano-structures for nanoimprint lithography"; ISSN: 1614-8436 - urn:nbn:de:0287-2024-A023-5; DGaO Proceedings (2024)

Selina Burkert, Lukas Schwörer, Tim Schubert, Jana Grundmann, David Stein and Andreas Heinrich, "Investigation of the Measurement Systems' Suitability for the Non-Destructive Measurement of Complex Polymer-Based Micro and Nanostructures" Metrology, 4, 673-694. doi.org/10.3390/metrology4040040 (2024)

A. Heinrich, M. Rank, "Locally and temporally resolved image-based determination of the refractive index distribution during additive manufacturing of polymer", Proceedings Volume 12418, Organic Photonic Materials and Devices XXV; 124180B, dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.2647273 (2023)

M. Rank, A. Heinrich, "Image-based determination of the spatial and temporal distribution of the refractive index during the curing of polymers in the additive manufacturing of optics" tm - Technisches Messen; doi.org/10.1515/teme-2023-0012 (2023)

S. Burkert, C. Eder, A. Heinrich "Use of an inkjet-printed photomask in the photolithographic production of polymer structures", Proceedings 124th DGaO Conference, (2023)

N. Schneele, C. Eder, A. Heinrich, "Nanoimprint lithography on non-planar surfaces using a combination of flexible and preformed imprint stamps.", Proceedings 124th DGaO Conference, ISSN: (2023)

M. Dohmen, A. Heinrich, C. Neumann, "Dielectrophoretic fabrication of microlenses", Proceedings 124th DGaO Conference, ISSN: ISSN: 1614-8436 - urn:nbn:de:0287-2023-A006-6 (2023)

J. Krüger, B. Bodermann, R. Köning, P. Manley, L. Zschiedrich , P. Schneider, A. Heinrich, C. Eder, A. Goehnermeier, "On Aberration Retrieval for optical Microscopes in length Metrology", Proc. SPIE 12619, Optical Metrology, paper 12619; (2023)

P. Manley, J. Krüger, B. Bodermann, R. Köning, A. Heinrich, C. Eder, A. Goehnermeier, U. Zeiser, M. Hammerschmidt, L. Zschiedrich , P. Schneider "Efficient simulation of microscopic imaging for reconstruction of nanostructures", Proc. SPIE 12619, Optical Metrology, paper 12619-34; (2023)

S. Burkert, C. Eder, A. Heinrich, "Investigation of Inkjet-Printed Masks for Fast and Easy Photolithographic NIL Masters Manufacturing"; MDPI Micromachines 14, 1524. doi.org/10.3390/mi14081524 (2023)

V. Richter, M. Rank, A. Heinrich, H. Schneckenburger, "Novel Approaches in 3D Live Cell Microscopy", Quantum Electronics, Vol. 52, Issue 1, 2022, pp. 17-21, DOI: 10.1070/QEL17961

M. Schneckenburger, S. Höfler, L. Garcia, R. Almeida, R. Börret, "Material Removal Predictions in the Robot Glass Polishing Process Using Machine Learning", SN Applied Sciences, Vol. 4, Issue 1, Art.-No. 33, 2022, p. 14, DOI: 10.1007/s42452-021-04916-7

M. Schneckenburger, R. Almeida, S. Höfler, R. Börret, "Material removal by slurry erosion in the robot polishing of optics by polishing slurry nozzles" Wear, Vol. 494-495, Art.-No. 204257, 2022, p. 7, DOI: 10.1016/j.wear.2022.204257

C. Eder, A. Heinrich, "First steps into coherent object classification using convolutional deep diffractive neural networks", TM - Technisches Messen, Vol. 89, Issue 6, 2022, pp. 421-429, DOI: 10.1515/teme-2021-0128

A. Sigel, A. Heinrich, "Distortion correction of an omnidirectional camera by 3D reference objects", TM-Technical Measurement, Vol. 89, Issue 11, 2022, p. 12, DOI: 10.1515/teme-2022-0067

M. Dohmen, A. Sigel, A. Heinrich, "Additive manufacturing of a catadioptric panoramic lens", Jahrbuch der Optik und Feinmechanik, Dr. Wolf-Dieter Prenzel (ed.), Vol. 67, 2022, pp. 15-32, ISBN: 978-3-00-072263-9 , Optik Verlag

M. Rank, A. Heinrich, "Locally and temporally resolved image-based determination of the refractive index distribution during additive manufacturing of optical components", proceedings of the event "Forum Bildverarbeitung 2022" from 24 - 25.11.2022, Karlsruhe, Längle, T. and Heizmann, M. (eds.), 2022, pp. 215-226, ISSN: 2510-7224, ISBN: 978-3-7315-1237-0 , DOI: 10.5445/KSP/1000150865, pages: 215-226, location reference: www.ksp.kit.edu/site/books/e/10.5445/KSP/1000150865/

M. Rosner, A. Heinrich, "Addtive Fertigung eines Random Lasers", Proceedings 123rd DGaO Conference 2022, Pforzheim, 2022, p. 2, ISSN: 1614-8436, location reference: www.dgao-proceedings.de/abstract/abstract_only.php

A. Wolff, Y. Bauckhage, A. Heinrich, J. K. N. Lindner, "Directed Self-Assembly of Polystyrene Nanosphere Lithography Masks Using Additively Printed Templates", Proceedings of the "14th International Conference on Physics of Advanced Materials" 2022, p. 2

S. Reichel, K. Blankenbach, F. Späth, V. Wohlgemuth, A. Reber, M. Rank, A. Heinrich "Improved light scattering characterization by BSDF of automotive interior and 3D printed materials", Proceedings Volume 11693, Photonic Instrumentation Engineering VIII; 1169311 (2021) doi.org/10.1117/12.2578150, 2021

Oberst M, Klar T and Heinrich A, 'The Effect of Mobile Indoor Air Cleaners on the Risk of Infection with SARS-CoV-2 in Surgical Examination and Treatment Rooms with Limited Ventilation Options', Austin J Public Health Epidemiol. 2021; 8(1): 1094.

Oberst M., Heinrich A. "Effect of a mobile room air filter on aerosol exposure in surgical examination rooms against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic", Der Unfallchirurg, doi.org/10.1007/s00113-021-00975-y, 124, pages 362-365 (2021)

Mike Dohmen, Andreas Heinrich, " Gradient index lens manufacturing application of a multi-material robotic dispenser" DGaO-Proceedings 2021 - www.dgao-proceedings.de - ISSN: 1614-8436 - urn:nbn:de:0287-2021-A009-1, 2021

Steffen Reichel, Karlheinz Blankenbach, Andreas Reber, Andreas Heinrich, "Improved optical light scattering measurements by BSDF", DGaO Proceedings 2021 - www.dgao-proceedings.de - ISSN: 1614-8436 - urn:nbn:de:0287-2021-P005-7, 2021

Murat-Jakub Ilhan, Mike Dohmen, Andreas Heinrich, "Additive manufacturing of aspherical microlenses using dielectrophoresis", DGaOProceedings2021-http://www.dgao-proceedings.de-ISSN:1614-8436-urn:nbn:de:0287-2021-A010-7, 2021

Christian Eder, Andreas Heinrich, "Deep Diffractive Neural Networks - An investigation of new approaches and evaluation of Fourier optics as a design method", DGaO Proceedings 2021 - www.dgao-proceedings.de - ISSN: 1614-8436 - urn:nbn:de:0287-2021-A037-5, 2021

Manuel Rank, Andreas Heinrich, "Characterization of the curing kinetics of photosensitive resins for 3D printing of optical components", DGaO Proceedings 2021 - www.dgao-proceedings.de - ISSN: 1614-8436 - urn:nbn:de:0287-2021-A012-5, 2021

Michael Oberst, Andreas Heinrich, "The effect of mobile air filter systems on aerosol exposure in large-scale scenarios against the background of the risk of infection with COVID-19 disease. Can face-to-face teaching be resumed?", Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie volume 71, pages 205-212, doi.org/10.1007/s40664-021-00435-9 (2021)

M. Merkel, A. Heinrich, A. Sigel, C. Ocker "Adaptive mirror element" Patent specification DE 10 2019 132 796 B3 2021.04.01, 2021

V. Richter, M. Rank, A. Heinrich, H. Schneckenburger, "Novel approaches in 3D live cell microscopy", Quantum Electronics 52 (1) 17 - 21 (2022)

A. Heinrich "Can one 3D print a laser", Proceedings Volume 11277, Organic Photonic Materials and Devices XXII; 1127704, doi.org/10.1117/12.2547183, 2020

C. Eder, M. Rank, A. Heinrich, "Additive manufactured organic light-emitting diodes", Proceedings Volume 11277, Organic Photonic Materials and Devices XXII; 1127705 doi.org/10.1117/12.2547232, 2020

Y. Bauckhage, A. Heinrich "Curing subpixel structures for high-resolution printing of translucent materials using standard DLP-projectors", Proceedings Volume 11294, Emerging Digital Micromirror Device Based Systems and Applications XII; SPIE Photonics West, doi.org/10.1117/12.2545711, 1129408, 2020

A. Heinrich (editor) "3D Printing of Optical Components", Springer Series in Optical Sciences, ISBN 978-3-030-58959-2 , 2020

S. Suresh-Nair, A. Heinrich, M. Klein, S. Steenhusen, "Additive Manufacturing of Photoluminescent Optics", Proc. 10915, Organic Photonic Materials and Devices; doi: 10.1117/12 . 2508574; 2019

M. Rank, A. Heinrich; "Measurement and use of the refractive index distribution in optical elements created by additive manufacturing", Proc. 10930, Advanced Fabrication Technologies for Micro/Nano Optics and Photonics; doi: 10.1117/ 12.2507262; 2019

V. Richter, S. Suresh Nair, A. Heinrich, H. Schneckenburger: "Towards 3D printed standard probes for fluorescence microscopy", Focus in Microscopy FOM 2019, London, U.K., 2019.

A. Sigel, M. Dohmen, A. Heinrich, " Evaluation of a 3D printed freeform reflector and lens"; ISBN: 978-1-943580-60-6 ; DOI: 10.1364/FREEFORM.2019.JW3A.3, 2019

C. Eder, M. Rank, A. Heinrich, "Additive manufacturing of organic light-emitting diodes", Proceedings 120th DGaO Conference, ISSN: 1614-8436-urn:nbn:de:0287-2019-B004-5; 2019

A. Heinrich, "Potential and limits of additively manufactured optics", Jahrbuch Optik und Feinmechanik 2017, vol. 63, pp. 79-93, ISBN 978-3-00-58978-2 , Optik Verlag Görlitz, 2018

S. Suresh Nair, J. Nuding, A. Heinrich, "3D-printed optical active components", Proc. SPIE 10529, Organic Photonic Materials and Devices XX; doi: 10.1117/12.2287427; 2018

A. Heinrich, R. Börret, M. Merkel, H. Riegel, "Additive manufacturing of reflective and transmissive optics - potential and new solutions for optical systems", Proc. 10523, Laser 3D Manufacturing V; doi: 10.1117/12.2293130; 2018

M. Rank, A. Heinrich, "3D Printing of Optics", Spotlight vol. SL39, dx.doi.org/10.1117/3.2324763; ISBN: 9781510619982 , SPIE Press, 2018

A. Sigel, A. Heinrich, "A source-target mapping approach by inverse ray tracing for the computation of reflective freeform optics", Proceedings 119th DGaO Conference, ISSN: 1614-8436, urn:nbn:de 0287-2018-P015-8; 2018

Y. Bauckhage, A. Heinrich, "Optimization of the surface quality of additively manufactured transmitting optics by means of dip coating", Proceedings 119th DGaO Conference, ISSN: 1614-8436, urn:nbn:de 0287-2018-P053-6; 2018

M. Rank, M. Wagner, H. Schneckenburger, A. Heinrich, "Additively manufactured monolithic light sheet illumination unit for illumination from multiple directions", Proceedings 119th DGaO Conference, ISSN: 1614-8436, urn:nbn:de 0287-2018-P052-2; 2018

M. Rank, A. Heinrich, "Additive manufacturing of a lens with a gradient in the refractive index", Proceedings 119th DGaO Conference, ISSN: 1614-8436, urn:nbn:de 0287-2018-A006-0; 2018

S. Suresh-Nair, A. Heinrich, M. Klein, J. Nuding, "Additive Manufacturing of Functional (Photoluminescent) Optical Components", Proceedings 119th DGaO Conference, ISSN: 1614-8436, urn:nbn:de 0287-2018-A005-6; 2018

A. Heinrich, M. Rank, A. Sigel, Y. Bauckhage, S. Suresh-Nair, "Additive Manufacturing of Reflective and Transparent Optics - Potential and New Solution Possibilities for Optical Systems", Proceedings 119th DGaO Conference, ISSN: 1614-8436, urn:nbn:de 0287-2018-H001-2; 2018

A. Heinrich "Proceedings of the 119th Annual Conference of the German Society for Applied Optics", 2018

A. Heinrich, "Methoden der optischen Messtechnik", book article in "Optik für Ingenieure und Naturwissenschaftler - Grundlagen und Anwendungen"; Publisher: E. Hering, ISBN: 978-3-446-44281-8 , Hansa Fachbuch; 2017

K. Schlichting, T. Novak, A. Heinrich. "Additive Manufacturing of Tunable Lenses", Proc. SPIE 10101, Photonics West 2017: Organic Photonic Materials and Devices XIX, 1010116, doi: 10.1117/12.2252353; 2017

A. Heinrich, M. Rank, S. Suresh Nair, Y. Bauckhage, P. Maillard, "Additive manufacturing: a new approach to realize complex and unconventional optical components", Proc. SPIE 10101, Organic Photonic Materials and Devices XIX, 1010118; doi: 10.1117/12.2250367; 2017

M. Rank, S. Pekrul, A. Horsak, Y. Bauckhage, A. Heinrich, "Diffractive Effects of 3D printed optical elements", Proceedings 118th DGaO Conference, ISSN: 1614-8436, urn:nbn:de 0287-2017-B008-9; 2017

T. Novak, K. Schlichting, A. Heinrich, "Additive manufacturing and analysis of liquid lenses", Proceedings 118th DGaO Conference, ISSN: 1614-8436, urn:nbn:de 0287-2017-B007-5; 2017

T. Tischler, A. Varnay, A. Heinrich, "Additive manufacturing and analysis of the properties of elastomer optics", Proceedings 118th DGaO Conference, ISSN: 1614-8436, urn:nbn:de 0287-2017-P034-8; 2017

A. Heinrich, "Additive manufacturing of optical components", Proceedings 14th Rapid.Tech conference, pp. 160-167; 2017

A. Sigel, P. Maillard, M. Rank, A. Heinrich, "Individualized optical metrology based on additively manufactured optical components", tm - technisches Messen, vol. 84 (7-8), pp. 512-524; 2017

A. Sigel, M. Merkel, A. Heinrich, "Miniaturization of an optical 3D sensor by additive manufacture of metallic mirrors", Proc. SPIE 10329, Optical Measurement Systems for Industrial Inspection X, 103290Q; doi:10.1117/12.2269801; 2017

E. Stübling, Y. Bauckhage, E. Jelli, B. Globisch, M. Schell, A. Heinrich, J. C. Balzer, and M. Koch, "A THz Tomography System for Arbitrarily Shaped Samples", Journal of Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves, vol. 38, pp. 1179-1182; 2017

M. Rank, A. Horsak, A. Heinrich, "Simple scattering analysis and simulation of optical components created by additive manufacturing", Proc. SPIE 10448, Optifab, 104480N; doi: 10.1117/12.2279781, 2017

A. Sigel, M. Rank, P. Maillard, Y. Bauckhage, S. Pekrul, M. Merkel, A. Heinrich "Individualized optical metrology for in-line applications based on additive manufacturing", Forum Bildverarbeitung, Karlsruhe, Conference Proceedings, pp. 25-36; 2016

Almeida, R.; Börret, R.; Rimkus, W.; Harrison, D.K.; Desilva, A.K.M.: "Polishing Material Removal Correlation on PMMA - FEM Simulation", in: Journal of the European Optical Society - Rapid publications Vol 11/2016, ISSN 1990-2573, (2016) [peer reviewed]

Pohl, M.; Börret, R.: "Simulation of mid-spatials from the grinding process", Journal of the European Optical Society - Rapid publications, Vol 11 (2016), ISSN 1990-2573 [peer reviewed]

A. Heinrich, M. Rank, P. Maillard, A. Suckow, Y. Bauckhage, P. Rößler, J. Lang, F. Shariff and S. Pekrul; "Additive manufacturing of optical components" Advanced Optical Technologies vol. 5(4), pp. 293-301; 2016

Heinrich A., Bauckhage Y., "3D printed light pipes for advanced illumination", DGAO conference, 2016, Hannover

Suckow A., Shariff F., Pekrul S., Heinrich A., "Additive Manufacturing - Design and Fabrication of Fisheye Objectives", DGaO Conference, 2016, Hanover

Weimann C., Wolf S., Meier D, Schleitzer Y., Totzeck M., Heinrich A., Höller F., Freude W., Koos C., Fast high-precision distance measurement with electro-optic frequency combs, DGaO Conference 2015, Brno, Czech Republic

Heinrich A., Sorg B., Grzesiak A., Berger U, " An optical bore hole sensor based on additive manufacturing", DGAO Conference, 2015, Brno, Czech Republic

Heinrich A., Maillard P., Suckow A., Grzesiak A., Sorg B., Berger U., " Additive Manufacturing - a new approach for individualized optical shape metrology", Proc. SPIE 9525, Optical Measurement Systems for Industrial Inspection IX, 95251T; doi:10.1117/12.2183168; 2015

Maillard P., Heinrich A., "3D printed Free Form Optical Sensors for Metrology Application", Proc. SPIE 9628, Optical Systems Design 2015: Optical Fabrication, Testing, and Metrology V, 96281J; doi: 10.1117/12.2191280; 2015

Kölmel A., Bareis J., Stefan L., Heinrich A., Lanza G., "Detection of air inclusions during adhesive bead application", tm - Technisches Messen. Volume 82, Issue 11, pp. 585-594; 2015

Weimann C., Wolf S., Meier D., Schleitzer Y., Totzeck M., Heinrich A., Hoeller F., Freude W, Koos C. "Fast high-precision distance measurements with electro-optic frequency combs", DGaO conference 2014

C. Weimann, D. Meier, S. Wolf, Y. Schleitzer, A. Heinrich, F. Höller, J. Leuthold, W. Freude, C. Koos, "Accurate distance measurement to scattering surfaces using frequency combs generated by electro-optical moldulation", Conf. on Lasers and Electro-Optics CLEO'13 , San Jose (CA), USA, Paper CTu2I.3, 2013

O. Paul, F. Widulle, B. Kleemann, A. Heinrich, "Nanometrology of periodic nanopillar arrays by means of light scattering", Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering 8788:87881O, 2013

F. Widulle, V.D. Calzadilla, E. Gridneva, H. Wegendt, B.H. Kleemann, and A. Heinrich", Nanometrology of periodic nanopillar arrays by means of light scattering, 9th international conference on Multi-Material Micro Manufacture, doi:10.3850/978-981-07-3353-7_312, 2012

J. Griesbauer, T. Körner, T. Wehlus, A. Heinrich, B. Stritzker, J. Simon and W. Mader, "Mechano- and magneto-optical sensitivity of YIG buffer systems", CrystEngComm, Vol. 13, pp77-82, 2011

T. Wehlus, T. Körner, S. Leitenmeier, A. Heinrich, and B. Stritzker, "Magneto-optical garnets for integrated optoelectronic devices", Phys. Status Solidi A 208, No. 2, pp 252-263; 2011

H. Münz, W. Anderl, J. Kraus, A. Heinrich, "Metrology Module for laser system", Patent, WO 2011023765 A1, 2011

Efrain Figueroa, William Partlo, John Martin, Ralf Moser, Markus Deubel, Andreas Heinrich, Oliver Glöckl, Anton Lengel, Johannes Ackva, "System method and apparatus for selecting and controlling light source bandwidth", Patent, WO2010048604A1; 2009

S. Leitenmeier, T. Körner, J. Griesbauer, M. Herbort, A. Heinrich, B. Stritzker, "Studies on the growth of epitaxial bismuth-substituted iron garnet on gadolinium gallium garnet single crystals by pulsed laser deposition", Journal of Crystal growth, vol. 310 pp 5392-5401, 2008

A. Heinrich, K. Dengler, T. Körner, C. Haczek, H. Deppe, B. Stritzker, "Laser modified Titanium Implants for improved cell adhesion", Lasers in Medical Science3, vol. 23, pp 55-58, 2008

A. Heinrich, T. Körner, J. Simon, W. Mader, M. Knoll, A. Kalytta, S. Horn, B. Stritzker, "Double Layered Poly Iron Garnet Structure of BiFeO and YIG grown von SiO substrates by pulsed laser deposition", Journal of the Magnetics Society of Japan, vol. 32, no. 2-2, pp 130-134, 2008

T. Körner, A. Heinrich, M. Weckerle, P. Roocks, B. Stritzker, "Integration of magneto-optical active bismuth iron garnet on non-yarn substrates", Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 103(7), 07B337, 2008

S. Leitenmeier, A. Heinrich, J.K.N. Lindner, B. Stritzker; "Growth of epitaxial bismuth and gallium substituted lutetium iron garnet films by pulsed laser deposition"; Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 99, pp 08M704, 2006

R. Lux, A. Heinrich, S. Leitnemeier, T. Körner, B. Stritzker, "Pulsed-Lase Deposition and growth studies of BiFeO", Journal of Applied Physics, vol. 100, pp 113511, 2006

A. Heinrich, A. Hörner, A. Wixforth, B. Stritzker; "Pulsed Laser Deposition of La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 on LiNbO3 for Surface Acoustic Wave Investigations"; Thin Solid Films, vol. 510, pp 77-81, 2006

M. Kuhn, A. Heinrich, B. Schey, B. Stritzker; "Fabrication of functional layers and multilayers by laser deposition (PLD)", Dornbirner Mikrotechniktage, 2006

A. Heinrich, S. Leitenmeier, R. Lux, T. Körner, M. Herbort, B. Stritzker, "Pulsed Laser Deposition and Growth Studies of Bi3Fe5O12 on Gd3Ga5O12 and SiO2", Journal of Magentics Society of Japan, vol. 30, pp 584-587, 2006

A. Heinrich, "Magnetoopitsche Materialien und magnetooptische Untersuchungen an Supraleitern", Habilitationsschrift, opus.bibliothek.uni-augsburg.de/opus4/frontdoor/index/index/docID/283, 2006

A. Heinrich, B. Stritzker, C. Leirer and A. Wixforth; "Laser ablation of MgB2 thin films and characterization of the magnetic flux structure be means of magneto-optics and surface acoustic waves"; book article in New Topics in Josephson Junction and Superconductivity Research, ISBN 1600211836, 2006

A. Heinrich "Quenching of superconductivity and propagation of the resulting normal phase in YBCO films", Superconductor Science and Technology, vol. 18, pp 1354-1359, 2005

H. Deppe, S. Warmuth, A. Heinrich, T. Körner; "Laser-assisted three-dimensional surface modifications of titanium implants: preliminary data"; Lasers in Medical Science, vol. 19, pp 229-233, 2005

A. Heinrich, C. Leirer, B. Stritzker; "Pulsed Laser Deposition of MgB2-Films with high critical temperatures", Superconductor Science and Technology, vol. 18, pp 1215-1217, 2005

B. Woerz, A. Heinrich, B. Stritzker; "Epitaxial NiO buffer layer by Chemical Enhanced Surface Oxidation Epitaxy on Ni5%W RABiTS for YBCO coated conductors", Physica C vol. 418/3-4 pp 107-120, 2005

A. Heinrich, B. Renner, R. Lux, A. Reller, B. Stritzker; " Influence of oxygen pressure, temperature and substrate/target distance on Cu2Ta4O12 thin films prepared by pulsed-laser deposition "; Thin Solid Films, 479/1-2, pp. 12-16, 2005

A. Heinrich, S. Leitenmeier, S. Che'Rose, J. Schwartz, B. Stritzker; "Deposition of Magneto-Optical Materials and Magneto-Optical Analysis of Superconductors", Moldavien Journal of Physical Sciences, 2004

A. Heinrich, M. Kuhn, B. Schey, W. Biegel, B. Stritzker; "Influence of external magnetic field geometry on flux and current distribution in superconducting thin films"; Physica C, vol 405/1, pp 41-46, 2004

A. Heinrich, B. Wörz, B. Stritzker; "Chemical enhanced Surface Oxidation Epitaxy: Oriented (001) NiO, buffer and YBCO growth on Ni5at%W RABiTS"; Applied Superconductivity, IOP, vol. 181, pp 1798-1805, 2003

A. M. Heinrich, B. Woerz, H. Karl and B. Stritzker; "Study of a Non-Thermal / Thermal Formation of NiO on Ni5W-Tapes"; IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity; vol. 13; no. 2; pp. 2559-2562; 2003

V.I. Zdravkov, A.S. Sidorenko, A.N. Rossolenko, V.V. Ryazanov, A. Heinrich, M. Klemm, R. Tidecks, A. Wixforth; "Influence of strong disorder on superconductivity of MgB2", Surface Science, 2003

A. Hiebl, A. Heinrich, K. Numssen, H. Kinder, W. Weck, A. Müller, H. Schölderle; "Active high power switches based on Y-Ba2-Cu3-O7-d thin films"; Physica C; vol. 372-376; pp. 1615-1618; 2002

A. Lehner, A. Heinrich, K. Numssen, H. Kinder; "Probing the temperature during switching of YBCO films"; Physica C; vol. 372-376; pp. 1619-1621; 2002

A. Heinrich, J. Müller, A. Hiebl, K. Numssen, H. Kinder, W. Weck, A. Müller, H. Schölderle; "Y-Ba-Cu-O Thin Films as Active High Power Switches"; IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity; Vol. 11; No. 1; pp. 1952-1955; 2001

M. Kuhn, A. Heinrich, B. Schey, W. Biegel, K. Numssen, H. Kinder, B. Stritzker; "Magnetooptical Investigations of Large Transport Currents in Y-Ba-Cu-O-Thin Films"; IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity; Vol. 11; No. 1; pp. 3178-3181; 2001

A. Heinrich, R. Semerad, H. Kinder, J. Grundmann, H. Mosebach, M. Lindmayer, M. Kuhn, W. Biegel, B. Stritzker; "Current limiting properties of YBCO films on sapphire substrates"; Inst. Phys. Conf. Ser. No 167; pp. 967-970; 2000

A. Heinrich, R. Semerad, H. Kinder, H. Mosebach, M. Lindmayer; "Fault Current Limiting Properties of YBCO-Films on Sapphire Substrates"; IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity; Vol. 9; No. 2; pp. 660-663; 1999

H. Kinder, A. Heinrich, R. Semerad, J. Grundmann, H. Mosebach, M. Lindmayer; "Switching properties of fault current limiters with very high power density"; Applied Superconductivity Conference, Hawaii 1999

Studies currently being carried out (as of May 2025)

Additive Manufactured Spring Like Mechanical Structures: Characteristcs and Sensors7.07 MBPDF

This study summarizes the current state of research on "Additive manufactured metamaterials for mechanical applications". In addition to the 3D printing of mechanical structures, the topic of "integration of sensor technology" is also considered.

Electric Fields And Polymers3.13 MBPDF

The study provides an overview of publications that deal with the topic of "Deformation of polymers in electric fields".

Myopia Control2.87 MBPDF

This study presents publications that investigate different methods for the treatment of myopia progression.

Excerpt of theses 2025

PUBLICATION ON THE TOPIC "ANALYSIS OF POLYMER STRUCTURES IN THE µm AND nm RANGE"

Presentation on the activities of the working group on the topic of nanoimprint lithography8.60 MBPDF

Presentation on the activities of the working group on the topic of additive manufacturing of optics5.40 MBPDF

Excerpt of final theses 2024

Design analysis and production of optical coupling gratings for curved surfaces10.87 MBPDF

Extract from final theses 2023

Optics design for individually manufactured mirror lenses4.36 MBPDF

Analysis of optical properties of additively manufactured polymer optics by evaluating the curing kinetics of photosensitive UV resins13.90 MBPDF

Extract of final theses 2022

Development of a stamp for nanoimprint lithography on curved surfaces1.82 MBPDF

Development and analysis of a nanoimprint lithography process for the production of channel structures4.49 MBPDF

Photopolymer Layer Application and Structure curing on planar and non-planar Surfaces using a Laser Scanning Lithography Setup7.44 MBPDF

Design and Analysis of a Lithography System for NIL Master Manufacturing Using Inkjet-Printed Photomasks5.29 MBPDF

Investigation of defined layer generation projection micro stereolithography via the deep dip method14.08 MBPDF

Additive Manufacturing

Systems for printing polymer optics

• Printing of microlenses by deformation of liquid polymer droplets in an electric field (in-house development)
• DLP projection system with double pattering (in-house development)
• DLP projection system incl. wavefront measurement (in-house development)
• Robot-based inkjet system (in-house development)
• Nanoscribe Quantum X (2 photon polymerization)
• Sonoplot Microplotter II (ultrasonic dispenser)
• DMP 2831 (inkjet printing system)
• Keyence Agilista 3100 (InkJet system)
• Autodesk Ember (stereolithography system)
• Photon S (stereolithography system)
• Prusa FDM System
• Ulitmaker FDM System

Systems for the replication of polymer optics

• Spincoater EVG 101
• Hotplate EVG
• Maskaligner, Smart NIL, Soft NIL EVG 620

Analysis

• Scanning Focus Refractive Index Micrsocopy (in-house development): Spatially and temporally resolved refractive index measurement
• Krüss DR6300-T refractometer: refractive index measurement
• Confocal sensor (MikroEpsilon): Layer thickness measurement of transparent media
• Filmmetrics F20: coating thickness measurement
• Integrating sphere: luminous flux measurement
• Scanning card microscope (Thorlabs): Surface measurement
• Scattered light measuring station (Reflet 180S, Synopsis): Scatterometer (BRDF/BTDF)
• Optical Spectrum Analyzer (Thorlabs OSA 302): High resolution spectrometer
• Time-resolved spectrometers (in-house development): Fluorescence lifetime measurement, spectroscopy
• Fiber spectrometer (Thorlabs CCS200)
• Waveguide measuring station (in-house development): Characterization of planar waveguides
• Spatial Light Modulator (Thorlabs): Modulation of the phase of a wavefront
• Shinephi (Shinephi company): Shearing interferometer for determining the OPD in transmission
• Powermeter (Thorlabs): Determination of the absolute emission power
• Shack Hartmann sensor (Thorlabs WFS150): Wavefront measurement
• Raman/AFM (Witec): Material and surface characterization
• Raman system (Thorlabs): Material characterization
• Density meter (Schmidt & Haensch EDM4000+): Density measurement
• Laser vibrometer (Polytec): Laser Doppler vibrometry
• Jenoptik Varioscan: Thermal imaging camera
• Precision balance FV-120

Miscellaneous

• Multi-channel laser NIR: fiber-coupled laser
• Ultrasonic homogenizer (Hielscher)
• Vibration plates
• Clean room environment
• Experimental setup for quantum crypotgraphy (Thorlabs)
• Experimental setup for quantum eraser (Thorlabs)
• Optics simulation software (LightTools, CodeV, RSoft)
• Multiphysics simulation (Comsol)
• CAD design software (Creo)

Influence of electric fields on liquid polymers

Deformation of a liquid polymer droplet in an electric field. The polymer droplet can be cured with UV light after deformation. In this way, microlenses with free-form surfaces can be realized.

• Axial deformation (note: drop is mirrored on the substrate in the video): Link
• Off-axis deformation (note: drop is mirrored on the substrate in the video): Link
• Deformation with 2 electrodes (note: drop is mirrored on the substrate in the video): Link

Developed sensors for measuring components:

• An optical sensor that can be used to measure free-form surfaces - the core element is a 3D printed optic: Link
• This sensor can be used to measure drill holes: Link
• Miniaturized sensor with reflective optical element: Link

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) of optical components:

• Polishing process to additively manufactured optical components: Link
• 3D printed volume display: Link
• 3D printed adaptive liquid lens with mechanical support structure: Link
• 3D printing of an optical element with light guide structure: Link

3D printing with the robot:

• FDM printing in 3D mode: Link
• FDM printing in "6D" mode: Link

Lecture portfolio Bachelor "Optical-Engineering"

• Opto-mechanics
• Technical optics and optical metrology
• Optics with Matlab
• LabView
• Introduction to semiconductor physics

Lecture portfolio Master "Applied Photonics"

• Physical Optics
• Introduction into Fourier Optics
• Introduction into Diffrative Optic Design
• Illumination / Simulation with LightTools
• Lithography
• Optical Systems and Optical Metrology
• Scientific Machine Learning

Funded by: DFG

Cooperation partner: University of Bremen (Prof. Bergmann)

Content:

In recent years, additive manufacturing has become increasingly important in the production of complex optical components, especially in the production of single pieces or small quantities. An essential prerequisite for its use in mass production is the development of precise and highly flexible methods for in-process quality assurance and evaluation of the optical properties of the components during the manufacturing process. Particularly in the field of additive manufacturing of gradient index (GRIN) optics, the state of the art shows gaps in the area of targeted influencing of the refractive index distribution and in-process monitoring of the manufacturing process with regard to the optical properties of the manufactured optical components. One obstacle to the development of in-process quality assurance is that there are no comprehensive descriptions in the literature of the influences of the manufacturing process, in particular deviations from the planned process, on the optical properties of the manufactured components. However, a comprehensive understanding of these influences is essential for the design of suitable measurement technology and the compensation of deviations during production. Two main objectives are therefore being pursued as part of the proposed project. On the one hand, the understanding of the influences of the manufacturing process on the polymers and the optical properties of the manufactured optical elements is to be improved. These findings form the basis of a mathematical-physical modeling of the optical properties, taking into account the properties of the manufacturing process. This model forms the basis for the development of an algorithm to compensate for manufacturing deviations and to optimize the manufacturing process. The second objective is to integrate a fast and robust in-process measurement technique for quality assurance based on layer-by-layer wavefront measurement. This approach offers the potential for detecting and compensating for deviations within the manufacturing process and thus optimizing the optical properties of the manufactured optical elements. This forms the basis for an actively controlled additive manufacturing process. On the production side, the targeted and reproducible control of the refractive index distribution poses a particular challenge. The proposed project thus enables a fundamental expansion of the relationships between the optical properties of the manufactured components and the manufacturing boundary conditions. An additively manufactured GRIN lens is to be realized as a demonstrator for the functionality of the active control.

Funding body: Carl Zeiss Foundation

Cooperation partners: Aalen University of Applied Sciences (Prof. Börret, Prof. Goll, Prof. Heckmann, Prof. Knoblauch, Prof. Riegel)

Content (Heinrich working group):

The Heinrich working group investigates additive manufacturing processes for optical elements from the nanometer scale to the decimeter scale. In addition to the use of commercial systems, the group is also researching its own additive manufacturing processes based on completely new manufacturing principles. One major new development is the additive manufacturing of free-form microlenses. In this process, liquid polymer droplets are deposited onto a substrate using an inkjet process, deformed in an electric field and then cured in UV light. The deformation is recorded using an optical imaging system. The resulting deformation, which determines the optical properties of the microlens, depends not only on the substrate and material properties but also to a large extent on the electric field distribution. This in turn is defined by the applied voltage, the electrode design, the geometric configuration, etc.

The integration of physical laws, represented by partial differential equations, into the learning process of neural networks is discussed in [1]. The goal of PINN is to improve both the solutions and the discovery of partial differential equations in a data-driven manner. [2] provides an overview of PINNs that tackle various partial differential equation problems. The basic building blocks of a PINN, their architecture and also the integration of physical laws are discussed. The adaptability of PINNs through various activation functions and optimization techniques is emphasized and their applications in different areas are discussed. The direct use of PINNs is investigated, for example, for the solution of the wave equation [3]. The effectiveness of PINNs in various complex media is demonstrated, and it is shown that PINNs are able to accurately simulate the dynamics of the wave field and generalize beyond the training data. A comprehensive evaluation of the applications of PINNs in power systems is discussed in [4]. There, various aspects such as the integration of physical laws into deep learning methods and specific application examples in power systems, including state and parameter estimation, dynamic analysis and power flow calculation, are studied in detail. In [5], a comprehensive investigation of PINNs in the context of physics-informed machine learning is presented. It discusses the role of PINNs especially with respect to domain decomposition and neural operator learning in different domains.

The simultaneous use of PINNs and transformer models is still little considered in the literature. Thus, the combination of PINNs and transformer models such as ChatGPT is presented in [6]. A platform is discussed that integrates ChatGPT and scientific machine learning to support the design and optimization of airfoils. PINNs and Deep Operator Networks are used to analyze and optimize airflows and shapes. [7] presents "PINNsFormer". Transformer architectures are used to capture temporal dependencies in partial differential equations more effectively.

The Heinrich working group is investigating additive manufacturing processes for optical elements from the nanometer scale to the decimeter scale. In addition to the use of commercial systems, the group is also researching its own additive manufacturing processes based on completely new manufacturing principles. One major new development is the additive manufacturing of free-form microlenses. In this process, liquid polymer droplets are deposited onto a substrate using an inkjet process, deformed in an electric field and then cured in UV light. The deformation is recorded using an optical imaging system. The resulting deformation, which determines the optical properties of the microlens, depends not only on the substrate and material properties but also to a large extent on the electric field distribution. This in turn is defined by the applied voltage, the electrode design, the geometric configuration, etc.

The group has also been investigating neural networks for use in additive manufacturing for a number of years. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are used in particular. For example, CNNs have been investigated for data evaluation for refractive index measurement during polymerization [11,12] or the geometry design of 3D printed mirrors based on CNNs has been considered [13]. Diffractive neural networks were also considered [14,15], and the use of CNNs for additive manufacturing based on inkjet printing was investigated [16].

One challenge with the deformation of the liquid polymer shown in the electric field is predicting the resulting exact contour of the droplet. This is necessary because it defines the optical properties of the lens. The reason for this lies in the complex interrelationships that describe them in reality. Ultimately, it is the interplay between electric field distribution (electrode configuration), substrate properties and material properties, whereby each of these properties is described by its own partial differential equations. Combining these to enable an analytical description is a challenge.

The project idea is to predict the deformation as accurately as possible using a combination of transformer model and PINNs. The transformer models are to be used for the processing and analysis of the sequential process data (in this case image data of the deformation), while the PINNs model the physical behavior of the manufacturing process. The procedure is that a data cleansing and normalization process is carried out first. Then, a transformer model based on ChatGPT is developed, which aims to identify relationships in the sequential image data, taking into account the external parameters.

In the second step, the physical laws are integrated into a PINN model to be developed in Matlab to ensure physical plausibility. Initially, each mechanism (electric field distribution, substrate property and material property) will be considered on its own. Once this has been worked out, the next step is to investigate how these can be combined into a common PINN.

The third step is to combine the Transformer model with the PINN model in order to utilize the strengths of both approaches, with continuous validation and adaptation taking place during the training process. This careful integration and validation ensures that the overall model provides accurate and reliable predictions for the deformation.

References:

[1] M. Raissi, et al, "Physics-informed neural networks: A deep learning framework for solving forward and inverse problems involving nonlinear partial differential equations", Journal of Computational Physics 378; 686-707; 2019

[2] S. Cuoma, et al, "Scientific Machine Learning Through Physics-Informed Neural Networks: Where we are and What's Next", journal of Scientific Computing 92:88, doi.org/10.1007/s10915-022-01939-z, 2022

[3] B. Moseley, et al, "Solving the wave equation with physics-informed deep learning"; arXiv:2006.11894; 2020

[4] B. Huang, et al, "Applications of Physics-Informed Neural Networks in Power Systems - A Review" DOI: 10.1109/TPWRS.2022.3162473, 2023

[5] J. Pateras, et al, "A Taxonomic Survey of Physics-Informed Machine Learning", Appl. Sci, 13(12), 6892; doi.org/10.3390/app13126892, 2023

[6] V. Kumar, et al. "MyCrunchGPT: A chatGPT assisted framework for scientific machine learning", arXiv:2306.15551, 2023

[7] Z. Zaho, et al. "PINNsFormer: A Transformer-Based Framework For Physics-Informed Neural Networks", arXiv:2307.11833, 2023

[8] A. Heinrich (editor) "3D Printing of Optical Components", Springer Series in Optical Sciences, ISBN 978-3-030-58959-2 , chapter 3.5.2, 2021

[9] M. Ilhan, M. Dohmen, A. Heinrich, "Additive manufacturing of aspherical microlenses using dielectrophoresis", DGaOProceedings2021-http://www.dgao-proceedings.de-ISSN:1614-8436-urn:nbn:de:0287-2021-A010-7, 2021

[10] M. Dohmen, A. Heinrich, "Dielectrophoretic fabrication of microlenses", Proceedings 124th DGaO Conference, ISSN: 1614-8436, 2023

[11] M. Rank, "Analysis of optical properties of additively manufactured polymer optics by evaluating the
curing kinetics of photosensitive UV resins", Dissertation, Aalen University of Applied Sciences, ZOT, AG Heinrich, 2023

[12] M. Rank, A. Heinrich, "Image-based determination of the spatial and temporal distribution of the refractive index during the curing of polymers in the additive manufacturing of optics" tm - Technisches Messen; doi.org/10.1515/teme-2023-0012 (2023)

[13] A. Sigel, A. Heinrich, "Geometry Construction of Freeform Reflectors using Convolutional Neural Networks", submitted for publication

[14] Christian Eder, Andreas Heinrich, "Deep Diffractive Neural Networks - An investigation of new approaches and evaluation of Fourier optics as a design method", DGaO Proceedings 2021 - www.dgao-proceedings.de - ISSN: 1614-8436 - urn:nbn:de:0287-2021-A037-5, 2021

[15] C. Eder, A. Heinrich, "First steps into coherent object classification using convolutional deep diffractive neural networks", tm - Technisches Messen, 89(6): 421-429, 2022

[16] A. Schwan "Determination of the drop volume in inkjet printing using supervised convolutional neural networks", Bachelor thesis, Aalen University of Applied Sciences, ZOT, AG Heinrich, 2021

Funded by: BMBF (FHKooperativ)

Cooperation partners: Aalen University of Applied Sciences (Prof. von Baer, Prof. Kazi)

Content:

SMArtMed aims to provide innovative key technologies that will enable the development of future intelligent
intelligent drug patches. The project focuses on
- the dosed delivery of very small amounts of medication via microneedles and
- measuring the dose of medication absorbed by the body on the skin.
The innovations of the project include
a) an SMA wire model that realistically describes the behavior of the electrical wire resistance as a basis for the sensorless operation of an SMA.
basis for the sensorless operation of an SMA microdosing system
b) the use of high-frequency oscillations of SMA wires
c) the high-precision 3D printing of master structures for nanoimprint lithography
d) the use of nanoimprint lithography for the replication of microneedles for drug delivery
e) the use of microneedles for the optical measurement of drug concentration in tissue
Five partial demonstrators for the implementation of the individual key technologies are to be realized in the project.
be realized. The technologies will be combined in the overall demonstrator of an intelligent drug patch.
combined.
The project is being carried out in close cooperation with Actuator Solution GmbH (world market leader in SMA actuators)
and Rodinger Kunststoff-Technik (leading specialist in plastics and precision injection molding technology).
injection molding technology).

Funding body: DFG

Content:

As the strongest research university in Baden-Württemberg, Aalen University of Applied Sciences is characterized by two key research areas - Advanced Materials and Manufacturing and Photonics. The main pillar of the Photonics research focus is the Center for Optical Technologies (ZOT) - an association of 5 research groups at the University of Applied Sciences in the field of applied optics. As part of this project, a structural development is to take place at the ZOT in order to establish sustainable knowledge-oriented research in the field of applied optics. A key profile element of the ZOT is the development of new technologies in the field of additive manufacturing for optics. For example, a robot-based additive manufacturing platform is being developed as part of the DFG program "New Devices for Research". Or the additive manufacturing of microlenses using electric fields is being financed by a DFG grant. But ZOT is also strongly represented in the field of additive manufacturing of optics on the >1μm scale through a large number of BMBF projects. Looking at ZOT's strategic development, it is clear that ZOT needs to expand its activities from the "microworld" to the "nanoworld" in order to be able to influence additional properties of light such as phase or polarization. A gap analysis shows that this requires more knowledge-oriented research, although the necessary infrastructure is not available. For this reason, an additive manufacturing system is being applied for as part of this project, which enables a structure resolution in the nanometre range based on 2 photon polymerization. Such a resolution is necessary for additively manufactured optical components, as this is in the order of magnitude of the wavelength of visible light. Another important point is to enable an analysis of the manufactured structures, which is why a scanning electron microscope is also being applied for. A
Another aim is to initiate new DFG proposals based on the proposed infrastructure in order to expand knowledge-driven research at ZOT and thus consolidate ZOT's strategic development in the nanoworld. On the one hand, the proposed infrastructure is to be combined with ongoing activities in order to tackle fundamental issues that are now accessible. In detail, the areas of robot-based additive manufacturing, diffractive optical neural networks and shape adaptation of liquid polymers using electric fields are to be strengthened in the long term. On the other hand, 3 new pilot projects (partly with partners) will be considered and the basis for DFG applications will be developed. The potential of additive manufacturing with nanometer structure resolution in combination with nanoimprint lithography will be investigated, the polishing of free-form surfaces will be examined and the expansion into microfluidics will be promoted.

Funding body: BMWK - ZIM

Cooperation partner: Setolite

Content:

In this R&D project, a highly compact lighting system is to be developed for mobile use in accident and other temporarily limited, infrastructurally undeveloped environments.

The development goal is a large-scale 5,000 m² homogeneous illumination of the outdoor area with a uniformity factor of ≥ 0.7, at an illuminance of > 50 lx. This requires calculations and 3D production of free-form optics detuned via electric fields for spatial expansion and homogenization of LED beam characteristics. The required compact design also requires an innovative LED cooling concept with improved heat transport mechanisms using mesh capillaries in very flat heat pipes and a new heat transfer concept.

Funded by: BMBF FH-Impuls

Cooperation partner: SmartPro

Content:

A consortium of different research groups at the University of Applied Sciences is investigating additive manufacturing. The working group focuses specifically on the additive manufacturing of optics.

One goal is, for example, the functionalization of existing components such as lenses, wedge plates, spectacle lenses or 3D printed optics with the help of robot-based inkjet printing. Printed electrical layers for the functionalization of electro-optical components will also be considered.

• Customizable miniaturized sensors (3D printed optics) for optical-tactile form measurement technology (BMBF FHProfUnt; funding period 3 years)
• Self-optimizing optical measuring sensor system based on additively manufactured reflective optical components (BW Stiftung; funding period 3 years)
• Fully additively manufactured illumination systems for in-line inspection and biophotonics (BMBF FHProfUnt; funding period 3 years)
• Accurate, flexible and modular 6-dimensional additive manufacturing platform with individual in-situ analysis (6d additive) - (DFG - program "New devices for research"; funding period 6 years)
• New materials for the functionalization of additively manufactured optics (BW Foundation, funding period 3 years)
• Additively manufactured functional and intelligent components (BMBF FHImpuls; funding period 4 years)
• Robot-based additive manufacturing of optical components (BMBF FHProfUnt; funding period 3 years)
• Miniaturized shape memory actuators with a large working range (BMBF FHProfUnt; funding period 3 years)
• Functionalization of surfaces using nanoimprint lithography (BMBF FH Invest; funding period 3 years)
• Optimization of acoustic properties of membranes through printed surface structures (ZIM; funding period 2 years)
• Individual shape adjustment of microlenses using electric fields (DFG; funding period 3 years)
• Development of novel robot-based 6D printing processes for biomedical applications (MWK Innovative Projects; funding period 2 years)
• Combination of effect-related analytics for the analysis of toxic trace substances in drinking water (MWK Innovative Projects; funding period 2 years)
• Simulation and machine learning for high-precision dimensional microscopy (BMBF KMU Innovativ; funding period 3 years)