Main fields of work

• Process development for optical thin-film technology and applications in precision optics, laser technology and consumer optics
• Thermal vaporization in the vacuum
• IAD, Ion Assisted Deposition
• IBS, Ion Beam Sputtering
• Optimization of coating processes and evaluation of new process concepts for e.g.  rugate filters
• In-situ process monitoring, sensorics
• Customization of process componentes, e.g. ion beam sources (plasma analystics)
• Qualifikation of novel materials, such as mixed materials
• Mulit-functional layers: photocatalytic activity ("self-cleaning")
• Software tools: design, simulation, quality assurance
• Development and consulting for industrial manufacturing, technology studies

The project MiniWDM, started in 2008, is a good example for the diversity of research approaches in this group. MiniWDM focuses on developing coatings for miniaturized optical polymer components in data networks. Wavelength-Division-Multiplex (WDM) has been established as a key technology for optical data transmission via fiber-optic cable networks, but is so far mainly used for wide area networks. As it is now envisaged to convert the “last mile” (the last network section that connects the home connection or customer’s household to the communication provider) to fiber-optic cables, there is a great demand for cost-efficient mass-market WDM components.

Within the scope of this project, the Process Development Group focuses on developing virtually self-supporting complex layer systems as a key component for novel miniaturized WDM polymer components, and thus to provide a cost-efficient alternative to conventional WDM modules. Calculations show that to achieve acceptable optical losses, the total thickness of the filter elements should be < 20 µm with the layer system being significantly thicker than the substrate. Due to their substrates the existing filter systems are many times thicker and thus inadequate.

The project MiniWDM, started in 2008, is a good example for the diversity of research approaches in this group. MiniWDM focuses on developing coatings for miniaturized optical polymer components in data networks. Wavelength-Division-Multiplex (WDM) has been established as a key technology for optical data transmission via fiber-optic cable networks, but is so far mainly used for wide area networks. As it is now envisaged to convert the “last mile” (the last network section that connects the home connection or customer’s household to the communication provider) to fiber-optic cables, there is a great demand for cost-efficient mass-market WDM components. 

Within the scope of this project, the Process Development Group focuses on developing virtually self-supporting complex layer systems as a key component for novel miniaturized WDM polymer components, and thus to provide a cost-efficient alternative to conventional WDM modules. Calculations show that to achieve acceptable optical losses, the total thickness of the filter elements should be < 20 µm with the layer system being significantly thicker than the substrate. Due to their substrates the existing filter systems are many times thicker and thus inadequate. 

The research works to develop thin-film filters with high spectral selectivity involve the complete process chain, such as material selection, design, process stability and reproducibility, mechanical stresses as well as structuring and characterization. A measurement system for in-situ transmission spectra developed at the LZH is used to check the thickness of more than 100 layers.  

The MiniWDM research network is funded by the German Ministry of Economics and Labor (BMWi) within the scope of the InnoNet programme (project funding reference number: 16IN0596).