Laser structured strain gauges can be used for exact measurement of forces at critical points, such as for highly stressed tooling machines or complex 3-D workpieces. Currently, the Laser Zentrum Hannover (LZH) is developing sensor structures using ultrashort laser pulses, with the goal of making the production of high-quality thin-film strain gauges economically attractive for small and middle-sized batches.

In collaboration with seven partners, the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) is developing a hybrid welding process which combines the advantages of laser and gas metal arc (GMA) welding to achieve a more efficient process. This process is meant for use on large-sized, thick-plate constructions (> 20 mm), and should open up new perspectives for welding in shipbuilding, pipelines and tower construction.

A new laser welding process promises both an enormous potential for saving energy and higher welding strengths for the manufacturing of solar absorbers. The main element of this innovative process is a diode laser, which is used to join the copper tubes to the aluminum absorber sheet, instead of using the conventional solid-state laser. The Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) presented first successful results of this project at the end of October at the fair EuroBlech 2010.

For small and medium sized enterprises (SME) which use lasers to weld thin metal sheets, lasers with continuous wave radiation are often too expensive. This is due to the high output powers necessary for the welding process. Pulsed Nd:YAG lasers are economically interesting, and offer an alternative to continuous wave lasers. Due to their high peak pulse output, welding with relatively low medium output power (100 w to 250 W) is possible, and investment costs can be reduced. However, the narrower welding seams from the pulsed lasers not as strong as the seams from continuous lasers.

The Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) plans on using laser sintering* to improve the surface of micro-implants, for example for use in the circulatory system (stents), or in the eye, throat, nose, or ear. The goal of a new research project is to produce a porous structure on chosen areas of an implant surface. On the one hand, this structure can improve attachment to the surrounding tissue, and on the other hand medication can be deposited there.

The Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) and the Institute of Electrotechnology (ETP) at the Leibniz Universität Hannover have developed a process to inductively harden and weld multi-piece construction elements of heat-treatable steels in one step.

No more chemicals for fighting weeds in professional gardening! A fully automated unit drives over a field, a camera recognizes weeds sprouting up and a laser beam takes care of the rest. This science-fiction scenario is actually being researched at the Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) and the Institute for Biological Production Systems (IBPS) at the Leibniz University Hannover.

The Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) is coming out big in 2010 with ultrapure nanoparticles for medical applications. One example are LZH nanoparticle exponants that can currently be seen at the new “Center for New Technologies” (ZNT) at the Deutsche Museum in Munich. Also, in 2010 the LZH will host the first international conference on the generation of ultrapure nanoparticles.