The Fraunhofer IWS business unit “Microtechnology” performs applied research for laser beam microprocessing applications. Its focus is the miniaturization of functional elements used for the design of machines, vehicles and instruments as well as in biological and mechanical engineering. The main emphasis lies on the generation of many different surface structures in micro- and nanometer dimensions on metals, ceramics and polymers and on diverse material components or layer systems.

The business unit includes the following groups:

• Micro Materials Processing (head: Dipl.-Ing. Volker Franke)
• Micro- and Biosystems Engineering (head: Dr. Frank Sonntag)
• Surface Functionalization (head: Prof. Dr. Andres Lasagni)

Laser micro material processing applications have been a growing integral feature in Fraunhofer IWS‘ laser sector for many years. The technology is based on the coolest gentle ablation of small material quantities until the required geometry is achieved. This enables the generation of drill holes, cuttings, labels and other structures. These tasks are mainly performed within the group Microtechnology.

Technology platforms are developed in the group Biosystems Technology. Lab-on-a-Chip systems with integrated micro pumps are used to perform complex cell culture experiments for medical diagnostics and substance testing. These experiments mimic actual processes in living organisms.

The group “Surface Functionalization“ fabricates large-area 2 and 3 dimensional micro-and nanostructures using new methods. In addition to modifying topographies it is also possible to periodically vary the electrical, chemical and mechanical properties. These structures are applied in biotechnology, photonics and tribology.

The last years ‘experience has shown that a mere process knowhow is no longer sufficient to completely answer customers ‘needs. “We succeeded in developing an interdisciplinary approach by focusing and completing our single technologies. One successfully implemented example is our micro biosystem, which combines micro mechanical, laser system and biotechnological procedures as well as surface functionalization applications. The multi-organ-chip platforms quickly and reliably analyze the effect of substances from medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries on human organs“, Dr. Klotzbach explains. Our systems help to significantly decrease animal testings. The top quality expertise of our scientists and the variety of their knowledge – in physics, engineering, laser technology, biology and electrical engineering – guarantees that findings will also continue to be implemented into marketable innovations within the newly established business unit “Microtechnology”.

In 1995 Dr. Udo Klotzbach graduated from the Technische Universität Dresden with a diploma in electrical engineering. He has been working as a scientist at the Fraunhofer IWS Dresden since 1999 and received a Ph.D at the Technische Universität Wien in 2006. Dr. Udo Klotzbach is the Conference Chair of SPIE Photonics West – Laser-Based Micro- and Nano-Processing, member of EPIC, Silicon Saxony, Bio Saxony und coordinator of several EU-projects.