System Engineering

Research at the Institut für Strahlwerkzeuge (IFSW)

The core research area is the impact on the system technologies arising from the further development of laser sources and the most recent findings of the process development of laser-based manufacturing processes.

Stabilization for free space laser transmission
Image: Max Kovalenko
The core research area System Engineering explores the impacts on the system technologies arising from the further development of laser sources and the most recent findings of the process development of laser-based manufacturing processes. System Engineering develops innovative solutions for system technology and laser-based manufacturing facilities starting from the fundamental knowledge on laser-based manufacturing processes. The core research area is focused on solutions for highly dynamic beam delivery, the design of machines and systems, laser safety, and the integration of laser sources, especially in terms of measuring and control technology for established and new laser-based manufacturing processes in order to increase productivity and feasibility of laser processes in an industrial environment.
The research is currently focusing on the following topics:

Software systems, AI/ML, and control engineering

  • Flexible and self-learning production machines that autonomously ensure productivity and quality in case of component changes, new system technology, or new requirements.
  • Rapid transferability of laboratory processes to production machines.
  • Development of new process strategies to open up new possibilities and improve productivity.
  • Process control for the realization of stable and adaptable laser processes.
  • New sensor technology and algorithms for highly reliable process monitoring.

Scalable laser-based manufacturing of photonic systems and quantum technologies

  • Processes for the fabrication of micro-optics and integrated photonic systems.
  • Assembly and interconnection technology processes in microelectronics and photonics.
 
Universal 7-axis laser processing station
Image: Max Kovalenko

The system development aims at a high industrial practicability of laser based production processes and is based on the laser technologies and the process fundamentals investigated at the institute. The infrastructure of the process development available at the institute and the newly developed laser sources are used as the development environment.

The photo shows a detailed view of the system for laser-based manufacturing of photonic components, including focusing optics and a glass substrate to be processed.
Detailed view of the system for laser-based manufacturing of photonic components.
Image: Universität Stuttgart, Institut für Strahlwerkzeuge

The aim of the research on System Engineering is to facilitate the feasibility of the developed innovative solutions to increase the productivity and flexibility of laser-based manufacturing processes. The System Engineering follows the approach that the used laser process determines the properties and specifications of the required systems and machines.

Contact

This image showsVolkher Onuseit

Volkher Onuseit

Dipl.-Ing.

Academic Council, Head of system engineering department (interim)

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