Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWSThe properties of optical materials and systems are often largely determined by their micro- or nanostructure. This applies, for example, to functionalized materials such as thin-film-based optical components or glass-ceramic materials that consists of nanoscopic crystals in a glassy matrix. Precise knowledge of the microstructure is therefore crucial for both, their development and for failure diagnostics if the desired properties deviate from the target specification. We use high-resolution analytical techniques, primarily in the field of electron microscopy and surface spectroscopy, to examine optical materials in great detail. This helps our partners to understand the composition, microstructure and functionality of their materials.
What sets us appart
- Micro- and nanostructure diagnostics of optical thin-film systems, glasses, (glass) ceramics and (effect) pigments at the highest level
- Access to a fully equipped pool of modern analytical equipment, including a wide range of artifact-free sample preparation methods
What you can expect
We support our partners in
- Development of optical materials and systems through supporting microstructure diagnostics
- Precise and low-damage target area preparation, especiall for failure analysis
- Interpretation of results based on many years of expertise of a motivated team, instead of mere communication of results
Your benefits
- Microstructure-based process understanding shortens development times
- We increased efficiency through fast and competent defect analysis
- wealth of experience through many years of cooperation with manufacturers of specialty glasses, (glass) ceramics and thin-film-based optics