The network

The competence network "Photonics BW e.V." was founded in July 2000 as a non-profit association with the goal of supporting and promoting optical technologies in Baden-Württemberg.
Our objectives:
- support for regional cluster-building
- promoting the advancement of optical technologies in research, development and application, training and education, marketing and public relations
- promoting the three-way dialogue between industry, science and government
- strengthening international competitiveness
- building a sustainable future for the business economy of Baden-Württemberg

Main activities

Guide to relevant study opportunities in Baden-Württemberg
Education and training are of central importance to sustain the quality of future resources. Photonics BW has compiled a detailed guide to relevant study opportunities in Baden-Württemberg, featuring information on degree courses and lectures in optical technologies, including the conditions of acceptance and the qualifications awarded. This guide for young people is distributed free of charge at various events and can be downloaded from the network's website.
Guide to apprenticeships in the area of optical technologies
Photonics BW has compiled a guide to apprenticeships in the area of optical technologies.

The technological focus

We promote the optical technologies in the areas of research, development and application.
Photonics BW working groups
Forging links between science and industry is one of the fundamental aims of Photonics BW. To promote efficient R&D processes and facilitate rapid product implementation, the network has set up six working groups, in which experts meet at regular intervals to share their knowledge and to discuss topical issues arising at the pre-competitive and non-commercial level of research.
- laser materials processing
- optical design and simulation
- optical communications
- optics in medicine and biotechnology
- optical measurement techniques
- training and consulting
- solar technology

Highlights

Fibre manufacturing facility at the Institut für Strahlwerkzeuge (IFSW) of the Universität Stuttgart
At the beginning of 2008, the IFSW set up its new fibre manufacturing facility, which allows research on novel optical fibres for laser technologies.
The new equipment now available at the institute will in particular enable the development of novel beam delivery fibres for the flexible transmission of high-power and high-brilliance laser radiation. This will help to decisively improve the application potential of existing and future continuous wave and pulsed laser sources with high power and high beam quality.
The IFSW takes a holistic research approach and is also active in process development for laser applications and laser based manufacturing.