UKPiño

The RUBIN Alliance "UKPiño" is an interdisciplinary Thuringian project focused on the development and application of high-tech ultrafast pulsed lasers (USP Laser). In addition to the Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena, 14 companies from the fields of optical and photonic technologies, as well as seven associated partners, are involved. As part of the "RUBIN – Regional Entrepreneurial Alliances for Innovation" program, approximately 13 million euros will be invested in the Jena area over the next three years (started in June 2023), with an additional 7 million euros contributed by project stakeholders.

The alliance focuses on ultrafast laser technology with pulse durations in the femtosecond range, enabling precise processing of various materials. A femtosecond is one trillionth of a second, during which light travels only 0.3 micrometers (µm), equivalent to about one-hundredth of the thickness of a human hair.

Central aim

A central aim of UKPiño is the development of lasers operating in the near-infrared spectrum, specifically in the 2-µm wavelength range. Due to the transparency of many high-tech materials such as silicon, ceramics, and high-performance plastics in this spectral range, laser radiation can be focused through the front side. This allows for processing within the volume of the material or on the back side without damaging the surface.

Material processing with ultrashort laser pulses is purely optical, making the processes wear-resistant and extremely precise. This enables the production of products that meet the highest standards of sustainability and resource-efficient material usage. Application areas include medical technology, the functionalization of textile materials for "smart wearables," additive manufacturing with new materials such as glass and ceramics, as well as innovative approaches in battery production.

Tasks of the Institute of Applied Physics (IAP)

• Focus on the interaction of light and matter: The IAP is responsible for basic research and the further development of laser sources, which form the basis of USP technology. A particular focus is on the development of the 2-µm wavelength range.
• Development of new optical components: The IAP is working on the optimization of laser systems for material processing and is researching innovative applications that make it possible to process difficult-to-machine materials such as silicon and composites with high precision.
• Technology transfer: Through close cooperation with industrial partners, the IAP supports the application of USP technology in various industrial areas, e.g. the production of silicon semiconductors and smart textiles.

The RUBIN Region

The RUBIN core region of Central and East Thuringia has a long tradition in the fields of optical and photonic technologies. This is evidenced by the title "Historic Site of Physics," awarded to the city of Jena by the European Physical Society in 2021. In this region, both successful small and medium-sized enterprises as well as international market leaders have established themselves, serving a wide range of applications in optical technology.