Optics & Laser in Thuringia

As a traditionally grown optics location, Thuringia has an attractive pool of skilled workers in all areas of optical technologies.

Academic Education

First-class universities and universities of applied sciences offer the best conditions with relevant specialized degree programs and chairs:

• Photonics at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU)
• Combined Master's and PhD programs in the fields of optics and photonics at the Abbe School of Photonics (FSU)
• Optical Systems Engineering as a specialization of mechanical engineering studies as well as mechatronics, micro- and nanotechnology at the Technical University of Ilmenau
• Laser and Optotechnologies and Ophthalmic Optics/Optometry at the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena

Training and further education

In Thuringia, skilled workers are trained in the following professions, among others:

• Precision Opticians and Mechanics
• Mechatronics Engineers
• Optician
• Microtechnologists
• process mechanic in glass technology
• Physics laboratory technicians

Thuringian companies place great value on the continuous training and further education of their skilled workers. For example, the Jena Education Center with its shareholders Schott, Carl Zeiss and Jenoptik, highly qualified specialists.

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the TU Ilmenau and the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena also offer various continuing education degree programs. In addition, OptoNet, with the support of Carl Zeiss AG, JENOPTIK AG and the Thuringian research institutions, organizes the JENAer Optics Colloquium.

A broad R&D landscape is available for innovation projects, comprehensively covering the spectrum of optical technologies.

Selected non-university research institutions

• Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF), Jena
• Fraunhofer Project Center for Microelectronic and Optical Systems for Biomedicine (MEOS), Erfurt
• Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies (IPHT), Jena
• Institute for Microelectronics and Mechatronics Systems (IMMS), Ilmenau
• CIS Research Institute for Microsensorics, Erfurt
• Günter-Köhler Institute for Joining Technology and Materials Testing, Jena

Selected university research institutes

• Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics, FSU Jena
• Institute for Optics and Quantum Electronics, FSU Jena
• Institute for Solid State Theory and Optics, FSU Jena
• Otto Schott Institute for Materials Research, FSU Jena
• Abbe Center of Photonics, FSU Jena
• Institute of Applied Physics, FSU Jena
• Department of Lighting Technology, TU Ilmenau
• Technical Optics, TU Ilmenau
• Optics Design, Modeling and Simulation of Optical Systems, TU Ilmenau
• Department of Inorganic-Nonmetallic Materials at the Institute of Materials Engineering, TU Ilmenau

Innovation Center

• Innovation Center for Quantum Optics and Sensorics (InQuoSens), Jena and Ilmenau

In addition, established networks and initiatives such as OptoNet, medways or SpectroNet in the search for suitable innovation partners.

Well-known companies come from the Free State and set international standards in the field of optical technologies.

ZEISS

ZEISS is a globally leading technology company in the optical and optoelectronic industry. The main location of the company, founded in 1846 in Jena, is Oberkochen, Germany. In Jena, all four divisions are represented: Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Medical Technology, Research Microscopy Solutions, the Planetariums division, and ZEISS's central research. Jena is also the seat of the central service company for production services of the ZEISS Group. The company is investing over 300 million euros in a new integrated high-tech location in Jena.

JENOPTIK AG

As a globally operating technology group, Jenoptik is active in the three photonics-based divisions Light & Optics, Light & Production and Light & Safety, as well as with the VINCORION brand for mechatronic solutions.

LEONI Fiber Optics GmbH

LEONI Fiber Optics GmbH is one of the leading providers of optical waveguides for special applications in industry, sensor technology and analytics, science, communication and laser medicine.

Docter Optics SE

Docter Optics is the international market leader in projection lenses made of optical glass for the automotive industry and a recognized manufacturer of optical components and systems for renowned OEMs from various industry segments, such as biometrics, digital projection, printing technology and machine vision.

GÖPEL electronic GmbH

The Jena-based GÖPEL electronic GmbH is one of the leading providers of test and inspection systems for electronic assemblies and populated printed circuit boards, which are mainly used in automotive and medical technology, aviation and industrial electronics.

Jena-Optronik GmbH

Technologies and products from Thuringia are part of space missions that are as spectacular as they are pioneering. Worldwide, customers of Jena-Optronik GmbH trust the high-precision sensors for satellite attitude control and the optical components for Earth observation. Over 300 satellites have technology made in Jena on board.

other selected companies:

• ADVA Optical Networking SE, Meiningen
• Allied Vision Technologies GmbH, Stadtroda
• ams Sensors Germany GmbH, Jena
• Askion GmbH, Gera
• asphericon GmbH, Jena
• CDA GmbH, Suhl
• Grintech GmbH, Jena
• HELLMA Optik GmbH, Jena
• Jabil Optics Germany GmbH, Jena
• LASOS Lasertechnik GmbH, Jena
• LAYERTEC GmbH, Mellingen
• NOBLEX GmbH, Eisfeld
• Optics Balzers Jena GmbH, Jena
• ORAFOL Fresnel Optics GmbH, Apolda
• POG Präzisionsoptik Gera GmbH, Löbichau
• Schott Technical Glass Solutions GmbH, Jena
• Vision & Control GmbH
• Vistec Electron Beam GmbH, Jena