Optics & Lasers in Thuringia

As a traditionally established 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 study programs and professorships:

• Photonics at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU)
• Combined Master's and PhD programs in optics and photonics at the Abbe School of Photonics (FSU)
• Optical system technology as a specialization within mechanical engineering studies as well as mechatronics, micro- and nanotechnology at the Ilmenau University of Technology
• Laser and optotechnologies and Optometry at the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena

Initial and continuing education

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

• Precision opticians and mechanics
• Mechatronics technician
• Opticians
• Microtechnologists
• Process mechanic in glass technology
• Physics laboratory technicians

Thuringian companies place great importance on the continuous training and professional development 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 OptoNet also offers various continuing education programs. Furthermore, with the support of Carl Zeiss AG, JENOPTIK AG, and Thuringian research institutions, organizes the Jena Optics Colloquium.

A wide range of R&D resources 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 Mechatronic Systems (IMMS), Ilmenau
• CIS Research Institute for Microsensors, Erfurt
• Günter Köhler Institute for Joining Technology and Materials Testing, Jena

Selected university research institutes

• Institute for 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
• Field of expertise: Lighting technologyTU Ilmenau
• Field of Technical OpticsTU Ilmenau
• Optical design, modeling and simulation of optical systemsTU Ilmenau
• Department of Inorganic Non-Metallic Materials at the Institute for Materials EngineeringTU Ilmenau

Innovation Center

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

Furthermore, 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 leading global technology company in the optical and optoelectronic industries. Founded in Jena in 1846, the company's headquarters are located in Oberkochen, Germany. All four divisions are represented in Jena: Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Medical Technology, Research Microscopy Solutions, Planetariums, and ZEISS's central research facilities. Jena is also home to the central service company for production services within the ZEISS Group. The company is investing over €300 million in a new, integrated high-tech site 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 an international market leader in optical glass projection lenses for the automotive industry and a recognized manufacturer of optical components and systems for well-known OEMs from various industry segments, such as biometrics, digital projection, printing technology and machine vision.

GÖPEL electronic GmbH

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, aerospace and industrial electronics.

Jena-Optronik GmbH

Technologies and products from Thuringia are integral to spectacular and groundbreaking space missions. Customers worldwide rely on Jena-Optronik GmbH's high-precision sensors for satellite attitude control and its optical components for Earth observation. Over 300 satellites carry technology made in Jena.

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 Precision Optics Gera GmbHLöbichau
• Schott Technical Glass Solutions GmbH, Jena
• Vision & Control GmbH
• Vistec Electron Beam GmbH, Jena