Technologies and materials

The focus of this research area is on innovative processes for manufacturing, but also on optical systems and nano- and microtechnologies. In addition, the development of new, application-specific materials is an essential element in this area.

 

Manufacturing Technologies

Manufacturing technologies at our university are a very industry-oriented research area. On the one hand, material processing by means of lasers is central: marking, ablation, welding. The use of laser radiation can open up completely new areas of application, especially in the choice of materials. On the other hand, tool and cutting technology is a field of research. Here, experience is available on the optimal design of tools and technologies by means of simulation and experiment.

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Optical Technologies and Optical Systems

In this research area, the topic of optics is examined from various perspectives. On the one hand, we develop and test new optical systems in the field of micro-optics. These open up new possibilities in research and development tasks. In addition, technologies for the production of high-precision optics are being investigated at the university. Ultrasound and laser technologies are used here.

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Micro- and nanotechnology

The smallest structures are the focus of research activities in this area. One of these is micro- and nano-optics, where our research includes multifocal lenses and optics in the sub-wavelength range. A second focus is semiconductor technology. The core competence lies in the application of innovative high-energy ion beam concepts for the analysis and modification of power semiconductor components.

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Additive manufacturing technologies

In additive manufacturing, in contrast to traditional manufacturing processes, parts are built up layer by layer. A wide range of materials can be used, although these are limited to single additive manufacturing processes. The advantages of these technologies are, in addition to the fast and relatively inexpensive prototype production, the high flexibility with regard to geometries that can be built up. In addition to additive manufacturing processes which can process plastics or metals, the printing of cell-loaded hydrogels is also part of our research at the Ernst Abbe University.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Jens Bliedtner (Mail: jens.bliedtner@eah-jena.de, Tel.: +49 (0) 3641 205-444)

Technologies in explosion protection

Explosion protection is an important area of safety technology with the main task of preventing explosions or limiting their dangerous effects. In a large number of processes, explosive atmospheres can arise in combination with oxygen in the air. The presence of an ignition source can then trigger a threatening explosion. In order to reduce this danger in the areas concerned, various measures exist for electrical and non-electrical explosion protection, which are constantly being further developed with the aid of new findings.

Contact: Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Frank Engelmann (Mail: frank.engelmann@eah-jena.de, Tel.: +49 (0) 3641 205-925)

Functional Ceramic Materials

Functional ceramics are indispensable in many areas of technology. They ensure, often unnoticed by the user, functional properties (e.g. electrical, magnetic, optical functions) of individual devices, which are necessary for the operation of components and entire systems. This makes functional ceramic materials essential in many areas of technology, such as information and communication technology, sensor technology, automotive and Industry 4.0.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Jörg Töpfer (Mail: joerg.toepfer@eah-jena.de, Tel.: +49 (0) 3641 205-479)

Metallic construction materials

We work on various topics in the field of construction materials: On the one hand, metallic materials for high-temperature applications are developed in close cooperation with industry. On the other hand, the focus is on the development of new types of metallic materials for components subject to abrasion. Both topics require a detailed characterisation of the materials with regard to mechanical properties, operational behaviour and structural design. In addition, damage analyses are also carried out.

Contact

  • Materials for components subject to abrasion: Prof. Dr. Maik Kunert (Mail: maik.kunert@eah-jena.de, Tel.: +49 (0) 3641 205-493)
  • High-temperature materials: Prof. Dr. Jürgen Merker (Mail: juergen.merker@eah-jena.de, Tel.: +49 (0) 3641 205-477)

Physical Materials Diagnostics

The focus of Physical Materials Diagnostics at the Ernst Abbe University is on the three areas of X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy and the measurement of the physical properties of functional materials (e.g. electrical conductivity, thermal diffusivity, Seebeck coefficient). The research area of Physical Materials Diagnostics thus makes a considerable contribution to the determination of structure/property relations, the understanding of which is of fundamental importance in the development of new, smart materials. The materials we mainly study are functional ceramics, metals and metal alloys, and to a lesser extent plastics and glasses.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Lutz Wilde (Mail: lutz.wilde@eah-jena.de, Tel.: +49 (0) 3641 205-475)