Exzellenzcluster PhoenixD

The proposal for the Excellence Cluster PhoenixD was positively evaluated by the Excellence Commission of the federal and state governments on September 27, 2018. The funding, starting January 1, 2019, will be for seven years. Researchers from the Leibniz University Hannover, TU Braunschweig, Laser Zentrum Hannover, and the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) in Hannover are involved.

The vision of PhoenixD is to quickly and cost-effectively realize optical precision systems through additive manufacturing. Researchers from mechanical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, and chemistry will collaborate on the simulation, production, and application of optical systems. Currently, such systems are mostly manufactured on a glass basis in small-scale steps, often even by hand. The aim is for experts from these disciplines to work together on a digitalized production system, enabling the creation of individualized products.

This system opens up vast possibilities for various applications. For example, in agriculture, the use of chemicals could be reduced. The new systems could enable a sensor to detect weeds, which are then selectively treated with lasers. Optical components for such applications are currently too expensive to manufacture. Another potential application is in individualized medical optics. For instance, close-to-patient blood analysis could be used for diagnosing diseases.