Job Description

In cooperation with the Chair of Laser Technology (LLT), the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT)—Europe’s leading center for contract research and development in the field of laser technology—is offering the opportunity to write a thesis on the topic: »Flexible, Scalable Laser Processes with Planar Light Valves for Battery Production«.

The transition towards a climate-neutral economy demands disruptive manufacturing technologies. Ultrashort pulsed lasers (USP) are a key enabler for critical green technologies — from next-generation battery electrodes to scalable green hydrogen production. Yet, one fundamental bottleneck remains: the lack of scalability of USP processes prevents their widespread industrial adoption. This thesis addresses this challenge head-on. A novel beam-shaping system based on CMOS micro-mirrors (Planar Light Valve, PLV) from Silicon Light Machines Ltd. is investigated. The PLV enables switching times of up to 100 kHz, allowing a single laser beam to be split into multiple individually controllable beamlets. This makes it possible to generate complex, application-specific patterns in a single pass — dramatically increasing throughput while maintaining the precision that only ultrashort pulses can deliver.

Be part of change

• You will set up and align the optical arrangement
• You will also develop a control interface for PLV mirror actuation
• Through experiments, you will investigate multi-beam generation
• Finally, you will program a scan-vector decomposition algorithm
• The objectives of the project will be tailored to your skills and preferences

What you contribute

• You are studying Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a comparable programme
• You are interested in application-oriented research at the intersection of photonics and sustainable manufacturing
• You work organised, structured, and independently
• First experience in programming, optics, or microcontroller development is beneficial but not mandatory

What we offer

👥 Team spirit: Creative, interdisciplinary environment with a motivated team, flat hierarchies, and an informal culture.
🖥 Workplace: Excellent range of machines and equipment, as well as first-class office facilities.
💪 Involvement: Practice-oriented thesis in an innovative applied research environment.
🧘 Work-life balance: Benefit from flexible working hours based on trust.
🚐 Getting there: Good transport connections, parking spaces directly in front of the institute, an e-charging station, and a parking garage.

The position is limited in duration until completion of the thesis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact:

Sönke Vogel, M.Sc.
Phone: +49 241 8906-180

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

www.ilt.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 84891 Application Deadline: 08/31/2026