Fraunhofer IST wins OIC2025 Manufacturing Challenge

In the international OIC2025 Manufacturing Competition, a spectroscopically precisely defined optical filter was to be manufactured as accurately as possible - a task that requires both creativity and the highest precision in design, production and measurement technology. The first place among worldwide submissions is impressive proof of the institute's excellent expertise in the field of optical coatings. "This year, an interference coating was to be designed in such a way that it ultimately produces the image of a roadrunner, i.e. a running bird," explains Dipl.-Phys. Stefan Bruns, prize winner and Senior Scientist at the Fraunhofer IST. "We used our EOSS high-precision coating systems for this, which allowed us to realize double-sided coatings, which was a key requirement for this complex task."

Interference coating with an image of a roadrunner

The challenge was to develop an optical layer stack that combined three different spectral features: the top of the bird had to be visible in the reflection of the front side, its underside in the reflection of the rear side and the characteristic appearance of the feet also had to be visible in the transmission area. This complex design could only be technically implemented by precisely controlling layer thicknesses, optical constants and oxidation behavior. "This task not only required exceptional technical expertise, but also close integration of simulation, production and measurement technology," continued Bruns. "We are delighted that we were able to achieve first place with our solution. Taking part in the OIC2025 Challenge was not only an exciting scientific challenge for us, but also an opportunity to demonstrate our technological expertise in an international context. Of course, we would like to take part again next time." The Optical Interference Coatings Conference is regarded as one of the most important international platforms for innovations in the field of optical coatings.