Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWSAnniversary Event in Zwickau Highlights Application Center’s Role in Research, Education, and Industrial Development in Western Saxony
Ten Years of Fraunhofer AZOM: Optical Metrology Driving Innovation
The Fraunhofer Application Center for Optical Metrology AZOM stands for optical measurement solutions tailored to industrial needs. On June 18, 2025, more than 100 guests from industry, science, government, and academia gathered in Zwickau to mark the center’s tenth anniversary. Established as a joint initiative by Fraunhofer IWS and West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau (WHZ), AZOM today stands for hands-on research, strategic cooperation, and customized solutions for businesses – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. The center combines optical precision with industrial applicability, thereby contributing to the region’s innovation capacity.
During the anniversary event, Prof. Heike Graßmann, State Secretary at the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism; Constance Arndt, Mayor of Zwickau; and Prof. Stephan Kassel, Rector of WHZ, and Dr. Patrick Hoyer as representative for Fraunhofer's Executive Board emphasized the importance of Fraunhofer AZOM for knowledge and technology transfer at the regional, national, and international levels. Prof. Christoph Leyens, Director of Fraunhofer IWS, and Prof. Peter Hartmann, Head of Fraunhofer AZOM, reflected on the center’s development over the past decade. A technical session featured long-standing partners, including Infineon, LEC, and fiberware, who shared insights on the role of optical metrology in industrial practice. A subsequent technology forum showcased current projects and emerging research topics. Researchers presented technologies such as fiber-optic sensors, hyperspectral imaging, and AI-assisted data analysis. Conversations with long-term collaborators and new project partners illustrated the center’s thematic, personnel, and strategic evolution.
From Founding to Strategic Interface
“Since day one, we’ve collaborated closely with regional industry to integrate optical measurement systems directly into production processes,” said Prof. Peter Hartmann, Head of Fraunhofer AZOM. “Our solutions address real industrial challenges. We combine methodological expertise with system integration - always application-driven, often interdisciplinary.”
What began as a four-person founding team has evolved into a center with over 40 employees. Annual project volumes now exceed € 3 million. Over 130 projects have delivered solutions for manufacturing, quality assurance, and process analysis – many in close cooperation with WHZ and medium-sized businesses in Western Saxony.
Linking Education, Research, and Technology Transfer
One of Fraunhofer AZOM’s unique strengths lies in its close partnership with WHZ, which enables the systematic integration of scientific training and applied research. Since 2015, the two institutions have jointly supervised 79 theses and 40 internships. Two doctoral projects have been completed, and three are currently underway. Many former students have joined the scientific team. “Fraunhofer AZOM combines scientific excellence with industrial relevance. This combination is essential for turning ideas into market-ready solutions,” said Prof. Christoph Leyens, Director of Fraunhofer IWS. “The center is a model for successful technology transfer in structurally weak regions.”
Focusing on Future Topics
Fraunhofer AZOM continues to evolve thematically. In addition to its established expertise in surface metrology, the center is exploring new fields of innovation, including gas detection using advanced spectroscopy, big data analysis with AI algorithms, and the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in manufacturing and biomedical diagnostics.
The application center also maintains a strong international profile. It regularly participates in EU-funded research, most recently in the “HyperImage” project, which advances hyperspectral imaging for quality control. AZOM has also maintained a strong presence in the scientific community, with 2023 marking its 20th appearance at SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco. In May 2025, Dr. Christopher Taudt assumed a visiting professorship at RMIT’s Centre for Additive Manufacturing in Melbourne, supported by a DFG fellowship, to further strengthen global knowledge transfer from Western Saxony.
Interview Three Questions for Prof. Peter Hartmann, Head of Fraunhofer AZOM How do industrial partners view Fraunhofer AZOM? We offer access to optical metrology tailored to industrial conditions. Our work begins not with prepackaged solutions but with specific needs—especially those of small and medium-sized enterprises. We design custom systems based on real-world processes. Our three core areas are customized measurement and processing services, system integration, and the development of novel procedures. How is the center’s research evolving? Our research is becoming more data-driven, networked, and interdisciplinary. The traditional separation of hardware and software is giving way to system-level thinking. AI enables us to analyze complex relationships in real time. At the same time, precision, reliability, and a strong understanding of physics remain essential. Our strength lies in combining these elements. What are your strategic priorities for the coming years? We are pursuing three key areas: first, gas metrology—a rapidly growing field with high relevance to environmental and energy technologies. Second, AI-supported metrology for process control and defect detection. Third, optical coherence tomography offers vast potential in both industrial and biomedical contexts. In parallel, we continue to expand our existing capabilities. |
Info Box Ten Years of Fraunhofer AZOM: Milestones 2015
2016
2017/18
2020
2021
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2025
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About Fraunhofer AZOM
The Fraunhofer Application Center for Optical Metrology and Surface Technologies AZOM is operated by Fraunhofer IWS in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences Zwickau (WHZ). The center develops cutting-edge approaches in optical metrology, image processing, process control, and surface characterization. Its mission: to swiftly transfer scientific findings into industry-ready applications. Fraunhofer AZOM bridges applied research and industrial use, particularly in medical technology, automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, and semiconductor manufacturing.
The work of Fraunhofer AZOM spans the whole value chain, offering feasibility studies, contract measurements, integration of existing technologies, and development of new optical and surface technologies. Its services include optical inspection systems, application-specific sensor and actuator technologies, and non-destructive process and component monitoring.
The center also develops electronic controls, application-specific software, and optical elements such as light sources and fiber-based assemblies, especially for technical challenges that current market solutions cannot solve.
More Information: s.fhg.de/azom
About the University of Applied Sciences Zwickau (WHZ)
WHZ focuses on engineering, business, and quality of life. Following its vision of becoming a “University for Mobility,” WHZ drives research in five strategic fields: Vehicle and Production, Energy and Infrastructure, Cyber Physical Systems and Digitalization, Health and Medical Technology, Sustainability and Interculturality.
More Information: www.fh-zwickau.de