Japanese laser manufacturers learn about future technologies at Leibniz IPHT

Research teams from the institute presented them with different light-based diagnostic methods. They explained, for example, how the RamanCellAssay platform can analyse tens of thousands of cells using Raman spectroscopic methods. The company representatives from Japan also learned about the diagnostic possibilities offered by holographic endoscopy and how laser light and artificial intelligence can be used to differentiate tumour tissue from healthy tissue. Scientists from fiber research and technology and fiber photonics provided insights into how novel fiber lasers are researched and how glass fibers are produced at the institute.

The guests came from companies specializing in optical sensors or medical devices, including a branch of the Japanese Nikon Corporation that manufactures lasers and space technologies. During their two-week trip to Germany, they visited four companies in Jena as well as the photonics network OptoNet in addition to major companies such as Volkswagen. They stopped by at Jenoptik, Asphericon, B5 Optics and Grintec to find out about future applications for laser technologies.

“It is a great opportunity to be able to visit Germany”, said delegation leader Yoshihiro Takiguchi at Leibniz IPHT. “Germany and Japan have similar cultures to realize high-quality and reliable materials and systems,” the president of the Graduate School for the Creation of New Photonics Industries at the University of Hamamatsu continues. “It is therefore important to exchange technical, scientific and business information between the countries in order to advance our global ecosystem and preserve peaceful societies.”