Photonics
The Lichtwerkstatt Jena provides interested users with high-quality optical research and measurement technology. Our laboratory is equipped with two modern optical tables for precise work. A range of optomechanical components and optics, such as lenses, filters or objectives as well as microscopes, spectrometers, lasers (diode and He:Ne) or a power meter with various measuring heads are available.

AR/VR Lab
In the “Digital Teaching Lab”, the Lichtwerkstatt Jena is working with the Max Planck School of Photonics to test the use of mixed reality technologies in digital teaching. Various applications are being developed and tested for their didactic effectiveness using augmented and virtual reality so that students can virtually learn about experimental setups, enter a clean room or carry out experiments. Researchers, students and lecturers are welcome to get involved and work on their own ideas. Comprehensive equipment is available for this, including VR and AR glasses, feedback systems, graphic tablets and special studio technology and software.

Laser material processing
The Lichtwerkstatt Jena offers two different systems for laser material processing: The Epilog Helix CO2 laser is particularly suitable for anyone who wants to create original designs and precisely process or cut different materials such as wood, textiles, Plexiglas and glass. Products made of metal, plastic or ceramics can be individualized and refined by engraving with our laser marker. In both cases, the designs can be created in standard vector formats and easily transferred to the devices.

3D Printing
With 3D printing, products are created by applying materials layer by layer and not by milling, sanding or planing. The additive process is a precise, cost-effective and fast way of creating objects and is particularly suitable for prototype construction. Two 3D printing processes are used at the Lichtwerkstatt Jena: The SLA printer (Formlabs Form 2) binds UV-sensitive resins using a laser, producing particularly detailed, high-quality printing results with low surface roughness. Our FDM printers (e.g. Prusa i3 MK2 and MK3) are suitable for experimenting, developing models or rapid prototyping. Filaments made of different materials and colors can be used here.

3D-Scanning
The Lichtwerkstatt Jena offers the possibility to create high-precision 3D scans of textured objects. The two Artec handheld scanners combine geometry and texture data, enabling the capture of complex free-form shapes and organic surfaces. Lichtwerkstatt Jena provides powerful and intuitive software to enable the generated data to be processed quickly and precisely and a high-quality 3D model to be created. The hand-held scanners can be used flexibly and are suitable for both experimentation and professional 3D capture of small to medium-sized objects.

Electronics
Microcontroller circuit boards are a suitable basis for electronics-based projects. They are easy to program and can be easily adapted for the respective control and communication tasks. The numerous shields and modules in particular make it easy to connect to external sensors and actuators. While the Arduino system is suitable for beginners and makers with no prior knowledge, Raspberry Pi is used for more complex projects. The Lichtwerkstatt Jena also has the necessary tools, soldering equipment and measuring and testing technology (oscilloscopes, function generators and logic analyzers) for working on electronics projects.

Wood and metal workshop
The Lichtwerkstatt Jena offers conventional workshop equipment: whether hand tools, soldering equipment, disc sander, scroll saw, hand-held circular saw with guide rail, router, lathe, drill press or milling machine – our makers have access to numerous devices and instruments to work on their projects and realize their ideas. Automated machines are also available. For example, spatial objects made of wood, metal and plastic can be created using our small CNC milling machine. We even have an embroidery machine for creating textiles with individual designs. Future makers can simply enquire if special equipment is required.