In November 2019, the renowned laser physicist Dr. Constantin Häfner took over the management of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen. He most recently headed
the Advanced Photon Technologies Program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, where he drove the development of the world's most powerful laser systems.
With over 540 employees and more than 19,500 m2 of net floor space, the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT is one of the world's most important centers for contract research in laser development and application. Its core competencies include the development of state-of-the-art laser beam sources and their applications in surface technology, manufacturing technology, medicine, environmental technology and measurement and testing technology.
Dr. Constantin Häfner took over the management of this important branch of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in November 2019.
After studying physics in Constance, he received his doctorate in physics from the University of Heidelberg. In 2004, he moved to the USA, first to the Nevada Terawatt Facility at the University of Nevada, Reno, and from 2006 to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, California. There, as Director of the Advanced Photon Technologies Program, he led the development of the world's most powerful laser systems and the research and development of pioneering laser technologies.
In addition to heading the Fraunhofer ILT, Dr. Häfner will also take over the associated Chair of Laser Technology LLT at RWTH Aachen University. RWTH is one of eleven universities of excellence in Germany. As such, it has developed into an Integrated Interdisciplinary University for Science and Technology with a focus on the convergence of knowledge, methods and findings. The aim is to create a unique national and international education, research and transfer environment with dynamic research networks that transcend disciplinary and organizational boundaries.
As a university lecturer and institute director, Dr. Häfner will also be involved in the diverse R&D activities of the RWTH. These include the interdisciplinary research work of 16 different RWTH institutes as part of the Research Center for Digital Photonic Production RCDPP and the Digital Photonic Production DPP research campus together with industry.
