Elizabeth von Hauff, Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technologies (FEP) and TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
Fraunhofer Society’s mission is to bridge the gap between fundamental and applied research by partnering with industry to translate laboratory results into real-world applications. Fraunhofer FEP in Dresden specializes in electron-beam and plasma technologies for large-scale and precision coatings, alongside advanced surface engineering. By integrating process and hardware development, we deliver technical solutions across a broad range of fields, including energy technologies, architectural glazing, semiconductors, optics, sustainable packaging, and environmental and biomedical applications. Our collaboration models span from feasibility studies to pilot-scale production, accelerating knowledge transfer and reducing risk for industry, with a focus on overcoming bottlenecks in cost, reliability, and performance to deliver scalable, robust solutions. In this talk, I present our latest results in precision coatings for optics and power electronics, and in large-scale, flexible coatings for photovoltaic and battery technologies. We also highlight advances in plasma-chemical processes and discuss how tailored hardware platforms and integrated process chains can reduce material usage, lower energy consumption, and eliminate toxic precursors, without compromising performance. The focus is on strategies that combine process design, equipment engineering, and system integration to enable cleaner, more efficient solutions.