Experience first-hand how specialised optical fibres for lasers, sensors and endoscopes are manufactured at the Leibniz-IPHT

For the Long Night of Science, we’re opening two laboratories for you where things will get ‘very hot’ in the truest sense of the word:

In the MCVD laboratory, we’ll show you – whilst the equipment is in operation – how we produce extremely pure optical preforms for optical fibres. Our experts will also explain how we add specific chemical elements, such as aluminium and rare earths, to these high-tech glasses to make them suitable for specialised applications.

Our research drawing tower spans four storeys and is packed with fascinating machinery weighing several tonnes. Our scientists will put the equipment into action for you and, whilst production is underway, explain how centimetre-thick preforms – often with unusual structures – are transformed into hair-thin optical fibres with fascinating properties.

There will also be a stand on the topic of optical fibres in the foyer of the Leibniz-IPHT. You can look forward to clear, illustrative models of our core technologies – for example, the highly detailed 1:10 scale miniature of the fibre drawing tower, made from more than 3,000 Lego bricks, is a real eye-catcher that offers a learning experience. You’ll learn why light can be transmitted through optical fibres in the first place, and you’ll be able to see and handle samples from every stage of optical fibre production. You’ll have the chance to discover what different modern optical fibres look like on the inside. Of course, we’ll explain where our specialised fibres are used – for example, in everyday life, in industry and in the healthcare sector.