For the Long Night of Science, we’re opening two labs for you where things will get “very hot” in the truest sense of the word:
In the MCVD lab, we’ll show you—while the equipment is running—how we produce extremely pure optical preforms for optical fibers. Our experts will also explain how we add specific chemical elements, such as aluminum and rare earth elements, to these high-tech glasses to tailor them for specific applications.
Our research tower spans four floors and is packed with fascinating equipment weighing several metric tons. Our scientists will put the equipment into action for you and explain, while production is underway, how centimeter-thick, often unusually structured preforms are transformed into hair-thin optical fibers with fascinating properties.
There will also be a booth on the topic of optical fibers in the lobby of the Leibniz-IPHT. You’ll find illustrative models of our core technologies—for example, the highly detailed 1:10 scale miniature of the fiber drawing tower, made from more than 3,000 LEGO bricks, is a real eye-catcher that also teaches you something. You’ll learn why light can be transmitted through optical fibers in the first place, and you’ll be able to see and touch samples from all stages of optical fiber production. With a little manual dexterity and a light touch, you’ll have the chance to discover for yourselves what the insides of various modern optical fibers look like. And, of course, we’ll explain where our specialty fibers are used—for example, in everyday life, in industry, and in healthcare.
