Leibniz Universität Hannover Faculty Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
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Institute of Micro Production Technology
 
Institute of Micro Production Technology Research
Current Projects

Current Research Projects at the Institute of Micro Production Technology

  • CRC TRR 375 – A04: Integrated component monitoring of highly loaded hybrid porous components
    The overarching scientific objective of the CRC TRR 375 is to establish a new class of materials: multifunctional high-performance components made of hybrid porous (HyPo) materials. These HyPo-components will enhance the energy efficiency and performance of a wide range of products, ensure product safety through component-integrated sensor technology and facilitate data acquisition in the context of digitalization. The challenges lie in the gradient of material properties, the stability of high-temperature sensors and the complex interdepence of residual stress state, relaxation and fatigue behavior. In this context, the IMPT is working in sub-project A04 on component-integrated polymer-free thin-film sensors that are used for data acquisition during the manufacturing and use phase.
    Year: 2024
    Funding: DFG
    Duration: 2024 - 2027
  • SELFLED
    The investigation of single cells in synthetic microenvironments can provide enormous information about cell properties, cell interactions and interactions with active substances. The large amount of time, personnel and material required generally restricts such investigations to the scale of microtiter plates, i.e. plates with typically 96 and up to 1536 micron wells. Fluorescence microscopy is used here as an essential analysis tool. The cells are stained with fluorophores that fluoresce when irradiated with certain wavelengths. However, the constant irradiation of the cells leads to photobleaching and photooxidative stress and thus to falsified test results due to degrading fluorescence and reduced viability of the cells. The aim of the SELFLED research project is to develop a novel illumination unit for fluorescence microscopy that enables controlled, selective and monitorable irradiation of any microenvironment, thus making photobleaching and photooxidative stress controllable and reducing them without restricting the performance of experiments. To this end, microLEDs and micro-optics embossed in glass are to be combined in a highly integrated package adapted to the specific conditions of the micro-cells. A laser-assisted embossing process is being investigated for the micro-optics, which enables the automated production of application-specific microlens arrays at wafer level, for example.
    Year: 2024
    Funding: BMBF
    Duration: 2024 - 2026
  • ProKI
    ProKI is a demonstration and transfer network for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in production. It is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The goal is to support small and medium-sized companies in particular with the introduction of AI in production. In addition to various training courses and workshops on the subject of AI, demonstrators are also being developed. The IMPT provides support with the "Mobile Data Acquisition" demonstrator. This is a mobile measurement setup that enables the evaluation of, for example, retrofitted strain and acceleration sensors or the evaluation of existing, internal control data from SME-specific systems. Based on the data, the challenges and potentials for the use of AI in the respective company are developed.
    Year: 2022
    Funding: BMBF
    Duration: 2022 - 2024
  • Polygrind
    The goal of the "PolyGrind" project is to develop a self-sharpening grinding wheel with cross-linking matrices made of polyimide or epoxy resin with integrated cooling channels. Layers with grain contents of ~17.5 m% are applied, in which the grain is released during blunting. The high cross-linking quality is achieved by microstructuring with UV light in the 365 nm range. The fluid channels with diameters of around 100 µm are first simulated and then generated in a mold. The goal is precise application of the coolant. The production process and UV structuring are first developed on 100 mm diameter polyimide disks and then designed for a casting process for 200 and 400 mm grinding disks with layer thicknesses of 200 and 250 µm. Due to the solid cross-linking in the hard matrix, a G-ratio > 1 is achieved in the process. Riblet structures with an aspect ratio of 0.4 can be achieved at feed rates of ~400 mm/min and flat surfaces with Ra = 0.1 at feed rates of ~600 mm/min.
    Year: 2022
    Funding: ZIM -Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand
    Duration: 2022 - 2024
  • Magdat II
    In the context of Industry 4.0 and the associated digitalization of production, the interest in suitable data storage on components is more in demand than ever in order to be able to automatically record and process products. The research project focuses on the further development of magnetic thermal spray coatings (e.g. WCCo) as a medium for data storage. These layers offer a particularly resistant alternative to conventional data storage solutions such as RFID chips, especially in the harsh environmental conditions of components. The main objective of the project is to optimize the magnetic properties of the layers by varying relevant process parameters. In addition, the influence of magnetic fields on the microstructure of the spray coatings is being determined, for which purpose the process chamber is being expanded with a specially designed electromagnet. The optimized coating systems are then analysed for their achievable data stability and density. For this purpose, a customized magnetic head is designed and constructed to ensure efficient writing and reading of the data on the layers. A further project objective is the development of a layer system that is suitable for perpendicular data recording and requires the application of a soft magnetic layer under the actual data memory.
    Year: 2021
    Funding: DFG
    Duration: 2021 - 2024
  • InnoVaQ
    The development of quantum sensors suitable for everyday use requires a high degree of miniaturization and integration of the vacuum system. In the InnoVaQ (Innovative Vacuum Technology for Quantum Sensors) research project, technologies are being developed that together allow a highly compact ultra-high vacuum setup to be realized for a strontium atom-based quantum sensor. In the long term, the increasing miniaturization in the field of quantum sensor technology not only leads to a reduction in the size of the housing, but also necessitates a vacuum periphery of the corresponding size. Thus, a miniaturized pumping technique is needed to develop compact and transportable quantum sensing technology. In this context, the IMPT is developing a combined device in cooperation with LPKF®, which is similar to an ion getter pump in terms of its functional principle. The core component is a magnet-free field emitter which does not influence the measurements of the quantum system. Two approaches are being pursued for the technical implementation of the emitter, firstly a silicon-based approach (IMPT) and secondly a glass-based approach manufactured using LIDE technology (LPKF®). The pumping technology to be realized by IMPT is based on micro-engineered field emitters in the form of tips fabricated by a cut-off grinding process. This technology has been patented by Leibniz Universität Hannover and enables the production of highly integrable emitter tips that act as electron sources for ionization in miniaturized ion getter pumps. Importantly, in the developed vacuum system, the pressure in the ultra-high vacuum (UVH) region is 10-8 to 10-11 mbar. To reach this pressure, a combination of backing pumps and high vacuum pumps is needed, since single-stage pumping from atmospheric pressure to UHV is not possible. After reaching the target pressure, the miniaturized vacuum pump developed in this project should be able to maintain and measure the pressure.
    Year: 2022
    Funding: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
    Duration: 01.01.2022-31.12.2024
  • SFB 1368 C03 – Investigation of tribological systems for tool coatings in an inert atmosphere
    In the Collaborative Research Center 1368 "Oxygen-free production", processes and mechanisms in manufacturing technology processes are investigated that are carried out in an oxygen-free atmosphere. In subproject C03, the IMPT is investigating the influence of the atmosphere on tribological systems for the subsequent development of tool coatings in an inert atmosphere. Important aspects include the identification and quantification of fundamental relationships of wear processes in silane-doped atmospheres, diffusion and adhesion effects and the investigation of possible novel alloy formations at the interfaces.
    Year: 2020
    Funding: DFG
    Duration: 2020 - 2027
    © IMPT
  • TiefZieh II
    The IMPT develops various application-specific sensor solutions. For example, the "Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM)" is funding the follow-up project "Deep-drawing sensor technology: development of a robust inductive microsensor". In collaboration with the two companies GDH Metallverarbeitungs GmbH and KIMA Process Control GmbH, research is being carried out into the further development of inductive deep-drawing sensors with a transformer principle for monitoring the quality of drawn parts. Initially, a new sensor concept based on an FEM analysis was developed to monitor the quality of the deep-drawn parts and reduce sensor wear during the process. The complexity of the geometry of the deep-drawn parts requires the simultaneous use of several sensors. Their sensor signal results from the position of the deep-drawn sheet edge above the planar sensor. The sensors are currently temperature-resistant up to 100 °C and make it possible to detect different metals and damage (cracking or wrinkling) in order to intervene to reduce the reject rate and increase process quality.
    Year: 2022
    Funding: AiF Projekt GmbH - ZIM
    Duration: 2022 - 2024
  • ISiG – Integrated Sensors for intelligent Large-Diameter Bearings
    In the context of digitization, the acquisition of measurement data plays a central role in the use of large components. For rolling bearings, the application of conventional sensors is hardly possible in situ due to the dimensions, so that the "ISiG" project addresses the use of various customized thin-film sensors. They will be produced directly on the machine element through coating processes that produces integrated, component inherent sensors on the measurement object. In cooperation with the Institute of Machine Design and Tribology (IMKT), the first step is to simulate the mechanical loads that occur and to derive the design of the sensor nodes. The high surface pressure, slipping and wear place the highest requirements on the sensor technology, which is why the development of redundant sensor systems by means of intelligent sensor data fusion represents a primary goal.
    Year: 2021
    Funding: DFG
    Duration: 2021-2024
  • ENDEMAR (Energy Saving by Use of Multiple Autarkic Control Sensor Systems)
    Intelligent Energy Flow – Reduction of Energy Consumption through Maintenance Free Sensors in Buildings and Accommodations The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The aim is to intelligently control and reduce the energy consumption within factory buildings and warehouses. The function will be demonstrated with LED light sources, but remains open for other energy users such as air-conditioning systems or heatings. The control is based on intelligent, maintenance free autarkic sensors with passive and active control functions and ultra-low energy consumption. Within the project three industrial companies and three research facilities are collaborating. The IMPT is supporting by developing a suitable energy-optimized energy-harvester for powering of autarkic, maintenance free control panels.
    Year: 2021
    Funding: German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
    Duration: 2021-2024
  • QGyro+ (Development of a compact experimental platform of a gyro-stabilized quantum navigation sensor)
    In the research project QGyro+, high-precision quantum inertial sensors will be developed and tested to support conventional inertial navigation sensors. Highly accurate and non-manipulable navigation systems, which can also be used when conventional GPS is not available, are particularly important for aviation, space and shipping as well as autonomous driving. The central goal of the project is to develop a six-axis quantum inertial navigation sensor. With this device, drift-free and highly accurate quantum inertial sensors are to be tested for the first time for use in autonomous navigation in order to open the way to new fields of application. In the course of the project, this sensor will be set up and used as a compact experimental platform (QINS experimental platform). The IMPT will play a key role in this by driving forward the miniaturization of various system components. To increase the degree of integration, so-called atom chips, as a component of the magneto-optical trap, with extended mirror reference surfaces are used, which are developed and manufactured at the IMPT. In addition, the IMPT is researching a wide range of technologies, in particular to miniaturize the required ultra-high vacuum system and the associated vacuum periphery. A promising approach to maintain the ultra-high vacuum (UHV) is the active pumping of the system as well as the corresponding pressure measurement by means of micro-engineered, magnetic field-free ion getter pumps based on field emitter arrays. The field emitter arrays developed at IMPT consist of hundreds of thousands of nanoscale field emitters, each with concentric extraction electrodes. These electrode sources provide free electrons for efficient residual gas ionization, so that the ionized residual gas atoms can subsequently be bonded to a functionalized ion collector. In combination with newly developed vacuum chamber concepts, the vision of a UHV microchamber with integrated pump and measurement technology and atom chip technology is to be realized in the long term.
    Led by: Alexander Kassner, M.Sc.
    Year: 2021
    Funding: DLR
    Duration: 01.01.2021 - 01.03.2026
  • Quantum Valley Lower Saxony
    The overall goal of the QVLS is to build a 50 qubit quantum computer. The IMPT is part of this excellent research network with access to unique infrastructure of the whole consortium. The team has excellent national and international networks and participates (besides QVLS-Q1) in important collaborations, including the Cluster of Excellence "QuantumFrontiers". The IMPT is part of several teams. In QVLS T2.4, building on our expertise in atom chip fabrication, we are addressing the design and construction of an atom chip with the possibility of depositing a glass package on the surface of the atom chip and encapsulating it. In this course, we are evaluating joining techniques with respect to hermeticity. Furthermore, in a novel implementation of these atom chips with a grating-based magneto-optical trap, we aim to integrate an optical grating into the atom chip surface. In QVLS T3.1, we are developing processes and methods to connect an ion trap chip together with the associated quantum control components (CMOS electronic chip, active photonic chip, passive optical interposer). This includes all connections to the outside world (cables, fibers). This ion trap packaging solution will be based on 3D hybrid integration techniques to enable stacking and bonding of dies from ceramic, glass and silicon substrates at wafer level. In QVLS T3.3, as part of the miniaturization of the vacuum system and the peripherals necessary for the operation of the quantum sensor, we are addressing the evaluation of joining glass to titanium and joining components under UHV conditions (themo-compressive and anodic). Furthermore, we are involved in the development of a pumping technique, which will initially be based on non-evaporable getter materials (NEG). Furthermore, we are developing and characterizing a platform for chip-based atomic sources for use in quantum sensors.
    Year: 2021
    Funding: VolkswagenStiftung & Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur
    Duration: 2021 - 2025
  • Force-sensitive guidance systems based on direct-deposited component-specific sensor technologies
    In the machine tools of modern production technology, forces represent an important source of information for process controlling and condition monitoring. Measuring of the occurring process forces allows the detection of tool breakages and process errors. Additionally, the tool displacement and the tool wear can be estimated. With the example of a portal milling machine, new types of direct-deposited strain gauges are used in this project due to the high demands on the necessary sensors. They are produced directly on the guide carriages, which are used to move the milling head in all three spatial directions on linear profile rails. The result are particularly thin and sensitive sensors that can record the forces and torques with high precision. Methods for simulating the optimum sensor positions and sensor data fusion exploit the full potential of the technology.
    Year: 2021
    Funding: DFG
    Duration: 2021 - 2024
    © Bosch-Rexroth
  • Gallium Nitride for Advanced Power (GaN4AP)
    The GaN for Advanced Power (GaN4AP) project is an international collaborative project funded by the EU's ECSEL initiative. Worldwide, the number of hybrid and electric cars is growing steadily. This is accompanied by a greater need for high-performance electronics in charging technology. In order to meet the increasing demand, high power transformers based on Galium Nitride will be realized in this project with partners from Italy, Czech Republic, France and Germany. IMPT is participating in the project by manufacturing transformers and inductors in planar technology on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and Molded Interconnect Devices (MID). These are essential for driving and filtering the electrical signal. The planar structure meets the demands for miniaturization of electrical systems and simultaneous increase in performance.
    Year: 2021
    Funding: ECSEL (EU)
    Duration: 2021 - 2024
  • PhoenixD
    The Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD deals with the topic of realising optical precision devices quickly and cost-effectively using additive manufacturing. This vision unites researchers from the faculties of mechanical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, computer science and chemistry at Leibniz Universität Hannover and TU-Braunschweig. The researchers are working together on the simulation, production and application of optical systems. The systems currently based on glass are complex, usually manufactured by hand and sometimes require large installation spaces. The cooperation of the different departments is now to develop a digital manufacturing system with which individualised optical products can be realised.
    Year: 2019
    Funding: DFG
    Duration: 2019 - 2025
  • Quantum Frontiers
    The Cluster of Excellence QuantumFrontiers combines the research strengths of Leibniz Universität Hannover, TU Braunschweig and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt in Braunschweig with the aim of developing new measurement concepts and sensor topologies based on photonic systems, dedicated semiconductor systems, nanostructures, quantum-manipulated atomic and molecular ensembles, and even macroscopic objects. The IMPT focuses mainly on atomic interferometry and is involved with two research groups.
    Year: 2019
    Funding: DFG
    Duration: 2019 - 2025
  • QCHIP
    The Institute of Microproduction Technology (IMPT) develops so-called atom chips as components of magneto-optical traps for compact matter wave interferometers. In combination with sophisticated laser cooling, these atom chips generate magnetic field configurations to trap and cool atoms by exploiting the Zeeman effect. This represents the first step in creating a bose-einstein condensate that serves as a test mass for interferometry. In order to use such high-precision matter-wave interferometers in the field or on board satellites, miniaturization will be pursued. The number of lasers and electronics required for cooling can be reduced by patterning the surfaces of atomic chips with optical gratings. By cleverly exploiting diffraction effects, operation can thus be achieved with just one laser.
    Year: 2019
    Funding: BMWi
    Duration: 2019 - 2026
  • KACTUS II
    Within the first joint project KACTUS, a new generation of atom chips could be developed at IMPT in collaboration with the Institute of Quantum Optics (IQ) and the Humboldt University Berlin (HUB), which are characterized by more suitable materials and better joining processes, so that this new atom chip generation is characterized by faster switching behavior and better vacuum properties. Based on this novel platform, further functions are to be added to the atom chips within the framework of KACTUS II, which, in addition to further miniaturization, will also result in a drastic reduction in the complexity of the overall structure. Here, the focus is on the investigation of new chip materials, the introduction of several current-carrying layers per chip and the improvement of the optical quality of the mirror layer for interferometric applications.
    Year: 2019
    Funding: BMWK
    Duration: 2019 - 2024

Last Change: 26.09.22 Print

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