Registration opens for AKL’24 – Laser Technology for the Production of Tomorrow
December 7, 2023
AKL’24, the International Laser Technology Congress, organised by Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), Aachen, Germany, will take place in Aachen from April 17-19, 2024. In addition to the core conference over three days, the first day will once again be dedicated to parallel expert forums with deep dives into the topics of AI-supported photonics, functional surfaces and quantum technology.
The organisers have highlighted of the Laser Technology Live event as a particular highlight. On April 18, 2024 – with around sixty live demonstrations and presentations in the Fraunhofer ILT laboratories – researchers from the institute and the cooperating chairs at RWTH Aachen University will provide insights into the latest systems, processes and R&D results and will be available for in-depth discussions.
Expert forums
The range of research aspects and innovations in digital photonic production is extensive – from digitally networked production systems in laser material processing to data fusion for AI-based process monitoring systems. Application examples include digital sensor technology for reliable brake-disk production or automated testing in battery production using laser-based ultrasonic excitation. Experts will also discuss the opportunities and limitations of AI support.
Participants in the expert forum Functional Surfaces through Laser Processing will have the opportunity to spend the whole day dealing with the efficient processing, functionalisation and refinement of surfaces. The first part of the forum will provide an overview of various surface processing methods (e.g., for improving tribology, wear and corrosion protection of stressed components and for manufacturing extremely complex components).
The second part of the forum will focus on electronic coatings and optical surfaces. One of the goals of the industry is to increase sustainability in battery cell production. By functionalising layer-by-with laser radiation, the industry can produce components with less energy, fewer resources and minimal thermal stress on the workpiece.
Quantum technologies are currently being driven forward internationally at a cost of billions. Fraunhofer believes that we are at the beginning of a technical revolution that will enable fundamentally new applications, including quantum imaging, quantum communication and quantum computing. The expert forum Quantum Technology & Photonics will give interested parties insight into the current status of R&D activities in this field.
Experts will provide information on the latest developments in low-noise frequency converters as a key component for the development of the quantum internet. The use of quantum technology at Deutsche Telekom will also be highlighted as an application scenario.
Technology Business Day
Managing directors, marketing managers and strategists will receive an overview of the laser markets in Europe, Asia and America at the Technology Business Day. In addition, experts will discuss technological trends in the use of laser technology in the energy sector.
Technology conference
At the beginning of the Gerd Herziger Session, Dr.Peter Leibinger (Chairman of the Leibinger SE Supervisory Board), Dr Christopher Dorman (VP, Coherent) and Dr. Christoph Rüttimann (CTO, Bystronic Group) will address the question – from the perspective of technology suppliers – of how business models and value creation in laser technology are changing as a result of digitalisation and AI. This panel discussion will be moderated by Prof Constantin Haefner, Director of Fraunhofer ILT.
On April 18 and 19, 2024, experts from industry and science will also explain the status and prospects of laser material processing, laser beam source development and medical technology in fifteen expert sessions. All AKL’24 participants will also have the opportunity to make contact with around fifty laser, component and system manufacturers at the exhibition accompanying the conference and discuss any questions in individual meetings.
Innovation Award Laser Technology 2024
On the evening of April 17, 2024, the Innovation Award Laser Technology 2024 will be presented in the Coronation Hall of Aachen City Hall in front of around 300 guests. Every two years, the Arbeitskreis Lasertechnik eV and the European Laser Institute ELI eV bestow this European science and technology award for outstanding innovations in the field of laser technology.
Assisting AKL’24 as supporting organisations are the European Commission, the European Photonics Industry Consortium EPIC, OptecNet Deutschland and the industry associations SPECTARIS, VDA, VDMA and VDI Technologiezentrum.
Presentations will take place in either German or English with simultaneous translation into either available, The full conference programme is available via the event site. Those interests can register below before February 27, 2024, to take advantage of an early-bird discount.
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