Bachelor-/ Master Thesis: »Investigation of effects of surface metrology data on optical simulation«

At the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT in Aachen, we are creating the production of the future with more than 450 employees – digital, sustainable and resilient. In the department »Production Metrology«, we deal with optical metrology systems in the context of production metrology. This includes modification and sensor fusion based on commercial sensing equipment, development of new metrology systems and integration into production facilities. 

Within the scope of your thesis, you will investigate the influence of topographical data of varying quality on simulation results of several optical components. You will conduct surface measurements with various metrology systems and parameter sets. For the consecutive step of data processing, you will compare results from commercial and open-source tools. This data will serve as input for the simulation of optical properties (wavefront, MTF), using the simulation software Zemax OpticStudio. You will derive recommendations for optimal metrology parameters in order to make efficient and meaningful performance predictions.

The job requires regular attendance at our institute in Aachen.

Be part of change

• Conducting measurement campaigns with several metrology systems


• Research on and selection of postprocessing solutions


• Simulation of optical ray propagation with Zemax OpticStudio


• Sensitivity analysis of metrological parameters regarding simulated optical performance

What you contribute

• You are studying mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics or a comparable subject


• Basic knowledge of optics is advantageous


• You have initial experience in programming with Python


• A high degree of initiative and independence


• Good language skills in German and/or English

What we offer

• Ideal conditions for practical experience alongside your studies


• Professional supervision and collaboration in a dedicated team


• A state-of-the-art machine park equipped with edge cloud systems and 5G infrastructure


• Flexible working to combine study and job in the best possible way

 We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. 

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

For any further information on this position please contact:
Mischka Laemmerhold M.Sc.
Research Assistant »Production Metrology«
Phone: +49 241 8904-435

Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT 

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