On September 24 and 25, Strasbourg will host the PLI Conferences, a key event dedicated to laser processes for industry.
The event is organized by CLP, IREPA LASER, ICUBE, IPG PHOTONICS, PRECITEC, and the PHOTONICS INSTITUTE, with support from TRUMPF and OPTOPRIM, in partnership with PHOTONICS FRANCE.
Among the many experts who will be speaking, we had the honor of meeting Jochen Stolenwerk from the Fraunhofer-Institute for Lasertechnology ILT. In this interview, he shares his background, his insights into current and future trends in the industry, and his reasons for participating in the PLI Conferences.
Discover his answers:
Could you tell us about your professional background and significant experiences in the field of laser and industrial processes?
I studied physics at RWTH Aachen University and earned my doctorate in laser material processing in 2001. After completing my doctorate and working as a research assistant at Fraunhofer ILT, I joined TRUMPF Laser Marking Systems AG in Switzerland, leading the applications department. In 2004, I returned to Aachen and helped establish the Chair for Technology of Optical Systems at RWTH Aachen University, serving as chief engineer until mid-2024.
Simultaneously, I held various positions at Fraunhofer ILT before becoming Deputy Director in March 2024. In February 2025, I was appointed acting director of Fraunhofer ILT.
My research primarily focuses on digital photonic production, surface technology, optical systems for manufacturing, EUV technology, and additive manufacturing.
How do you believe laser processes are revolutionizing the industry today?
There are two main trends. On the one hand, laser material processing methods are ideally suited to driving forward the digitization of production due to the unique properties of light, in particular the massless of photons and their rapid local and temporal controllability. On the other hand, the enormous drop in the price of laser systems, especially continuous wave (CW) lasers, is enabling broader industrial application and thus the further spread of laser-based manufacturing technologies.
Why did you choose to participate in the PLI Conferences, and what are your goals as a speaker at this event?
PLI Conferences is a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, networking with industry experts, and staying updated on the latest advancements in laser technology. Cross-border cooperation, as practiced during the conference, is a
unique feature that I personally find very appealing. I am convinced that cooperation at the European level, and especially at the German-French level, is key to achieving relevant progress in high-tech fields such as laser technology. As a speaker, my goal is to share insights from my experience, and to contribute to meaningful discussions around this exciting field.
As an expert, what do you believe are the main current and future trends in the field of industrial lasers?
The trend toward ever higher average power levels is evident in both cw lasers and (ultra-short) pulsed lasers. The main aim here is to increase productivity and processing quality. In addition, completely new applications are also being developed. In combination with the increasingly higher average power levels, advances in beam shaping, such as the dynamic splitting and adaptation of intensity profiles, are opening up completely new possibilities in mass production - for example, in the parallel processing of work surfaces or in additive manufacturing.
Another important trend is the integration of artificial intelligence. The potential of AI goes beyond the mere monitoring and control of laser processes. By cleverly combining modern measurement and sensor technology with AI methods, machines can be trained to produce defect-free products right from the start or to react autonomously to changes in the process. AI has the potential to close control loops. Learning machines that re-adjust themselves during the process based on continuous data evaluation are becoming a reality.
In your opinion, what role does the Club Laser et Procédés play in promoting and advancing laser technologies in the industry?
The Club Laser & Procédés serves as a valuable platform for bringing together experts, researchers, and industry professionals to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on innovative projects. By fostering networking and dialogue, the CLP helps to accelerate the development and adoption of new laser solutions.
We look forward to Jochen Stollenwerk’s talk at the end of September in Strasbourg!
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