INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Bachelor-/ Master Thesis: »Development of an Adaptive Wavefront Sensor« 1

CompanyFraunhofer-Gesellschaft
LocationAachen
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 24, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The role involves investigating the feasibility of capturing a light ray's wavefront in high resolution using an adaptive sensor concept, covering theoretical design, simulation, and experimental testing in a lab setup. Responsibilities also include conceptualization, component selection, setting up and calibrating the sensor, conducting tests, and investigating interpretation methods.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
285
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Fraunhofer IGD is the international leading institute for applied research in visual computing. Visual computing is image- and model-based information technology and includes computer graphics and computer vision, as well as virtual and augmented reality. In simple terms, the Fraunhofer researchers in Darmstadt, Rostock, and Kiel are turning information into images and extracting information from images. In cooperation with its partners, technical solutions and market-relevant products are created. Prototypes and integrated solutions are developed in accordance with customized requirements. In doing so, Fraunhofer IGD places users at the forefront, providing them with technical solutions to facilitate computer work and make it more efficient. Owing to its numerous innovations, Fraunhofer IGD raises man-machine interaction to a new level. Man is able to work in a more result-oriented and effective way by means of the computer and visual computing developments.
About the Role

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 possibility to capture a light ray’s wavefront in high resolution utilizing an adaptive sensor concept. The wavefront serves as an indicator for beam quality in an optical set-up and consecutively for the assessment of involved optical components and their alignment. The investigation includes aspects of theoretical and simulation-based design, as well as experimental testing of the sensor in a lab set-up. Depending on your expertise and areas of interest, this work’s focus can be set on a part of these topics or separated in several theses. In an advanced set-up the sensor can be used for precise surface geometry measurement.

 

The job requires regular attendance at our institute in Aachen.

 

Be part of change

  • Support conceptualization and component selection
  • Design of experimental set-up
  • Set-up, alignment and calibration of the sensor
  • Conducting test measurements
  • Theoretical and experimental investigation of postprocessing and interpretation methods
  • System integration into an automated production environment

 

What you contribute

  • You are studying mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics or a comparable subject
  • You have initial experience in setting up and operating opto-mechanical systems
  • Knowledge in programming with Python is advantageous
  • 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 

www.ipt.fraunhofer.de 

 

Requisition Number: 83896                Application Deadline:

 

Key Skills
Optical MetrologySensor FusionWavefront SensingAdaptive Sensor ConceptTheoretical DesignSimulationExperimental TestingOpto-mechanical SystemsPython ProgrammingSurface Geometry MeasurementCalibrationPostprocessing
Categories
EngineeringScience & ResearchManufacturing