Laser-based processes offer a variety of variables that determine the process stability and thus the machining quality. Usually, these parameters are determined experimentally or by simulations. However, this approach implies losses in process precision and speed and therefore does not always represent the optimal choice.
Better suitable as a matter of principle are adaptive machining systems that determine the actual process state (Sensing) and guide the process to a target state (Control) within the microsecond timescale of the involved physical processes (Real-time Systems).
Hence, our group "Sensing, Control and Real-time Systems" deals with the sensor based detection, the control and the realization in real-time in the field of photon-material interactions.
Designing sensors, actuators and control systems as well as programming real-time logics, prototype design and testing in trial fields are the main topics of our scientific research. Therefore, our current projects deal with sensors for laser material processing heads, systems for angle, displacement and 3D position measurement of moving targets, systems for adaptive process control in laser material processing using real time Linux and with the development of PCI Express (PCIe) based interfaces for low latency data I/O.