Frank Wippermann graduated from the university for applied sciences in Jena in 1999. He worked in the field of fiber optical system design for sensing and telecommunication applications and was co-founder of the Germany based company pyramid optics. Since 2004 he is affiliated with the Fraunhofer institute for applied optics and precision engineering (IOF) and currently working on his thesis on chirped array configurations with applications in insect inspired imaging and laser beam shaping.

Abstract
The hardest competition and therefore pressure on "cost", yield, adequate adaptation and reliability can be found in nature. When thinking about new imaging optics for miniaturized systems it is only consequent to get inspired by really tiny animals like insects. Besides the academic beauty the technical devices can be manufactured extremely cost effective using state of the art wafer level optics processes being complaint to those of the silicon semiconductor industry. Imaging sensor modules thinner than 1mm are possible where the fabrication techniques for the imaging optics and the electronics harmonize for the first time.

Short Profile of the Fraunhofer Institute of Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
www.iof.fraunhofer.de

Research and development at the Fraunhofer IOF focuses on optical system technology with the objective of controlling light – from its generation, guidance and manipulation to its ultimate application. The close relationship with the Institute of Applied Physics at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena provides us with the necessary scientific advantages. The Fraunhofer IOF is a competent partner to local, national and international industries and a contractor to the public sector in the field of optics and photonics.
Central competence is optics and mechanics design. The combination of competences in optics and precision-mechanics is to be pointed out. Our customers come from the following markets:
- manufacturing technologies,
- automotive industry,
- illumination,
- aerospace technology,
- astronomy,
- security,
- information and communication technologies,
- medical technologies,
- life sciences and
- research.