For the Long Night of Science 2022, we are opening two labs for you where it will be "very hot" in the truest sense of the word:
In the MCVD lab , we will show you how we produce extremely pure optical preforms for glass fibers during ongoing operations. You will also learn from our experts how we add special chemical elements such as aluminum and rare earths to these high-tech glasses to make them fit for special tasks.
Our research drawing tower extends over 4 floors and is full of interesting technology weighing tons. Our scientists set it in motion for you and explain to you during ongoing production how hair-thin optical fibers with exciting properties are made from centimeter-thick, often unusually structured preforms.
In the foyer of the Leibniz IPHT there will also be a stand on the subject of glass fibers. You can expect vivid models of our basic technologies - the detailed 1:10 miniature of the fiber drawing tower made of more than 3000 Lego bricks, for example, is an eye-catcher with a learning effect. You will find out why light can be transported in glass fibers in the first place and can see and touch samples from all stages of optical fiber production. With a little manual skill and dexterity, you will have the opportunity to find out for yourself what various modern glass fibers look like on the inside. And, of course, we will explain to you where our special fibers are used in everyday life, in industry and in the healthcare sector, for example.
