| Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology (FEP) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology (FEP) |
| Native name | Fraunhofer-Institut für Organische Elektronik, Elektronenstrahl- und Plasmatechnik |
| Type | Research institute |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Location | Dresden, Saxony, Germany |
| Fields | Organic electronics; electron beam technology; plasma technology |
| Parent organization | Fraunhofer Society |
Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology (FEP)
Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology (FEP) is a research institute of the Fraunhofer Society located in Dresden. The institute develops applied technologies in organic electronics, electron beam processing and plasma technology, translating laboratory research into industrial processes and products. FEP plays a significant role in Dresden's Silicon Saxony cluster and the broader microelectronics and photonics ecosystem of the region.
The institute's mission focuses on applied research, development and pilot-scale production for flexible electronics, coating technologies and surface functionalisation. FEP aims to bridge fundamental research and marketable solutions through prototype fabrication, technology transfer and support for industrialisation. Core objectives include advancing organic electronics such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photovoltaics, improving nano- and microfabrication via electron beam lithography and electron beam curing, and developing plasma-assisted processes for surface modification. The institute serves as a partner for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), multinational firms and public research institutions in the region including the Technische Universität Dresden.
FEP originated within the Fraunhofer network to address emerging opportunities in polymer electronics and thin-film processing during the late 20th century. After formal establishment in 1991, the institute consolidated activities in Dresden to exploit proximity to microelectronics manufacturers and research centres. Over subsequent decades FEP expanded laboratory capacity and pilot lines, aligning with regional initiatives such as Silicon Saxony and cooperating with institutions on the TU Dresden campus. Investments in electron beam and plasma tools responded to industrial demand from photovoltaic, display and semiconductor suppliers in Saxony and neighbouring regions. The institute's growth reflects Dresden's transformation into a high-tech cluster encompassing microelectronics, photonics and materials science.
Research at FEP spans several interlinked domains: - Organic electronic devices: development of organic semiconductors, printable inks and encapsulation strategies for OLEDs, organic photovoltaics (OPV) and sensors. - Vacuum deposition and coating: roll-to-roll vacuum coating, physical vapour deposition (PVD) and hybrid coating chains for flexible substrates. - Electron beam processing: electron beam curing, crosslinking of polymers and electron beam lithography for micro- and nanostructuring. - Plasma technology: atmospheric and low-pressure plasma for surface activation, cleaning and thin-film functionalisation. - Barrier and encapsulation technologies: multilayer barrier films for moisture-sensitive devices and packaging solutions.
These activities connect to applied fields such as display technology, renewable energy (through OPV), and advanced packaging for the semiconductor industry. FEP complements research performed at the Max Planck Society-affiliated groups and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf by focusing on industrial readiness and pilot production.
FEP operates specialised cleanrooms, vacuum coating lines and pilot-scale roll-to-roll equipment on its Dresden site, enabling upscaling from lab demonstrations to small-series production. Facilities include electron beam accelerators for curing and sterilisation, plasma treatment benches for inline surface processing, gloveboxes for moisture-sensitive device assembly, and analytical laboratories for thin-film characterisation (e.g., ellipsometry, profilometry, and spectroscopy). The institute's infrastructure is designed to interface with partner companies’ processes, providing technology validation, reliability testing and accelerated ageing studies conforming to industrial standards. Proximity to Dresden's semiconductor fabs and packaging suppliers allows rapid integration of developed processes into regional supply chains.
FEP maintains collaborative programmes with industrial partners across display, textile, photovoltaic and semiconductor sectors. Notable partnership types include bilateral development contracts, consortia in European Union research programmes such as Horizon 2020, and public–private initiatives within Saxony. The institute frequently cooperates with TU Dresden, the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems (ENAS), and other Fraunhofer institutes to provide multidisciplinary solutions. FEP's pilot lines and technology demonstrators serve startups and established companies in Silicon Saxony, facilitating licensing, contract manufacturing and spin-offs that commercialise flexible electronics and coating technologies.
As part of a research ecosystem centered on Dresden, FEP contributes to education and workforce development by supervising graduate projects, offering internships and hosting technical trainings. Collaborations with TU Dresden enable joint doctoral supervision and guest lectures linked to materials science, electrical engineering and process engineering curricula. The institute organises workshops, industry days and participation in trade fairs such as LOPEC and regional technology conferences to disseminate results and engage with SMEs. Outreach activities aim to increase public understanding of advanced manufacturing and to attract skilled personnel to the Dresden high-tech labour market.
FEP is a component of Dresden's innovation infrastructure, supplying applied research, pilot capabilities and skilled personnel that support the competitiveness of local firms in microelectronics and emerging sectors like flexible electronics and advanced packaging. By enabling technology transfer and fostering spin-offs, the institute contributes to job creation and diversification of the regional industrial base. FEP's integration with networks such as Silicon Saxony and cooperation with academic and research centres strengthens Dresden's profile as a European hub for electronics, photonics and materials research.
Category:Research institutes in Dresden Category:Fraunhofer Society