About Us

Institute for Applied Photonics (IAP)

The Institute for Applied Photonics (IAP) was founded in Berlin in 1999 as a non-university research institution dedicated to applied research and development in photonics, X-ray analytics, and optical technologies.

Since its foundation, IAP has participated in numerous publicly funded individual and collaborative research projects in cooperation with industrial partners, universities, and research institutions. The institute combines scientific research with application-oriented technology development for industrial and analytical applications.

One of the institute’s major research areas is process-related X-ray analytics. Based on early collaborative projects in this field, IAP initiated the conference series “PRORA – Process-related X-ray Analytics” in 2001, which has since become an established platform for exchange between science and industry.

Over the years, IAP has contributed to the development of X-ray optical systems, photonical crystal fibers, glass capillary optics, optical measurement systems, and analytical instrumentation. Research activities also included recycling and resource analytics, online process monitoring, XRF- and LIBS-based measurement systems, and analytical technologies for industrial applications.

The institute has been actively involved in scientific networks and standardization activities, including participation in the VDI/VDE guideline committee for X-ray optical systems.

In recent years, the research focus has increasingly expanded toward modern analytical and process technologies, including process-related X-ray analytics, multimodal measurement approaches, data analysis, and sustainable technology applications.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration and long-standing scientific expertise, IAP continues to support the transfer of innovative research into practical technological solutions.