The Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM) is a non-profit, non-university research institution and conducts application-oriented basic research in the field of non-thermal material conversion as well as the apparative and procedural developments of ion, electron, photon and plasma tools with the aim of surface modification (such as smoothing, structuring, coating, functionalising) and the technological implementation of the results in industry and society. By combining expertise in the natural sciences and engineering, the IOM researches, develops and uses beam-based methods for the production and processing of innovative surfaces and materials that are used in socially relevant future fields such as optics, the semiconductor industry, the energy industry, biomedicine and water management. Following the innovation chain from idea to application, the IOM sees itself as a holistic strategic partner for research and industry.
The IOM is divided into four research areas with corresponding fields of application: Ultra-precision Surfaces, Barrier and Precision Coatings, Biocompatible and Bioactive Surfaces, and Surfaces of Porous Membrane Filters. The research areas are additionally supported by three cross-sectional units. They offer a broad portfolio of services in the areas of Modelling/Simulation, Tools (development and provision of partly unique plasma and beam tools) and Analytics. Furthermore, the IOM has state-of-the-art equipment and research infrastructure for basic and industry-related research as well as its own Application Center. The institute cooperates with other research institutions and companies at home and abroad and participates in numerous cooperation projects with research groups in national and international alliances in order to be able to efficiently work on scientific and technological issues in the core areas.
