Merger of Heidelberg Instruments and Multiphoton Optics strengthens German competitiveness in the international micro-optics market

"The maskless 3D lithography by Multiphoton Optics enables the fabrication of complex structures in a single process step. The SEM image exemplifies the ability to produce lens systems for innovative imaging or illumination applications."

Effective immediately, Multiphoton Optics GmbH is a 100 percent subsidiary of Heidelberg Instruments Microtechnology GmbH. This consolidation of development strength and technologies for the manufacturing of microstructures emphasizes the global importance of German research, development, and production of direct-write laser systems for microstructuring.

With the successful completion of the M&A negotiations, the employees of Multiphoton Optics (MPO) are now part of the Heidelberg Instruments family, which is one of the international market leaders in laser lithography. The merger aims to strengthen the market position also in the field of micro-optics.

"MPO is a pioneer of two-photon lithography and has developed a powerful exposure system for 3D printing deep into the sub-micrometer range. With this, MPO bridges the gap between conventional laser lithography, on which our core business is based, and the nanostructuring technology (t-SPL) that was added three years ago in the Heidelberg Instruments Nano division. Together with MPO, we will expand our position in the field of micro-optics and structured surfaces," reports Konrad Roessler, CEO of Heidelberg Instruments.

The current specialty of MPO is the manufacturing of arbitrarily shaped 3D freeform surfaces and 3D structures, with a focus on micro-optics. Currently, research and development mainly focus on manufacturing processes using two-photon polymerization (2PP) as well as application-specific software and hardware modules.

While Heidelberg Instruments has high expectations for the further development of 3D lithography systems at the Würzburg MPO site, the strategic merger primarily provides Multiphoton Optics with access to sales potential and structures, production capacities, and the global service network of the new parent company.

"Heidelberg Instruments is the perfect partner for us, as the merger benefits customers, employees, and the technology itself. Heidelberg Instruments' worldwide network increases our visibility and enables us to develop new systems based on two-photon polymerization to support more and more customers in implementing their applications and ideas," says Dr. Benedikt Stender, who will serve as the sole managing director of Multiphoton Optics in the future. Dr. Boris Neubert, who was previously responsible for operations in MPO management, will drive the integration of the company from Heidelberg Instruments. "By combining the strengths of both companies, we will be able to offer our customers even more powerful products and excellent service," Neubert concludes with a positive outlook on the future together.