Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Carlo Holly honored as one of the most influential innovators in photonics
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Carlo Holly, head of the Department of Data Science and Measurement Technology at Fraunhofer ILT and head of the Chair of Technology of Optical Systems (TOS) at RWTH Aachen University, has been named one of the “Photonics100” for the year 2025. This list, published by the specialist magazine Electro Optics, annually recognizes the 100 most influential people in photonics worldwide.
Prof. Holly has been making significant contributions to the advancement of laser technology and optics for many years. His research focuses on the development and technical implementation of optical systems and innovative applications for industry. These include optical systems for production, modeling of semiconductor lasers and EUV technology. One focus of his work is on the integration of artificial intelligence into laser technology to make optical systems more powerful and to enable self-learning process monitoring and optimization in laser material processing. Virtual representations of real systems and processes play a central role in this. For example, he develops optical neural networks (ONNs) that use diffractive optical elements to manipulate laser beams in three dimensions to achieve customized beam profiles and extended depth of focus.
The Photonics100 award is a significant recognition of the photonics industry. Nominations come from the community. Experts recommend innovators whose work has a lasting impact on and advances the photonics industry. Inclusion in this list is a personal honor and also strengthens the Fraunhofer ILT's importance as a center of innovation.
In the future, Carlo Holly plans to further expand the use of artificial intelligence in photonics. He is working on self-learning production machines that combine sensors and algorithms in an optimized form to pave the way for the next generation of photonics technology. His work is making a decisive contribution to establishing Aachen, RWTH Aachen University and Fraunhofer ILT as pioneering locations in the field of photonics.
