The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF), also referred to as the Fraunhofer IOF, is an institute of the Fraunhofer Society for the Advancement of Applied Research (FHG). The institute is based in Jena. Its activities are attributed to applied research and development in the branch of natural sciences in the field of optics and precision engineering. The institute was founded in 1992. Research and development Building upon the experience of the Jena region in the field of surface and thin film technologies for optics, the Fraunhofer IOF conducts research and development in the area of optical systems aiming at enhancing the control of light – from its generation and manipulation to its actual use. The combination of competences in the areas of optics and precision engineering is particularly important. The focuses also result in the department structure: Opto-mechanical System Design Micro and Nano-structured Optics Opto-mechatronical Components and Systems Precision Optical Components and Systems Functional Optical Surfaces and Layers Laser- and Fiber Technology Imaging and Sensing Emerging Technologies see also: thin film technology, surface physics, microstructure technology, nanotechnology, micro-optics, measurement technology, quantum technology CMN-Optics In July 2006, the Fraunhofer IOF opened the Center for Advanced Micro- and Nano-Optics (CMN-Optics). The core of the facility is the SB350-OS electron beam lithography system. This device, also known as an "electron beam recorder", allows minimal structure sizes in the range of 50 nm with a high accuracy on substrate sizes up to 300 mm. The center is operated jointly with the Institute for Applied Physics (IAP) of the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena. The facility is also used by the Institute for Photonic Technologies (IPHT), Jena. The facility cost twelve million euros and was financed by the European Union, the Free State of Thuringia and the Fraunhofer Society. Cooperations In 2003, the Fraunhofer Society concluded a cooperation agreement with the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena. It is the basis for collaboration between Fraunhofer IOF staff and the staff of the Institute of Applied Physics at the University of Jena. The aim of the cooperation is to provide practical training for the students, to improve the implementation of research results into practice and to share the high-quality equipment and infrastructures of both institutions. Infrastructure At the end of 2020, Fraunhofer IOF had almost 330 employees, most of whom are scientists and technicians. The operating budget for the Fraunhofer IOF was EUR