The 280 employees of the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (Fraunhofer IPMS) research in nanoelectronic, mechanical and optical components and their integration into miniature »intelligent« devices and systems. Services are geared towards customers who wish to enhance their products by using microsystems (MEMS, MOEMS, CMOS) with their constantly decreasing dimensions and innovative system properties. The institute's specific competence is in the use of light for various purposes, i.e. the application of optical properties and components.

The Fraunhofer IPMS covers a wide range of industrial applications. Services include conception, product development and pilot fabrication in institute laboratories and clean rooms – from devices up to complete system solutions.