SUSS MicroOptics: "Micro-optics will play a pivotal role in many trends that shape our time"

Whether it’s laboratories, dentistry, or ophthalmology – many areas of medical technology can no longer exist without micro-optics. But aside from medical specialties, micro-lenses have also made their way into many everyday applications, including wearables.

At COMPAMED 2022, Dr. Patrick Heissler highlighted the importance of micro-optics in the modern world. In this interview, the Director Business Development at SUSS MicroOptics SA talks about innovative applications and trends in the field of micro-optics.

Dr. Heissler, can you briefly recap the key points of your COMPAMED 2022 lecture titled "MicroOptics for lifescience"?

Dr. Patrick Heissler: The presentation at the COMPAMED HIGH-TECH FORUM aimed to show how we can improve the quality of our lives with innovative approaches. Micro-optics already facilitates applications such as non-invasive, continuous glucose monitoring, optical 3D dental measurement, and tiny endoscopes. Several innovative companies have forged ahead and taken a leadership role in this setting. But we have only just begun when it comes to the interdisciplinary collaboration of developers from the medical technology and optics industries. SUSS MicroOptics is happy to support you as a partner with its experience in optical design, simulation options, and production capacities.

What role will micro-optics play in the future?

Heissler: Micro-optics not only has the potential to transform entire industries but is already well on its way. The medical technology industry is just one example of many. We have witnessed the ever-expanding range of micro-optics applications in the automotive sector. Micro-optics have also been standard in data center operations for many years. With the advent of photonic integrated circuits, i.e., the continued progress of optical data transmission, data processing chips, and storage devices, micro-optics gain an entirely new significance. Micro-optics will thus play a pivotal role in many of the megatrends that shape our time, including artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, or medtech.

What are the trends in this field?

Heissler: Two trends we see are an increasingly deep integration of optical components and the steady advancement of miniaturization. This means companies must deal with new challenges in the processing of micro-optical components. SUSS MicroOptics offers various approaches to meet these challenges together with our customers. The integration of different optical elements, such as lenses and prisms in one component, helps reduce the number of required components and thus the number of necessary high-precision process steps. Additional integrated auxiliary structures, such as spacers or adhesive joints, can likewise simplify the complexity of the process steps.

Has the current international situation affected your company's business operations?

Heissler: The frequency and intensity of events in recent years has probably impacted all companies in the world and SUSS MicroOptics is no exception. We are a dynamic, medium-sized company with employees who have a high level of self-motivation and work-responsibility, which enabled us to navigate the complex events of the recent past successfully. A high level of diversification in markets and customers also helps us weather the storm.

SUSS MicroOptics was an exhibitor at COMPAMED. How did you like the event?

Heissler: The COMPAMED trade fair was a great success for us. We were able to showcase our innovative solutions for the medical technology and the life science markets to an interested expert audience. The event also gives us the opportunity to learn about trends and developments in this field.