Hans Zappe

Prof. Hans Zappe is a Full Professor in the Institute of Microsystem Technology at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany. He holds the Gisela-und-Erwin-Sick-Professur für Mikrooptik (Microoptics). His primary affiliation is with the Faculty of Engineering, focusing on advanced optical systems, MEMS, and medical optoelectronics.

Areas of Expertise include Optics, Micro-Optics, Optical MEMS, Photonics, and Medical Optics. He leads Research Area B and oversees the IDEASfactory@FIT innovation hub. Current projects include the 'Autonomous Eyeball' initiative exploring light-driven optical systems and V4DA actuators for programmable materials.

His research emphasizes liquid crystal-based actuators, adaptive optical systems, and optofluidic devices. Over 150 peer-reviewed articles demonstrate expertise in tunable microlenses, endoscopic imaging probes, and bio-inspired optical systems. Notable collaborations include DFG-funded livMatS projects and high-throughput glass fabrication innovations.

Dr. Zappe advises current PhD candidates Sruthy Dinesh and Shalini Soman, with former student Dr. Jasleen Kaur Lall contributing to liquid crystal actuator research. His work bridges fundamental optics research with practical applications in biomedical devices and smart manufacturing systems.

Labs/Teams: IDEASfactory@FIT (innovation lab), livMatS core team, and Advanced Optical Microsystems Group. Active in academic outreach through workshops like Core Lectures and Master Lab programs.