Michael Schmidt

Professor Michael Schmidt serves as the head of the Institute of Photonic Technologies (LPT) within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). His research focuses on advanced laser-based manufacturing technologies with particular emphasis on additive manufacturing processes and laser materials processing. The institute maintains state-of-the-art facilities for laser processing research and collaborates extensively with industrial partners in the automotive, medical device, and manufacturing sectors.

Professor Schmidt's research interests span laser-based additive manufacturing of metals and polymers, with particular expertise in powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M), directed energy deposition (DED-LB/M), laser beam shaping, and laser welding technologies. His work addresses fundamental challenges in process optimization, material-property relationships, and quality assurance in additive manufacturing. Recent research has focused on improving process stability for challenging materials like copper, developing novel beam shaping techniques, and advancing in-situ monitoring capabilities for industrial applications. His group maintains strong expertise in both experimental and computational approaches to laser materials processing.

Analysis of Professor Schmidt's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advancing the scientific understanding of laser powder bed fusion processes, particularly regarding melt pool dynamics, scan strategy optimization, and material-property relationships. His work spans both metallic and polymer materials systems, with significant contributions to understanding the effects of laser wavelength, beam shaping, and process parameters on final part quality. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between mechanical engineering, materials science, and photonics.

Professor Schmidt leads a substantial research group comprising numerous doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers who contribute to his extensive publication record. His team collaborates with multiple industrial partners on applied research projects focused on implementing advanced laser processing technologies in industrial manufacturing environments. The research group benefits from state-of-the-art laser processing equipment and characterization facilities at FAU.

The Institute of Photonic Technologies under Professor Schmidt's leadership maintains specialized laboratories for laser materials processing, including facilities for metal and polymer additive manufacturing, laser welding, and advanced optical diagnostics. The institute houses multiple laser systems with varying wavelengths and power capabilities, enabling comprehensive research across different material systems and process conditions. The research environment emphasizes both fundamental scientific investigation and practical industrial implementation of laser processing technologies.