Robert Kirchner

Dr. Robert Kirchner serves as Group Leader at the Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed) at Dresden University of Technology, where he heads the Mesoscopic 3D Systems Group. Since 2017, he has held a prestigious DFG Heisenberg Stipendiat position, focusing on advanced 3D fabrication technologies. His research group is closely associated with the HETEROMERGE startup project, which develops innovative hardware solutions for multi-material 3D printing on two-photon systems with unprecedented precision and speed.

Dr. Kirchner's academic journey includes:

• PhD (Dr.Ing.) in Electrical Engineering from Dresden University of Technology and Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (2007-2011)
• Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Dresden University of Technology and Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden (2001-2007)

His research program centers on high-resolution 3D lithography techniques including electron beam lithography (EBL), two-photon polymerization (2PP), and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. He investigates self-optimization and self-organization processes in mesoscopic systems, particularly Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NEMS). His work explores material characterization and the modification of polymer properties through high-energy radiation exposure, along with computational modeling of surface effects on polymer melts. The Kirchner Group develops novel approaches to 3D micro- and nanofabrication with applications spanning micro-optics, plasmonics, and multi-material integration for advanced devices.

Analysis of Dr. Kirchner's publication record reveals a clear trajectory from fundamental fabrication techniques toward increasingly complex multi-material systems and commercial applications. His early work focused on basic lithography and surface modification techniques, while recent publications emphasize practical implementations in multi-material 3D printing, plasmonic structures, and MEMS integration. The establishment of HETEROMERGE represents a significant commercialization effort translating academic research into industry-ready technology for multi-material 3D printing at nanoscale resolution.

Dr. Kirchner's most significant recognition is the DFG Heisenberg Stipendiat award, which supports exceptional researchers on the path to professorship in Germany. His work has secured substantial research funding, including affiliation with Research Training Group 2767 "Supracolloidal Structures: From Materials to Optical and Electronic Devices" funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.

• DFG Heisenberg Stipendiat (2017-present)

Dr. Kirchner actively mentors multiple PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in his group. His HETEROMERGE startup project demonstrates successful technology transfer from academic research to commercial application, offering hardware solutions that enable multi-material 3D printing at highest resolution with 10 nm placement accuracy. The group maintains active collaborations with institutions including Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland and participates in multiple research consortia focused on advanced micro- and nanofabrication techniques.

The Mesoscopic 3D Systems Group operates within the Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed), one of Germany's Clusters of Excellence. The group maintains state-of-the-art facilities for micro- and nanofabrication and collaborates closely with the HETEROMERGE startup team. Their research environment fosters innovation in 3D fabrication technologies, with particular emphasis on overcoming current limitations in multi-material integration, resolution, and printing speed for applications in micro-optics, integrated photonics, and MEMS/NEMS devices.