ML/AI Methods for Process Monitoring – Focus on Laser Materials Processing

Machine learning and artificial intelligence are increasingly important tools for industrial process monitoring. Yet for early-career engineers and scientists, the gap between ML/AI theory and practical application can make it difficult to identify where to begin and how these methods can be applied effectively.

Demystifying: Machine Learning – presented by Optica – aims to bridge the gap through an accessible, application-focused introduction to ML/AI, with particular emphasis on process monitoring and laser materials processing.

Program

This three-hour program introduces the motivation and fundamentals of ML/AI before moving into examples of ML/AI for process monitoring, with a focus on laser materials processing. Drawing on approximately 30 years of experience in ML/AI, the instructor will share practical lessons, common considerations, and guidance for getting started. The program is discussion- and example-based; no hands-on coding component is included.

Audience

Early-career engineers and scientists from academia or industry with limited or no prior experience with machine learning or artificial intelligence

Prerequisites

There are no strict prerequisites. No specific software, coding environment, or laptop setup is required because the program does not include a hands-on component.

Instructor

Thomas Grünberger

LKR Ranshofen, AUSTRIA

 

About the instructor

Thomas Grünberger is a Senior Research Engineer at LKR Ranshofen with more than 30 years of experience in machine learning, artificial intelligence, process monitoring, machine vision, and advanced manufacturing. His career includes strategic technology development at nLIGHT GmbH Vienna, serving as CTO of plasmo, and working as a scientist in machine vision at ARCS.

He earned his PhD from TU Vienna in 1997, focusing on optimizing neural controllers by means of genetic algorithms, following earlier work in fuzzy control. He is also a lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, teaching robot vision and ML/AI.

His standards and professional activities include membership in ASTM F42 (Additive Manufacturing), ASTM E07 (NDE), CEN/TC 438 WG1 (Additive Manufacturing), and Austrian Standards K277. He is a member of the expert committee on AI in NDE of the Austrian Association for NDE and President of the Austrian Association for Thermography.

 

Join fellow attendees as we begin a week of illuminating technical content and networking. The Welcome Reception is where leading minds gather to ignite ideas and forge connections.

Organizer: Helena Diez, Optica, UK

Free-space and optical wireless communications offer the potential for high-capacity, secure data transmission across terrestrial, underwater, airborne and space networks. Realizing this potential requires advances throughout the optical link, including laser sources, fiber-coupled transmitters and receivers, beam steering, pointing and tracking, adaptive optics, turbulence sensing and optical ground infrastructure.

This session will examine emerging technologies and practical challenges affecting satellite-to-ground, inter-satellite and other demanding optical links. Contributions will address atmospheric and underwater propagation, real-time turbulence compensation, efficient single-mode-fiber coupling, miniaturized fiber-integrated optics, terminal performance and link modeling. A panel of experts from academia, research organizations, and industry will discuss the pathway from laboratory demonstrations to reliable, scalable and operational communication systems.

The contributed presentations will be proceeded with a panel including the following invited speakers:

Yves Bellouard, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
Integrated Free-Space Optics: An All-Glass-Based Design Paradigm For Optical Systems Integration

Alvydas Zabolis, EKSMA Optics, Lithuania
Title to be Announced

Martynas Adomaitis, OPTOMAN, Lithuania
LIDT or Absorption? Which Number Predicts Coating Performance in CW Space Laser Systems

Sanin Zulic, InnoLas Laser GmbH, Germany
Title to be Announced

Organizer: Simas Sobutas, Light Conversion, Lithuania

Laser technologies continue to transform biomedical science and healthcare, enabling breakthroughs in diagnosis, imaging and therapy. This panel will explore how advances in laser sources, beam delivery and ultrafast laser processing are expanding the frontiers of medicine. Topics will include ophthalmic applications ranging from refractive surgery to retinal treatment, precision laser ablation and modification of bone and hard tissues and emerging laser-based imaging techniques that provide unprecedented insight into biological structures and dynamics. The discussion will bring together experts from academia, medicine and industry to examine current clinical impact, technical challenges and future opportunities for translating photonic innovations into improved patient outcomes.

Invited Speakers
Mihaela Balu, UC Irvine Beckman Laser Institute, USA 
Advances in Multiphoton Microscopy for Clinical Imaging

Marie Groot, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands 
Clinical Translation of Higher Harmonic Generation Microscopy

Stephanie Joachim, Ruhr-University Eye Hospital, Germany 
LIRIC: From Preclinical Development to Clinical Translation of Laser-induced Refractive Index Change

Achim Lenenbach, Fraunhofer-Institut Für Lasertechnik, Germany 
Hard Tissue Laser Surgery

Luca Labate, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche  Italy 
Development of Compact, Laser-driven Accelerators for Novel Radiotherapy Modalities with VHEE Beams

This technical session explores the technologies pushing the limits of high‑power light source systems, from EUV source scaling toward multi‑kilowatt operation to the dielectric coatings that make modern light source drivers possible. Together, the presentations offer a view of the materials, architectures and system‑level strategies shaping the next generation of EUV and high‑energy light source platforms.  

The session includes two special keynote talks:

As part of the Optica Laser Congress, participants are invited to visit Altechna's manufacturing facilities and gain an inside look at the production processes behind advanced photonics components and systems.

During the guided tour, visitors will explore Altechna's manufacturing floor and learn how precision optics, optical coatings, and subassemblies are produced. Company experts will provide insights into the technologies, processes, and quality standards that support the development of components used in cutting-edge laser and photonics applications worldwide.

What to Expect

• A guided tour of Altechna's manufacturing facilities.
• An introduction to the production of precision optics, optical coatings, and photonics subassemblies.
• Opportunities to interact with Altechna specialists and learn more about the company’s capabilities and technologies.
• Informal networking with fellow conference participants and industry professionals.
• Refreshments, snacks, and a selection of beverages, including a local beer tasting experience.

To ensure a comfortable experience, participants will be divided into smaller groups for the facility tour. Before, during, and after the tour, guests are welcome to gather in Altechna's spacious office area, where refreshments and networking opportunities will be available throughout the visit.

This tour offers a valuable opportunity to combine technical insights with professional networking in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Registration is required. Participants wishing to join the visit are encouraged to register for the facility tour in advance.

Please visit the congress registration site to add the tour to your registration. An RSVP fee of EUR 20 is required to hold your place. 

As laser systems continue to become more powerful, precise, compact, and application-driven, increasing demands are being placed on optical materials, component design, manufacturing, surface finish, form accuracy, damage resistance, and optical metrology. The session will bring together perspectives from lasers, optics, materials, fabrication, and testing, with discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities associated with next-generation laser systems. Optica Members Only. RSVP here.

Organizer: Maria Farsari, IESL-FORTH, Greece

Laser-driven additive manufacturing is opening new possibilities in advanced production by delivering exceptional precision, adaptability and scalability. This session will cover the latest progress in laser processing technologies, focusing on process optimization, calibration, real-time monitoring and micro/nano fabrication techniques. Participants will explore how mask-free, high-resolution laser methods can produce intricate 2D, 2.5D and 3D architectures across diverse materials, ranging from nanoscale features to large-area structures.

The session will further examine hybrid manufacturing strategies that merge additive, subtractive and ablative laser processes, enabling levels of geometric complexity and design flexibility unattainable with conventional fabrication methods. Depending on the laser system and material combination, these technologies can generate functional surfaces, advanced structures and nanoparticles for a wide variety of applications. 

The contributed presentations will be proceeded with a panel including the following invited speakers:

Jonas Grünewald, Technische Universität Munchen. Germany 
Beam Shaping and Additive Manufacturing

Mangirdas Malinauskas, Vilniaus Universitetas, Lithuania
High Performance Microoptics realized via MPL

Christophe Moser, École Polytechnique Fédérale De Lausanne, Switzerland
Volumetric 3D Printing

Paul Somers, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Germany
Temporal-focusing 2PP and 3D Holographic Multiphoton Printing

Join us at the Optica booth for Laser Cooling during the 2026 Optica Laser Congress. Connect with fellow attendees, exchange ideas and build relationships across the laser community. Whether you’re reconnecting with colleagues or meeting someone new, enjoy conversations and connections that extend beyond the conference.

Join us for an exclusive evening of networking, hospitality and innovation at the facilities of EKSMA Optics on 14 October. This relaxed and engaging program offers the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow attendees beyond the conference setting while gaining a unique glimpse into one of the region’s leading photonics manufacturing environments.

The evening begins with complimentary shuttle transportation from the conference venue, Radisson Blu Hotel, to EKSMA Optics. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with drinks and invited to enjoy a continuous networking reception featuring an extensive selection of gourmet appetizers and finger foods. A variety of beverages, including wine, beer, signature cocktails, soft drinks, coffee and tea, will be available throughout the event.

During the evening, participants will also have the opportunity to join an optional guided tour of the EKSMA Optics manufacturing facilities. The tour will showcase the company’s production capabilities, advanced component processing technologies and expertise in precision optics manufacturing, offering valuable insights into the world of photonics and optical engineering.

At the conclusion of the program, shuttle transportation will return guests to the Radisson Blu hotel.

Program Schedule

• 19:00 – Shuttle departure from Radisson Blu
• 19:30 – Arrival at EKSMA Optics and welcome drinks
• 19:30 – 21:00 – Welcome reception with drinks, catering and networking
• 21:00 – 22:00 – Optional guided facility tours 
• 22:00 – 23:00 – Evening reception with dessert, coffee, tea, drinks and music
• 23:00 – First shuttle departure
• 23:00 – 00:00 – Informal networking, drinks and music
• 00:00 – Second shuttle departure and end of the event

Participation Fee: €25 per person

Reserve your spot while registering for the Optica Laser Congress. 

Organizer: Franck Leibreich, THALES, France

Nuclear fusion is a real clean energy source compared to fossil fuels or nuclear fission. Since the first nuclear fusion reaction realized by laser at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) back in 2022 and the availability of high-energy, high-power industrial lasers, several laser fusion industrial private companies have appeared in this field. This panel aims to provide an overview of the Laser Fusion through those companies and their challenges in the future.

The brief invited presentations will be proceeded with a panel including the following invited speakers:

Thomas Forner, Focused Energy GmbH, Germany 
Title to be Announced

Jana Jung, Marvel Fusion GmbH, Germany 
From First Principles to Scalable Power

Paul Rudy, Blue Laser Fusion Inc, USA 
Commercializing Laser Fusion with a Novel Optical Enhancement Cavity Laser

Organizer: Sandra Biedron, Element Aero and the Center for Bright Beams, USA

Lasers are critical in the field of global security and aerospace. Their use ranges from manufacturing of components to fielded uses. In particular, high-energy and high-intensity lasers continue to mature and have myriad applications related to global security and aerospace. This session will provide an overview of applications, such as directed energy, remote sensing, securing the microelectronics supply chain, wavelength accessibility and also aspects of unique user-accessible facilities for collaborative research and development. Finally, the session will explore aspects of the workforce as well as supply chain for this unique sector of lasers and peripherals for global security.

The panel discussion includes invited speakers:

Roman Antipenkov, ELI Beamlines, Czechia
Dan Gengenbach, Hades Mining GmbH, Germany 
Erik Hosler, OBSIDIA Semiconductors, USA 
Mikhail Polyanskiy, Brookhaven National Laboratory, USA 
Remigijus Sliupas, OPTOMAN, Lithuania 

Wrap up a great week at the conference with the Optica Laser Congress Closing Toast. Join fellow attendees for light snacks and drinks as we celebrate the week’s discussions, discoveries and connections. Take this final opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, make a few new connections and toast to a successful congress.

OPTOMAN is one of the fastest-growing optics manufacturers, with a throughput of more than 200,000 pcs/year of IBS-coated laser components.

We invite conference participants to visit our manufacturing facility in Vilnius for an evening that combines technical insights, a guided tour of the production process and informal networking with the OPTOMAN team.

During the tour, you’ll see where our IBS-coated laser optics are manufactured and get a closer look at the production environment behind the components used in high-power and ultrafast laser systems.

The OPTOMAN team will walk you through the facility, explain what happens on the production floor and answer questions along the way. There will also be time to talk with our technical team over drinks and refreshments.

Transportation from the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva to OPTOMAN and back is provided.

Participation Fee: €20 per person

Please visit the congress registration site to add the tour to your registration. 

Join Optica Laser Congress for a visit to Litilit’s new femtosecond laser manufacturing facility in Lithuania and discover how ultrafast laser technology is developed, assembled, tested and prepared for real-world use.

The tour will offer insights into Litilit’s laser manufacturing processes, engineering approach, and quality standards, as well as the potential applications of femtosecond lasers across advanced materials processing, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, microscopy, ophthalmology, display technologies, battery manufacturing and other emerging fields.

What to Expect

• A guided tour of Litilit’s new femtosecond laser manufacturing facility.
• An introduction to the assembly, integration and testing of ultrafast laser systems.
• Insights into femtosecond laser technology and its potential industrial and scientific applications.
• Opportunities to meet Litilit engineers and specialists and discuss laser technologies and applications.
• Refreshments and networking with the Litilit team and Optica members.

At the conclusion of the program, shuttle transportation will return guests to the Radisson Blu hotel.

Participation Fee: €20 per person

Reserve your spot while registering for the Optica Laser Congress.