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.

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.

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. 

Following the invited talks join us as we discuss the topic.

High-energy and high-intensity continue to mature and have myriad applications related to security and defense. This session will provide an overview of applications, such as directed energy, remote sensing,  securing the microelectronics supply chain, wavelength accessibility and aspects of unique user-accessible facilities for collaborative research and development. The session will also explore aspects of the workforce as well as supply chain for this unique sector of lasers and peripherals for global security.

Speakers: 

Updated soon.

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.