Smart Growth: Towards Revolutionizing Laser Crystal Manufacturing with AI-Based Control

For the first time, IKZ researchers, as part of an international consortium, have been awarded a European grant for the "Smart Growth" project under the "I3-2021-INV2A" initiative, which is part of the "Interregional Innovation Investments" (I3) program. This initiative, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), aims to bolster interregional innovation projects across Europe. With a total budget of approximately €4 million, the Smart Growth project will be carried out over the next three years by a consortium of partners from across Europe, focusing on fostering innovation within specific regional ecosystems. These include: Jena Optics Valley and Berlin-Brandenburg Optics Community (Fraunhofer IOF (lead) and IKZ), Lombardy Industrial Manufacturing Community (Politecnico di Milano, AFIL, and Holonix SRL), Bolzano Information and Communication Centre (Cibolabs SRL), Sardinian Photonic Cluster (FILAR-OPTOMATERIALS SRL and Parco Genetico Dell'Ogliastra S.c.a.r.l.), and Crystal Growth Laboratory of the Physics Faculty and the Institute for Advanced Environmental Research at West University of Timişoara.

The Smart Growth project is an advanced initiative that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the crystal growth industry, with a particular focus on the industrial Czochralski growth of laser crystals such as Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) and alexandrite. By integrating Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) principles, Smart Growth aims to significantly enhance crystal yield while reducing the consumption of rare materials and energy. This not only benefits crystal manufacturers but also provides downstream users with higher-quality and more sustainable products.

One of the key innovations is the development of sophisticated sensors, both radiation and non-radiation-based, which offer critical insights into the state of oxide melts and furnace infrastructure. Additionally, an AI tool is being created to analyze the complex relationships between various process parameters, crystal quality, and yield. This tool will be powered by digital process models, as well as historic and real-time data, enabling a deeper understanding and control of the crystal growth process.

Moreover, the project incorporates Digital Twin technology and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) to enable predictive control. By using AI markers for optimization, these systems can simulate and predict outcomes, leading to more efficient and sustainable production processes.

In conclusion, the Smart Growth project is poised to transform the crystal manufacturing industry, making it more efficient, sustainable, and capable of producing higher-quality products. Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology, Smart Growth is leading the way toward a more sustainable future in crystal production.

Dr. Natasha Dropka and her team have been applying AI to crystal growth processes for nearly a decade. This EU grant, along with support from Prof. Dr. Matthias Bickermann, will further enhance their efforts to integrate advanced data science into industrial crystal manufacturing.

Contact:

Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ)
Dr. Natasha Dropka
Phone: +49 30 6392-3044
Email:natascha.dropkaikz-berlin.de