Fraunhofer USA's Center for Laser Technology in Plymouth, Mich., has announced an initiative to study the use of lasers to join miniature components for telecommunications and biomedical applications. The center is seeking industrial partners for the three-year project.

The study will examine the bonding of fiber-grade glass to other elements in passive components for telecommunications as well as the welding of biocompatible materials for implantable devices.

A second stage of the project will focus on technology transfer, with the goal of bringing the results of the initiative to OEMs and their suppliers in these sectors.