Active Fiber Systems GmbH

Active Fiber Systems GmbH (AFS) is a German laser technology company based in Jena, the city widely known as Germany's "City of Photonics." The company develops high-power ultrafast femtosecond fiber laser systems intended for scientific research, material processing, and next-generation photonics applications. Its product philosophy centers on fiber amplifier technology developed in Jena, spanning compact laser designs through to complex, multi-stage beamlines. AFS positions itself as a technological leader in ultra-short-pulse fiber lasers. According to the company, its systems have been refined in collaboration with Jena's leading research institutes and have produced multiple world records in laser parameters. AFS describes itself as a spin-off that has grown beyond its academic origins to become a global player in high-power laser development, with a mission to transform laboratory setups with world-record parameters into reliable laser systems suitable for both scientific and industrial use. The company serves two principal customer groups. For scientific customers, AFS supplies precision tools for pioneering research, including ultrafast laser systems used in advanced physics and photonics laboratories. For industrial customers, it offers durable lasers for precise manufacturing. This dual scientific-industrial focus is reflected in its marketing, which emphasizes both research-grade performance and industrial reliability. Since January 2022, AFS has been part of the TRUMPF Group, a major German industrial technology and laser manufacturer. This membership has enhanced AFS's capabilities and market reach while allowing it to retain its Jena identity and research-driven culture. AFS has been ISO 9001:2015 certified since autumn 2020, reflecting a formal commitment to quality management. The company also reports engagement with local events, sports clubs, international conferences, exhibitions, and student awards, and states that respect, tolerance, and open-mindedness underpin its workplace culture. AFS maintains an active public profile through conference participation, trade events, and news updates. It has been recognized as one of Germany's most innovative medium-sized companies, receiving the TOP 100 Award 2026. The company also runs outreach activities, including programs that give school students the opportunity to explore apprenticeship careers. Its headquarters and research and development activities remain rooted in Jena, where it continues to develop fiber laser technology for demanding scientific and industrial applications.

Active Fiber Systems GmbH is a laser technology company located in Jena, Germany, a city known as the "City of Photonics" because of its dense concentration of optics and photonics research institutions and companies. AFS emerged as a spin-off from Jena's research environment, where ultra-short-pulse fiber laser technology was refined in collaboration with the city's top research institutes. According to the company, this work produced groundbreaking advancements and multiple world records in laser parameters. Building on that research base, AFS developed high-power femtosecond fiber laser systems that range from compact designs to complex beamlines, all based on fiber amplifier technology developed in Jena. The company describes its mission as transforming laboratory setups with world-record parameters into reliable laser systems for scientific and industrial applications, continuing over a decade of excellence in fiber laser technology. A significant turning point came in January 2022, when AFS became part of the TRUMPF Group. TRUMPF is a major German industrial technology and laser company, and the membership enhanced AFS's capabilities and market reach while allowing it to continue operating from Jena. Before that, in autumn 2020, AFS achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, formalizing its quality management system. AFS has continued to build its reputation as a global leader in high-power laser development. It serves scientific customers with precision tools for pioneering research and industrial customers with durable lasers for precise manufacturing. The company maintains an active presence at international conferences and exhibitions, supports local events, sports clubs, and student awards, and runs outreach programs such as giving school students the opportunity to explore apprenticeship careers. In 2026 it was recognized as one of Germany's most innovative medium-sized companies with the TOP 100 Award 2026.

• AFS becomes ISO 9001:2015 certified.

• AFS becomes part of the TRUMPF Group.

• AFS receives the TOP 100 Award 2026 as one of Germany's most innovative medium-sized companies.

Technological leader in high-power ultrafast fiber laser systems, bridging world-record laboratory parameters and reliable scientific and industrial laser products.

• High-power ultrafast femtosecond fiber laser systems

  Fiber laser systems for scientific research, material processing, and next-generation photonics applications.

• Scientific laser tools

  Precision tools for pioneering scientific research.

• Industrial lasers

  Durable lasers for precise manufacturing.

1. 1Lasers beyond the state of the artafs-jena.de
2. 2AFS – Technological Leadership and Innovationafs-jena.de
3. 3Active Fiber Systems (Germany) – Wikidatawikidata.org