The IOM was founded on the 1.1.1992 with the aim of investigating the fundamental physical and chemical processes in the field of non-thermal material transformation that enable important contributions to surface engineering using ions, electrons, plasmas and photons.

The range of tasks includes research of fundamental phenomena and the transfer of scientific results into industrial applications.

Several spin-off companies have been founded from the IOM and numerous patents and utility models have been granted for developments.

(Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering) based in Leipzig, which, according to its statutes, pursues exclusively and directly non-profit and peaceful purposes.

The IOM is financed by grants and donations and is also funded by the federal and state governments in accordance with Article 91b of the German Basic Law.

Following a reform of the academy (1968 - 1972), the ISI was dissolved, but became the "Central Institute for Isotope and Radiation Research" (ZfI) and was headed by Prof Klaus Wetzel until 1989 (formally 1990).

As part of the university reform, it was decided that the academies and universities should focus their "research on solving important problems for the development of socialist society, the national economy, the health system, education and culture in the GDR" (§ 2 of the research ordinance).

[2] The main topics of work at the ZfI were: Accelerator technology, electron beam hardening of thin films, applied radiation chemistry, applied radiation biology, ion beam technology and pulse radiolysis.

This was preceded by the dissolution of the ZfI on 31 December 1991 as part of the reorganisation of research institutes following the German reunification.

[7][8] In autumn 2001, an additional building was constructed, including a technology hall to house pilot plants, a cleanroom, physical and chemical laboratories and numerous offices for employees.

The scientists continued to conduct research in the fields of ion, plasma, electron and photon interaction with surfaces and thin films.

In 2010, there were working groups on the following topics: ·        Surface precision processing ·        Plasmajet process development ·        Device technology basics ·        Laser structuring and laser ablation ·        Layer deposition and structuring ·        Inorganic / organic interfaces and coatings The "Electron Beam Technology" department was renamed the "Chemistry Department", but remained without a head following the departure of Prof Michael Buchmeiser in 2009.

The central instrument of the LenA centre is a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM) model "Titan", which enables material science investigations down to the atomic scale.

[13] Two other important pieces of equipment were also purchased in 2016/2017: Firstly, a fine ion beam (FIB) system for sample preparation with a focussed ion beam and secondly, a Raman spectrometer, which can be used to carry out investigations into the structure and bonding of materials.

Tailor-made methods, experiments and modelling are intended to provide a comprehensive basic understanding of physics, which can then be applied in biomedical and bioanalytical contexts.

Membrane-based filtration systems are used in numerous applications such as haemodialysis, water purification and beverage production.

Numerous industrial property rights such as patents and utility models have also been granted on the basis of research at the IOM.