Latest developments in laser and quantum research

After a three-year break, the photonics industry met again at LASER World of PHOTONICS in Munich. International players from science and industry presented the latest developments, research results and technologies.

Infrared spectroscopy for quality assurance

The highlight of Fraunhofer IAF's presentation was an infrared spectroscopy measurement system specially developed for embedding in the industrial production process. The measurement system detects and verifies samples contact-free and within a few milliseconds using laser-based infrared spectroscopy. In cooperation with the Fraunhofer CAP, the researchers want to support industrial companies from the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries in making quality assurance measures and process controls more reliable and at the same time more efficient.

In addition to a broad portfolio of developments and components from the field of infrared semiconductor lasers and laser systems, Fraunhofer IAF presented its know-how and equipment for the complete value chain for III/V semiconductor lasers. From design to epitaxy and processing to system development, the Freiburg research institute supports project and industry partners in the development of high-performance laser technologies.

World of QUANTUM

For the first time, the Wold of QUANTUM took place this year. The platform for the international quantum community is dedicated to all facets of the future technology. Researchers of Fraunhofer IAF used the opportunity to present their diverse activities in the fields of quantum sensing, quantum computing and quantum communication.

Hardware and software for quantum computing

Quantum computers have the potential to solve computational problems that classical computers can only solve with simplifications, approximations or in very long computing times. The computing power depends on the central hardware element, the qubit. In the recently launched SPINNING project, the consortium led by Fraunhofer IAF not only wants to develop a demonstrator of a quantum processor "Made in Germany", but also the necessary peripherals to connect the processor to conventional computer systems. Thus, the planned hardware should be characterized by both longer operation times and smaller error rates as well as by lower cooling requirements.

Fraunhofer IAF is also active in the field of quantum algorithms and software and coordinates the Competence Center Quantum Computing Baden-Württemberg together with Fraunhofer IAO. There, partners from science and industry have access to the IBM Quantum System One. Within the framework of this center, there are several projects investigating technology, application scenarios and algorithms. They pursue the goal of further developing findings from research in the field of quantum computing with regard to practical applications and making them usable for industry.

Quantum magnetometry for industry

In the field of quantum sensor technology, the researchers presented a Fraunhofer lighthouse project on quantum magnetometry: In the QMag project, six Fraunhofer institutes are developing sensors that can image tiny magnetic fields with unprecedented spatial resolution and sensitivity at room temperature. The goal of the project partners is to transfer quantum magnetometers from the research environment to concrete industrial applications in nanoelectronics, chemical analysis and materials testing.