➀ Fraunhofer ILT and TNO jointly developed and launched a quantum internet node to serve as a research platform for advancing secure quantum communication and network protocols;

➁ The system leverages NV centers in diamonds and entangled photons to enable tap-proof data transmission, with photonic components like quantum frequency converters ensuring efficient long-distance communication;

➂ The node aims to establish a European test network, fostering collaboration across academia and industry to optimize photonic technologies and develop heterogeneous quantum network interfaces.

➀ Fraunhofer ILT initiated a quantum internet node developed with TNO, serving as a research platform to locally test and advance photonic components such as quantum frequency converters and single-photon sources.

➁ The quantum internet enables ultra-secure communication through entangled particles, with future applications like blind quantum computing and distributed quantum systems, though challenges remain in photon transmission stability and noise reduction.

➂ The node in Aachen is a cornerstone for Europe’s quantum network, emphasizing collaboration with industry and academia to optimize photonic technologies and establish compatibility for future quantum internet infrastructure.

➀ Fraunhofer IOF researchers advanced thin-film lithium niobate (LNOI) technology to develop photonic integrated circuits (PICs), enabling energy-efficient, high-speed optical systems for quantum computing and AI;

➁ The PhoQuant project aims to build a photonic quantum computer using LNOI-based optical components, eliminating the need for complex cooling and enabling scalable quantum internet applications;

➂ LNOI circuits achieve 100 GHz processing speeds with low-voltage control, offering high bandwidth and multi-wavelength signal processing for AI tasks, showcased at World of Quantum 2025.

➀ Fraunhofer IOF researchers developed thin-film lithium niobate (LNOI) technology to create integrated photonic circuits, enabling energy-efficient and scalable photonic systems for high-speed applications;

➁ The LNOI-based technology is applied in the PhoQuant project to build photonic quantum computers requiring no cryogenic cooling, using quantum light sources and processing in integrated circuits;

➂ The circuits also enhance AI and data processing capabilities, operating at 100 GHz speeds with low voltage, offering higher bandwidth and energy efficiency compared to conventional electronics.

➀ Imec and TNO have launched the Holst Centre Photonics Lab in the Netherlands, partially funded by PhotonDelta, to accelerate photonics R&D.

➁ The lab combines imec's expertise in tape-out validation, on-chip lasers, and system testing with TNO's strengths in free-space optics and photonic integration, fostering industry-academia collaboration.

➂ Focused on applications like LiDAR, medical diagnostics, and quantum technologies, the initiative aims to strengthen the Netherlands' leadership in integrated photonics across automotive, healthcare, and data communication sectors.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonics Microsystems (IPMS) is involved in an interdisciplinary research project called 'InSeKT' (Development of Intelligent Sensor Edge Technologies). This project, carried out by the Technical University of Wildau, the Leibniz Institute for Innovative Microelectronics (IHP), and the Fraunhofer IPMS, aims to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) more effectively at the 'edges' of IT networks. The project focuses on miniaturized sensor structures and the integration of electronic components, with the goal of enabling complex calculations directly at the data source, such as at the sensor itself.

Current data processing with AI often occurs through central cloud computing solutions, leading to data transfer over large distances and potential data leaks. The project addresses this by promoting decentralized data processing for improved data security and real-time system capabilities.

The project covers various areas, including gas analysis using ion mobility spectrometers (IMS), data-supported evaluation of photodetectors for the near-infrared wavelength range, and the adapted use of capacitive microelectromechanical ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) for improved imaging. The generated data will be used to train Edge-KI systems for fast and accurate data processing.

➀ Photonic computing chips, which combine light and electricity, have been proven to enhance computing performance while reducing energy consumption compared to traditional electronic chips.

➁ Two recent studies demonstrated the capabilities of integrated photonic and electronic chips in performing key AI operations like multiplication and accumulation more efficiently.

➂ A large-scale photonic accelerator and another processor showed promising results in solving complex computational tasks and executing AI models such as BERT and ResNet with high accuracy.

The researchers at Fraunhofer IZM have developed a glue-free laser welding process for coupling photonic integrated circuits (PICs) with optical fibers, which can also be used in cryogenic environments of up to four Kelvin, equivalent to -269.15°C. This technology offers a more reliable, faster, and cheaper fiber-PIC coupling through a direct quartz-quartz connection, revolutionizing applications in quantum technology.

Low-temperature environments are essential for observing quantum effects, which can greatly improve human quality of life, such as in big data processing for personalized medicine and hospital information management. The development of cryogenic systems for quantum computing is currently being actively promoted. Quantum technological systems with implemented PIC-based modules offer a compact solution for secure communication and networking in quantum computing. Reliable fiber optic connections are, however, a fundamental requirement for such photonic quantum systems.

The focus of the QWeld research project is on realizing this connection technology for applications in cryogenic environments. Standard CMOS-manufactured PICs with a silicon dioxide (SiO2) coating are used, which is necessary for glass-glass laser welding. A vertical coupling of the fiber with the PIC, typically with a specific angle, is a special feature. The laser meets the contact point between the PIC and the fiber on both sides during welding and creates a material-bonding connection within seconds. This manufacturing process offers significant time savings.

The Fraunhofer IZM researchers have developed a laser welding process for connecting PICs with optical fibers without adhesives, which can operate at cryogenic temperatures. This technology promises more reliable, faster, and cheaper fiber-PIC connections, revolutionizing quantum technology applications.

Low temperatures are essential for observing quantum effects, which can significantly impact quality of life. The QWeld project focuses on cryogenic quantum computing systems and the integration of PIC-based modules for secure communication and connections in quantum computing.

The technology is durable, reproducible, and can be automated, making it suitable for large-scale production of PICs for quantum systems.

➀ Imec has developed a proof-of-concept photonics-enabled CDM FMCW radar system that ensures coherent chirps to remote radar units.

➁ This technology could revolutionize next-generation driver assistance solutions and other high-precision sensing applications.

➂ The system utilizes a phase encoder with code-division multiplexing and optical signal distribution for low-loss transmission.

➀ X-FAB, SMART Photonics, and Epiphany Design are collaborating to develop a photonics integration platform that combines InP and SOI technologies for multi tera-bit data rates.

➁ The platform aims to address customer requirements for high-speed data rates and energy efficiency in the manufacturing of optical transceivers.

➂ The collaboration has resulted in the development of a design flow and PDK that enables the design of photonics circuits integrating InP chiplets on an SOI platform.

➀ Aeluma通过结合高性能材料和可扩展的硅制造技术，重新定义了半导体技术；

➁ Aeluma的技术在AI基础设施、国防、量子计算和下一代传感等领域产生了重大影响；

➂ Aeluma正在解决AI和高性能计算在扩展方面遇到的挑战，通过集成化合物半导体和大型衬底来实现大规模生产。

➀ Researchers from Zhejiang University and the University of Cambridge have developed perovskite-based LEDs with pixels as small as a virus, potentially revolutionizing display technology.

➁ These LEDs, which are monochrome and measure 90 nanometers wide, offer brightness and efficiency comparable to conventional LEDs but face challenges in achieving full-color displays and long-term durability.

➂ While the smallest pixels may not be visible to the human eye, they could find applications in advanced technologies like augmented reality devices requiring ultra-high resolution.

➀ Brad Booth, CEO of NLM Photonics, discusses his background in technology strategy.

➁ NLM Photonics aims to reduce power consumption in photonics by 50%.

➂ The company addresses the high power demands of AI data centers and focuses on energy-efficient modulation.

➀ Huang emphasized the need for significantly more computation for agentic AI;

➁ Nvidia announced the Blackwell Ultra GPU with Dell's 20-PetaFLOPS workstation;

➂ The company also introduced the GROOT humanoid robot and discussed collaborations with GM and T-Mobile for autonomous driving and AI-native 6G networks.

➀ Researchers at EPFL and IBM Research Europe have developed a novel optical amplifier using gallium phosphide-on-silicon dioxide technology, which achieves unprecedented broadband signal amplification in a compact photonic chip.

➁ The traveling-wave parametric amplifier (TWPA) demonstrates over 10 dB of gain across a 140 nm bandwidth, surpassing traditional erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs).

➂ This breakthrough in optical amplification holds potential applications in data centers, AI processors, high-performance computing, and even autonomous vehicle LiDAR systems.

➀ ETH Zürich researchers have developed an ultra-wideband MHz to THz plasmonic EO modulator that achieves terahertz data transmission;

➁ The modulator can convert data signals with frequencies above 1 Terahertz efficiently into optical signals for transmission through fiber optic networks;

➂ The technology could have applications in 6G mobile networks, medical imaging, material analysis, and high-performance measurement technology.

Fraunhofer researchers, in collaboration with partners, have optimized data transmission in fiber optic networks using smart techniques. Optical switches with liquid crystal mirrors reduce data packets, allowing more data to pass through the network. Additionally, splitting signals across various fiber strands creates more flexibility.

The project WESORAM has developed a technology that allows signals from eight input channels to be sent to 16 output channels, increasing network capacity and flexibility. The research also includes the development of signal amplifiers for multi-core fibers, enhancing data transmission capabilities.

Both projects are supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the VDI (Association of German Engineers).

➀ Hazel Pumphrey, a UKESF Scholar and student at the University of Nottingham, has been recognized for her achievements in photonics and embedded software.

➁ During her placement year at CSA Catapult, she worked on a low-frequency modulate-able LASER driver circuit and characterized VCSELs.

➂ She also programmed automation for experimental trials involving APDs and SPADs, and contributed to community outreach activities in STEM education.