➀ The Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) secures €64.5 million in funding for the "Center for Chiral Electronics" excellence cluster, collaborating with three institutions to develop energy-efficient electronic materials and technologies;

➁ Research focuses on leveraging chirality in materials to create stable, high-performance electronics, addressing future semiconductor and storage technology needs;

➂ The initiative aligns with the European Chips Act, aiming to bolster Germany’s semiconductor production and inspire youth through science education programs.

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 Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) is working on the further development of passive optical networks (PON) in the PONTROSA project to promote fiber optic expansion and explore new applications for the technology. The institute, together with project partners, will develop new electronic and optical subsystems to significantly increase the transmission capacity of future PONs. The project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research with 3.8 million euros, will run for three years until September 2027.

Passive optical networks (PON) have become prevalent over active optical networks (AON) for their cost-effectiveness and simplicity. However, to meet future demands and new application areas, such as connecting data centers and distributed mobile stations, the achievable data rates need to be significantly expanded.

The project team will design, fabricate, and integrate optimized electronic and photonic integrated circuits into a complete system. The researchers will also analyze the requirements for digital signal processing and develop appropriate methods.

The Corromap project aims to close the knowledge gap in corrosion measurement for fuel cells. Corrosion limits the performance and lifespan of fuel cells crucial for the hydrogen economy. The research focuses on in situ corrosion measurements during the operation of the cells. Partners include the Fachhochschule Südwestfalen in Iserlohn and the Zentrum für Brennstoffzellentechnologie Duisburg (ZBT).

The project aims to introduce sensor technology into fuel cells to vary corrosion conditions under laboratory conditions. The ultimate goal is to prevent corrosion and performance losses in the necessary fuel cell technology.

Strategies include monitoring and controlling the operating conditions of fuel cells, optimizing materials and coatings, and developing cost-effective manufacturing processes.