Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOFQuantum Photonics 2026 | May 5–6, 2026
Quantum Photonics 2026
Visit the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF from May 5 to 6 at Quantum Photonics in Erfurt. We cordially invite you to experience our pioneering research in the field of photonic quantum technologies. You’ll find us in Hall 2, Booth 616.
On this page, you can learn all about our exhibits and conference presentations at Quantum Photonics 2026.
We look forward to meeting you in person at the trade show. Come chat with our experts during the Coffee Pitches!
Our exhibits at Quantum Photonics 2026
Our expertise in the field of photonic quantum research ranges from applications in highly secure communication and data storage to the development of systems for quantum computing. Come talk to our researchers about customized solutions for your projects.
Quantum Communication
Entangled photon pair source with a double beam splitter (150 x 150 x 50 mm³) for space applications.
Space-qualified entangled photon pair source
At Fraunhofer IOF, within the research project "Advanced quantum computing Compact optomechanical prototype of a source for entangled photon pairs with a dual-beam displacement device for distributing entanglement from a satellite in low Earth orbit (LEO). The current prototype was a part of a space qualification process and underwent vibration and TeVAC tests. In the test, it achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 as part of the EU project QUDICE.
Optical ground station on the roof of the third research building at Fraunhofer IOF.
Model of the Jena Optical Ground Station
Located on the new Fraunhofer IOF building, the Optical Ground Station (OGS) enables research in the field of laser and quantum communication. The goal is to further develop existing findings from terrestrial quantum communication research for applications in space. , the built-in mirror telescope has a diameter of 80 cm and is optimized for the wavelength range from 810 nm to 1550 nm. The optical ground station enables the establishment of optical links to satellites.
Quantum Computing
The team at Fraunhofer IOF developed both the optical and electrical interconnection technology for the LNOI circuits.
4-mode LNOI interferometer
The lithium niobate waveguide chip with Mach-Zehnder interferometers, including optical and electrical packaging, forms the heart of a photonic quantum computer. The chip was developed as part of the PhoQuant project.
Wafer-based fabrication of photonic circuits.
Lithium niobate wafer with integrated optics
Photonic integrated circuit with a network of optical modulators for quantum computing applications in the 1550 nm wavelength range.
Ultra-high vacuum chambers made entirely of quartz glass
Quartz glass cuvette for quantum computing
For quantum computing, Rydberg states are generated in an ultra-high vacuum inside a quartz glass cuvette using a variety of laser light sources from outside the cell. To maximize the performance of the laser sources in various spectral ranges (including UV lasers), sophisticated anti-reflective coatings are applied to both the inner and outer surfaces of the cuvette.
Conference presentations
Kick-off 3D-NLM
Kick-off presentation of the DFG project “3D-NLM”
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Thuringian researchers are working on the development of a new machine that will be able to create nanostructures spanning up to one square meter in the future—with a positioning accuracy smaller than an atom. The underlying research project, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with four million euros, will launch with a kick-off event on May 6 as part of the Quantum Photonics trade show.
Coffee Pitches
Quantum Phase Sensing: from fundamentals to applications
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 2:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Dr. Valeria Flavio Gili
Low-Loss Fiber-to-Chip Coupling for Photonic Quantum Computing
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 3:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Michael Reibe
Compute with Squeezed Light: Quantum Computation with Gaussian Boson Sampler
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 4:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Marius Leyendecker
Joining Technologies for Quantum Photonics
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 4:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Dr. Carolin Rothhardt
The Coffee Pitches will take place on the conference stage in Hall 2. The presentation language is English.