Press Releases

Thuringia wants to become a high-tech location for quantum technologies. To this end, the Free State of Thuringia is contributing six million euros to fund a new center of excellence for quantum technologies. At a digital inauguration event, Thuringia's Minister of Science Wolfgang Tiefensee gave the go-ahead for the “Quantum Hub Thüringen” today in Erfurt.

With the "International Day of Light" on May 16, UNESCO draws attention to research and science related to light as well as to light-based technologies that - literally - "illuminate" our lives in many areas. The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena, Germany contributes to this with its excellent research on a global scale. Researchers have already been awarded the "Deutsche Zukunftspreis" (German Future Prize) three times.

A new measurement method for 3D shape acquisition has been developed by researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF. With their “MWIR-3D sensor”, they can scan objects three-dimensionally, regardless of whether they are made of transparent plastic or glass. Even objects with shiny metallic or jet-black surfaces can be detected without any difficulties. Combining different materials is also no problem for the new 3D infrared sensor. In the field of 3D sensor technology, this degree of flexibility in the properties of the object is a first. Applications are conceivable in areas such as quality control in production and robotics.

Quantum technologies are growing. The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF will present latest technologies for the future markets of computing, communication and imaging at HANNOVER MESSE Digital Edition from April 12 to 16. Free tickets are available on request from the institute.

Update: Event postponed to September 6-10, 2021
The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF is launching an new international professional development program for managers in the optics and photonics industry. With "Photonics Manager Compact", the institute will provide insights into the current research of photonics from September 6-10, 2021 and thus prepare for questions of the future. In addition, the program imparts methodologies of contemporary personnel management. The start of the program, originally planned for February 2021, had to be postponed due to Corona.

Ion traps for quantum computers, highly secure quantum communication, state-of-the-art fiber lasers and freeforms for compact optical systems: At North America's largest photonics trade show, SPIE Photonics West, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF will present groundbreaking future technologies from March 6 to 11. Admission is free.

Service robots can help ensure that buildings and means of transport are cleaned and disinfected regularly and with consistently high quality. Since October 2020, twelve institutions of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have been working on the development of new technologies for this field of application. Led by Fraunhofer IPA, the partners are pooling their expertise in the “Mobile Disinfection" (MobDi) research project to contribute to a safe “New Normal” in times of pandemic. The project is part of the »Fraunhofer vs. Corona« action program.

Becoming a pioneer company for high-security quantum communication – nothing less is the goal of "Quantum Optics Jena GmbH". The latest spin-off at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF develops quantum-based solutions for state-of-the-art communication systems. Now the founding team has gathered the necessary investors behind them and is working on building up the start-up in the heart of Germany.

Life in space and communicating in the future: Optical systems for space research and quantum communication will be presented by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF at the PHOTONICS+ Virtual Exhibition and Conference from February 17 to 18. Furthermore, assembly and interconnection technologies for the use of optical systems under space conditions will be presented.

Latest technologies for early diagnosis of cancer and Alzheimer's disease, quantum imaging for biomedicine and contactless fingerprinting: At this year's “Digital Pitch” of the Jena-based “Digital Innovation Hub Photonics”, innovative research and start-up projects from the photonics industry were honored once again. The winning teams will receive funding of 120,000 euros in total from the Thuringian Ministry of Economics, Science and Digital Society.