Innovations in Quantum Research: New Advances in QuBUS and QuNET
Last week, DLR’s DO 228 CFFU research aircraft took off again – with a very special goal. Together with the Max Planck Institute (MPL), the Fraunhofer HHI, the Friedrich Alexander University and the Fraunhofer IOF, quantum connections between air and ground stations were tested using the QuBUS.
The QuBUS is currently located at the Max Planck Institute in Erlangen, where it is coupled with a high-precision ion trap. This technology is used to manipulate quantum bits (qubits) with exceptional stability. This development could form the basis for future quantum computers and is an important step on the way to powerful and stable quantum computers. In parallel, QuNET contributes to the development of a secure and efficient quantum communication system. This technology enables the networking of quantum computers and is a key technology for the quantum internet, which allows the secure exchange of quantum information over long distances.
The experimental flights were successfully completed on 6 April 2025 and in the final measurement campaign next autumn, a quantum state transmitted through the air will be directly entangled with the aforementioned ion trap for the first time – a visionary step on the way to secure quantum communication over long distances.
The future of quantum research is and will remain exciting – and thanks to the ongoing collaboration, the way has already been paved for ground-breaking innovations.
National Conference IT Security Research 2025 - Cybersecurity and Democracy
From 17 to 19 March, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) hosted the National Conference on IT Security Research in Berlin. The programme included a diverse range of presentations and panel discussions that provided an insight into current research projects. In addition, numerous networking opportunities offered participants the opportunity to exchange ideas with representatives from the fields of science, business and civil society, among others.
On the evening before the conference, 17 March, an ‘inventive spirit slam’ took place under the title ‘Innovations for a secure digital society’. Dr Michael Ullrich, consortium leader of the QuNET+MOBIXHAP project, took part with the topic ‘Secret communication with high-speed quantum slingers in the stratosphere’.
In addition to a dedicated QuNET stand with exhibits, the initiative was also involved in a parallel session organised by Dr habil. Torsten Siebert (IOF) chaired. After a presentation of the QuNET initiative, QuNET project manager Professor Andreas Tünnermann (IOF) took part in the discussion on stage with other colleagues from research, science and industry.
The conference covered a number of key topics, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on IT security, the rise of AI-based disinformation, human-centred IT security, digital freedom and privacy and IT security in the quantum age. The aim of the event was to discuss current research policy impulses, stimulate interdisciplinary networking and provide insights into this highly dynamic field of research for all interested parties.
Recap of the first QPIH workshop: Quantum Space Technology Workshop
The first workshop of the Quantum Photonics Innovation Hub QPIH on quantum space technology took place at the Fraunhofer IOF in Jena on 13 March. In collaboration with QuNET and the Thuringian Innovation Centre for Quantum Optics and Sensor Technology (InQuoSens), the event served as a platform for research/science and industry to discuss the current state of quantum technology for space applications.
The event kicked off with a welcome address by Institute Director Professor Andreas Tünnermann, followed by an overview of quantum space IT technologies by Professor Fabian Steinlechner (IOF/FSU). In his keynote speech, Professor Thomas Jennewein from the University of Waterloo addressed the application of photonic quantum technologies in space using the example of the ‘QEYSSat’ project. Further insights were provided by Dr Erik Beckert and Dr Nils Heidler, among others. A poster session and pitches from industry representatives in attendance promoted dialogue between participants. The event also provided an exclusive lab tour to take a look behind the scenes of quantum research. Finally, a World Café was held as part of the workshop, during which the participants had eight minutes each to brainstorm and exchange ideas in small groups. The individual discussions took place under the following topics: ‘Space’, ‘Photonic Technology’ and ‘Ground’.
Quantum Photonics 2025: The future of quantum and photonics technologies
Quantum Photonics 2025, which will take place for the first time from 13 to 14 May 2025 in Erfurt, promises to be a major international event for quantum and photonics technologies. The event combines a conference, trade exhibition and networking and will provide an important meeting place for experts, researchers and companies from the industry. Thuringia, as an outstanding location for quantum research and development, which plays a central role in promoting these technologies, deserves special mention. The QuNET project supports Quantum Photonics, as do other regional organisations.
The congress programme has been finalised and features, among other things, a high-calibre advisory board that will shape the event with its expert knowledge. Participants can look forward to a variety of topics such as quantum communication, quantum computing and quantum sensor technology. A highlight of the congress is the opening keynote by Prof Dr Jaw-Shen Tsai from the Tokyo University of Science.
Prof Dr Andreas Tünnermann, Director of Fraunhofer IOF, Chairholder and Professor at the Institute of Applied Physics in Jena, will open Quantum Photonics this year: ‘Quantum Photonics 2025 sends out a strong signal for Thuringia as a centre of business and innovation. The regional innovation ecosystem in Thuringia, consisting of Thuringian research institutions and companies, enables research and development on photonic quantum systems at the highest level,’ says Tünnermann about the upcoming congress.
The focus is on the question of how quantum technologies can make our lives safer, healthier and more efficient in the future. The international demand for this first-time realisation of the congress in the Free State of Thuringia is particularly evident: We are asking the right questions with our research in Thuringia.
A detailed programme as well as specific times and further details can be found on the Quantum Photonics website.
Quantum Space Technology Workshop - Part of the QuNET Industry Workshop Series
Welcome to the Quantum Photonics Innovation Hub, a bi-annual series at the interface between industry and academia and part of the ‘QuNET industry workshop series.’
The workshop features exciting poster sessions and invited talks showcasing cutting-edge technologies, visionary solutions and the latest breakthroughs in photonic quantum systems. This series explores the transformative potential of satellite and terrestrial quantum communication, computation and sensing with specific topics for each workshop.
Join this event in Jena to help shape the future of quantum technology!
Date: 13 March 2025, 1 – 6 pm
Location: Fraunhofer IOF, Albert-Einstein-Str. 7, 07745 Jena
You can find more information on our website.
QuNET: Laser-optical communication channel between aircraft and ground station
In October 2024, researchers successfully established a laser-optical link between the DLR research aircraft DO 228 CFFU and the Fraunhofer IOF’s mobile ground station QuBUS. The aircraft generated laser beams with different wavelengths, which were received and processed by the ground station. The tests showed that a stable channel for the transmission of light particles can be aligned independently.
The aim for 2025 is to couple light particles transmitted through the air with an ion trap. The aim is to guide light particles into a glass fibre that leads to ytterbium ions. In this way, flying light particles could be transmitted into stationary quantum memories – a milestone for mobile quantum communication nodes. At the same time, quantum cryptographic systems are being tested.
You can find more information about the current experiment here: Link
