InQuoSens brings together excellent and internationally visible research activities of ACP, the Institute for Micro- and Nanotechnologies at the Technical University of Ilmenau (IMN) and the Fraunhofer IOF Institute of Optics and Precision Engineering Jena in the key technologies quantum optics and sensor technology. By means of strategic investments measures and a joint strategy process at both locations, these fields are synergistically developed. InQuoSens coordinates its scientific development with the innovative needs of the Thuringian metrology and communication industry. For example, InQuoSens is currently working on the question of how quantum technologies can be used in autonomous driving or medical diagnostics. Through these activities, InquoSens is developing into an internationally independent center of scientific excellence with a critical mass of competences, which will increase the innovative power of the Thuringian economy.
Quantum physical phenomena enable novel applications in science and technology that lead to significant improvements in information processing. In particular, quantum communication is already technologically mature for real application scenarios. By means of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), it is possible to drastically increase data security in new digital business fields such as smart grids, personalized medicine or microtransaction banking. Thus, quantum-based, secure communication can become the locational advantage of a data-driven economy. However and so far, many quantum communication scenarios achieve only low electro-optical integration density and key rates in the low kbit range. The overall goal of our research group FastPhoton is to advance quantum communication by focussing on the high-frequency control of photon sources in high-performance opto-electronic components and assemblies. We are targeting applications of optical, quantum-based data communication in fiber optical and and satellite networks.
2D-materials are ideal for nanoscale and quantum sensing applications. Consisting almost completely of surface, they interact strongly with many aspects of the environment. Their strong light-matter interaction also allows for the remote readout of their status with comparable ease. Of interest are materials of the semi-conductiong group of 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) like like molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) or tungsten disulphide (WS2). Within the 2D-SENS group, we aim to use the properties specifically for gas sensors and will develop four different types based on the TMDs. These integrated 2D-materials will be used to investigate fundamental aspects of how the environment influences the light-matter-interaction in 2D-materials, regarding fluorescence lifetimes, spectra and valley-excitonic properties.
The aim of FOQUOS is the fundamental investigation of imaging modalities based on the peculiar properties of entangled photons. As a result, application perspectives for quantum imaging schemes and a roadmap for further development will be established. Research is pursued along two complementary lines reflecting the strengths of the project partners in Jena and Ilmenau. First, quantum imaging schemes and the necessary photon sources will be fundamentally examined to identify conceptually new modalities, with a particular focus on making use of photon pairs with different wavelengths. Second, concepts to realize electronic components suited to implement and integrate the needed photon detection and analysis schemes will be developed. The detection of both photons should be done in real time if possible. For this purpose, ceramic-based circuit boards (LTCC) are being implemented at the IMN MacroNano® to meet these requirements. The advantage is in the realization of very short connection paths of the individual components, which enables a fast signal processing. The combination with thin-film glasses is studied to increase the degree of integration and to verify the implementation of optical components. The results of both research lines will be used to realize first demonstrators of quantum imaging schemes.
Co-Director
Institute for Micro- and Nanotechnologies, Ilmenau
Email: jens.mueller@tu-ilmenau.de
Phone: +49 3677-69-2606
Co-Director
Institute of Applied Physics, Jena
Email: thomas.pertsch@uni-jena.de
Phone: +49 3641-9-47560
Junior Group Leader Optics in 2D-Materials
Team leader FASTPHOTON Research Group
Email: falk.eilenberger@uni-jena.de
Phone: +49 3641-9-47990
Chief Executive Officer
Junior Group Leader Quantum Optics
Team leader FOQOUS Research Group
Email: f.setzpfandt@uni-jena.de
Phone: +49 3641-9-47569
Innovation Officer, Ilmenau
Email: maria.illing@tu-ilmenau.de
Phone: +49 3677-69-3402
Technology Officer, Ilmenau
Email: andrea.knauer@tu-ilmenau.de
Phone: +49 3677-69-3404
Laboratory Technician, Ilmenau
Email: christian.kroppka@tu-ilmenau.de
Phone: +49 3677-69-3325
Technology Officer, Jena
Email: michael.steinert@uni-jena.de
Phone: +49 3641-9-47564