Lower cooling requirements, longer operating times, lower error rates: Quantum computers based on spin photons and diamond promise significant advantages over competing quantum computing technologies. The consortium of the BMBF project SPINNING coordinated by Fraunhofer IAF has succeeded in decisively advancing the development of spin-photon-based quantum computers. On October 22 and 23, 2024, the partners presented the interim project results at the mid-term meeting of the BMBF funding measure Quantum Computer Demonstration Setups in Berlin.

Researchers from Jena, Würzburg and Potsdam have successfully developed a design for the smallest system of its kind so far to take highly secure quantum communication to space: Led by Fraunhofer IOF, the project CubEniK developed an ultracompact payload for a satellite the size of a shoe box, a so called “CubeSat”. The goal of the mini satellite is to transmit a secure quantum key over a distance of 300 kilometers between two ground stations in Jena and Munich.

Researchers at Deutsche Telekom Innovation Laboratories (T-Labs), together with the quantum networking company Qunnect (US & NL), have reached a milestone on the path to the quantum internet: demonstration of sustained, high fidelity (99%) transmission of entangled photons across 30 kilometers of commercially deployed fiber for 17 days.

Together, AQT, d-fine and Fraunhofer AISEC have won a project with the BSI to investigate the “Advanced Security Analysis of Quantum Machine Learning (QML)”. The partners combine deep expertise in quantum hardware (AQT), quantum machine learning (d-fine and Fraunhofer AISEC) and its security aspects (d-fine and Fraunhofer AISEC).

The Center Nanoelectronic Technologies (CNT) at Fraunhofer IPMS has recently acquired new cryostats for the research on qubits and the qualification of superconducting systems. The cryogenic measuring devices, which are particularly useful for analyzing quantum systems, are now in full operation. The provision of the equipment was funded by the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism (SMWK).

Advancing scalable solid-state quantum computing from materials to quantum processors and simulators—this is the ambitious project goal of the joint European project SPINUS. During their annual meeting, which took place in February in Trento, Italy, the project partners gathered to assess their latest scientific achievements and to align on strategic objectives for the upcoming project phases. During two days of intensive discussions, including a quantum technologies networking session with external participants, the consortium showcased decisive milestones and lived up to SPINUS’ role in advancing European quantum research.

Quantum Machines (QM), the leading provider of advanced quantum control solutions, today announced the NVIDIA DGX Quantum Early Customer Program, with a cohort of six leading research groups and quantum computer builders. NVIDIA DGX Quantum, a reference architecture jointly developed by NVIDIA and QM, is the first tightly integrated quantum-classical computing solution, designed to unlock new frontiers in quantum computing research and development.

From 2035, the Einstein Telescope will be able to study gravitational waves with unprecedented accuracy. For the telescope, researchers from Jena have manufactured highly sensitive sensors made entirely of glass for the first time.

To promote the use of quantum sensors in industry, Fraunhofer IAF has developed a virtual application laboratory for quantum sensing. This innovative information platform provides comprehensive technical knowledge about quantum magnetometers, applications, and measurement scenarios. It also allows interested parties from industry and research to interactively perform sample measurements and assess the potential of this groundbreaking technology for their needs.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF is presenting a new photon source at SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco (January 28 to 30, 2025) that has been specially developed for the "Prepare-and-Measure" protocol of quantum communication. The components of the source are optimized for use in space.