Quantum Systems

We research and develop innovative, industry-ready processes and applications based on quantum sensors and quantum computers, to harness the great potential of quantum technology.

At Fraunhofer IAF, we research components and systems for applications in quantum sensing and quantum computing based on materials such as diamond and SiC. We also advance the system integration of components and develop hardware and software solutions for second-generation quantum systems.

To broaden the fields of application and facilitate the integration of quantum systems into industrial processes, we are working to optimize quantum computers and quantum sensors for applications in quantum chemistry, logistics and medical technology.

silver and copper coloured quantum computer from IBM
© cnet.com
At Fraunhofer IAF, we conduct research in the field of electronics and diamond for quantum computing.

At Fraunhofer IAF, we conduct research in the field of spintronic and superconducting qubits for quantum computing. Our aim is to contribute advances in the performance of entangled qubits and quantum memories, to increase the achievable computation times of quantum computers with innovative quantum hardware and to reduce their error rates. In addition, we develop application-oriented quantum algorithms and software with our partners.

Find out more about our research and development in quantum computing.

Find out more about the opportunities for collaboration within the Fraunhofer Competence Center Quantum Computing Baden-Württemberg.

Schematic visualization of a scanning probe quantum magnetometer with an NV diamond tip that can detect and visualize currents in nanoelectronic circuits.
© Fraunhofer IAF
Schematic visualization of a scanning probe quantum magnetometer with an NV diamond tip that can detect and visualize currents in nanoelectronic circuits.

Optimizing complex electronic circuits, visualizing individual bits inside electronic storage media or looking at the tiny magnetic fields of the heart and brain to improve medical diagnostics – these are the goals we are pursuing at Fraunhofer IAF with the help of quantum sensing.

Find out more about our research and development in quantum sensing.

Find out more about our Application laboratory quantum sensing.

Network and partners

In order to lead quantum computing and quantum sensing to success in Germany, national and interdisciplinary collaboration is needed. Therefore, Fraunhofer IAF actively networks with various partners from research and industry.

In the field of quantum systems, Fraunhofer IAF maintains contact with more than 60 organizations from research and industry and can access various networks.  

 

Competence Center Quantum Computing

Together with the Fraunhofer IAO, we coordinate the »Quantum Computing Baden-Württemberg« competence center. 

 

Fraunhofer lighthouse project »QMag«

In the »QMag« project, IAF is developing quantum magnetometers for industrial applications together with five other Fraunhofer institutes and three universities.

A selection of our partners

  • Advantest Europe GmbH
  • Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
  • Attocube Systems AG
  • BASF SE
  • Bausparkasse Schwäbisch Hall AG
  • Cynora GmbH
  • Diamond Materials GmbH
  • Evatec Europe GmbH
  • JoS Quantum GmbH 
  • IBM Deutschland GmbH
  • HQS Quantum Simulations GmbH
  • Merck KGaA
  • Q.ANT GmbH
  • Quantum Brilliance
  • Robert Bosch GmbH
  • SVA System Vertrieb Alexander GmbH
  • UniCredit Bank AG
  • Wüstenrot & Württembergische AG

Our networks

  • Fraunhofer Competence Center Quantum Computing
  • Bitkom
  • EPIC
  • iQuSense
  • Quantum Business Network (QBN)

Further collaborations

An overview of the other alliances and clusters in which Fraunhofer IAF is represented can be found here:

  • KIT
  • University of Colorado Boulder
  • University of Freiburg
  • University of Konstanz
  • University of Leipzig
  • University of Stuttgart
  • University of Tübingen
  • Ulm University

Voices from our network

»I have been a member of the Advisory Board for four years now and am observing with great interest how IAF develops into a center for quantum technologies in Germany.«

Prof. Dr. Jörg Wrachtrup,
Head of Department 3rd Physics Institute; University of Stuttgart

»Germany has enormous capabilities in quantum computing, but no organization, no research group and no country can do it alone. Cooperation is always the key element.«

Prof. Dr. Tommaso Calarco, Head of Institute Quantum Control, Forschungszentrum Jülich

 

»Our team at Ulm University in cooperation with Fraunhofer IAF is developing a diamond-based quantum sensing platform which is able to function under ambient conditions and achieve a precision that allows the detection of the magnetic field of the brain.«

Prof. Dr. Fedor Jelezko, Director, Institute for Quantum Optics, Ulm University

»The targeted use of quantum effects opens the door to physical sensors that are more reliable, more accurate and with higher spatial resolution. I expect that we will be able to characterize materials and improve the performance of devices with unprecedented quality.«

Prof. Dr. Maximilian Fleischer, Chief Key Expert, Siemens Energy Global

»The agreement with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft to install the first of our quantum systems outside the USA in Germany and make it available to the organization opens up the opportunity to further develop the technology and skills here in Germany and across Europe.«

Dr. Heike Riel, Head Science & Technology, IBM Research

»In order to expand our knowledge in the field of quantum sensing, we rely on a cooperation network of leading research institutions in Europe. In this context, the technological capabilities of Fraunhofer IAF are a key element.«

Dr. Thierry Debuisschert, Research & Technology, Thales 

Further Information

For Networkers

Information on how to cooperate with Fraunhofer IAF can be found under the following link.

Scientific Publications

Our most recent scientific publications can be found at the following link:

For Customers

Our range of services in the field of »Quantum Systems« at Fraunhofer IAF can be found under the following link.