Press Releases

Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS has achieved another breakthrough in pH measurement technology. Researchers have developed a new technology that makes pH measurements significantly more robust, simple, and reliable. Instead of the traditional, often error-prone reference electrodes, a durable chip is now used. This chip can be stored dry, is pressure-resistant, and easily integrated into compact devices. Initial test kits are already available for rapid use in medical, biological, agricultural, and environmental applications.

Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS have developed a groundbreaking red OLED microdisplay that is both exceptionally bright and highly efficient. The first results of this innovative technology will be presented at the SID Mid-Europe Conference 2026 under the theme "Augmented Vision: Displays for Defense," taking place from March 16 to 17, Jupiter Lisboa Hotel - Rooftop & Spa | Site Oficial, in Lisbon, Portugal.

The European Union has granted EUR 25 million to the SUPREME consortium, marking a significant milestone in industrialization of superconducting quantum technologies across Europe. Together with national funding from the member states, the total funding adds up to 50 million Euros. Key objectives of the initiative include developing stable superconducting technology and giving access to it for both industry and academia. The first phase will commence in early 2026 and span three and a half years, bringing together 23 partners from eight Member States.

On October, the 1st 2025, the NeAIxt research project was launched, bringing together over 55 partners from across the EU. The project's long-term goal is to strengthen Europe's position in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS is playing a central role in the project, focusing on developing and integrating innovative edge AI technologies that are crucial for the efficiency and security of modern data processing systems.

The OASYS project focuses on optoelectronic sensors for application-oriented systems. In the subproject A1 a team of scientists and industry experts is developing an ultra-compact, energy-efficient hyperspectral camera that uses artificial intelligence to perform complex material and quality analyses in real time. The integrated spectrometer records spectral characteristics, revealing chemical properties that are invisible to the human eye. This enables defects in food or the composition of textiles or plastics to be identified quickly and accurately.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS has developed innovative chips that are revolutionizing the characterization of organic materials and accelerating the development of new electronic applications. A newly developed measuring adapter allows for the first time simultaneous contact with up to eight interdigital electrode pairs, setting new standards in precise material analysis. In the context of the growing demand for flexible and efficient technologies, these high-precision measurement methods will be instrumental in improving the performance of future electronic systems.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS is collaborating with the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solid States CPfS on an innovative project called "OptoQuant." This project is funded under the Fraunhofer-Max Planck cooperation program and aims to develop CMOS-integrated micro-optoelectronic quantum sensors for highly sensitive magnetic field imaging at room temperature. Initial results will be presented as a talk at SPIE Quantum West 2026 and at SPIE AR/VR/MR 2026 (January 20-22, 2026, booth number 6429, in San Francisco, USA) with an exhibit.

Quantum sciences and applications are rapidly advancing as key technologies for secure communication, high-performance computing, new materials, and ultra-precise sensing. To strategically advance these future technologies and transfer them into industrial applications, the Saxon research network for quantum technologies, SAX-QT “Quantum Saxony”, is being launched today. The aim is to strategically pool, further develop, and make internationally visible the expertise in quantum technologies within the Free State of Saxony. The network is coordinated by Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, the Fraunhofer Institutes for Photonic Microsystems IPMS and for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU, and the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research IFW Dresden.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) has launched the AIS-Edge Node project (Adaptive Integrated Inline Sensors for Infrastructure in the Environmental and Hydrogen Economy), working alongside numerous regional partners. The project aims to contribute significantly to structural change in Lusatia by utilising innovative sensor technologies and AI-based evaluation methods. The project will focus on closely monitoring soil and water bodies, as well as providing reliable safety monitoring for the growing hydrogen economy.

In the OASYS joint project, Optoelectronic Sensors for Application-Oriented Systems for Life Sciences and Intelligent Manufacturing, Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS is collaborating with research and industry partners to develop state-of-the-art optoelectronic sensor technologies. A key focus is given to the flagship project B1, MEMS-based Imaging in Scattering Media, which employs novel spatial light modulators (SLMs). These enable precise control of the light phase in highly scattering environments, enabling accurate wavefront correction and high-resolution imaging for biomedical diagnostics.