Press Releases

Modern electronics developments require state-of-the-art technologies and manufacturing processes, which are a financial challenge for many companies. Located in the heart of Silicon Saxony, Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS offers both large chip manufacturers and smaller companies access to the latest research results and technologies on 200 and 300 mm silicon wafers. Services range from consulting and process development to pilot production. Green ICT - i.e. sustainability - is also playing an increasingly important role.

Germany's largest national conference on microelectronics will take place this year in the heart of Silicon Saxony, Dresden. The focus will be on sustainability and technological sovereignty. In lectures, at booths and in an intensive exchange, visitors will learn how important microtechnologies are for economic strength and the common good, and what opportunities they offer for the future. Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS will present its research at the joint booth of Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD) as well as in numerous talks and posters.

The German Ministry for Research and Education BMBF is funding the CBQD project - chip-based quantum random device - for research into quantum-safe high-speed communications. In the CBQD project, a compact chip will be developed that generates random numbers at high speed based on quantum photonic effects. It meets the requirements of the Common Criteria for IT product security. The chip will become the basis for numerous IT security applications. Fraunhofer IPMS is responsible for coordination and QNRG chip integration in the project.

Researchers at Fraunhofer have developed an ultra-compact near-infrared spectrometer suitable for recognizing and analyzing textiles. Mixed fabrics can also be reliably identified through the combination of imaging, special AI (artificial intelligence) algorithms and spectroscopy. The technology could be used to optimize recycling old clothing, so old apparel could be sorted according to type. A highly miniaturized version of the system can even fit into a smartphone. This could lead to a host of new applications for end-users in everyday life — from checking clothes when out shopping to detecting counterfeits.

Earth observation is like a super detective for our planet. It shows us what's happening on Earth and even influences our daily lives, for example, through more accurate weather forecasts. As part of the EU-funded SURPRISE project, a team of experts has been investigating how Earth observation satellites can be made smarter, but also safer. Using two breakthrough technologies - spatial light modulators and Compressive Sensing - the project has developed a demonstrator for superspectral Earth observation with improved spatial resolution, on-board data processing and encryption functionality.

Fraunhofer IPMS develops photonic microsystems that modulate light using small, controllable mirrors to create unique images and structures. These so-called spatial light modulators (SLM) are micromirror arrays with up to several million mirrors on a semiconductor chip. They have applications in semiconductor manufacturing, microscopy and holography, and have brought the Institute to the forefront of international research in this field.

The accessibility of RISC-V has started a revolution and, thanks to its open architecture, allows developers to design processors tailored to specific requirements. The Fraunhofer IPMS also offers a processor IP based on the RISC V instruction set architecture. The institute has extensive RISC-V expertise, which is used in research projects and is actively developed.

• New hub will provide state-of-the-art metrology systems to accelerate semiconductor research and enhance development projects with chipmakers and ecosystem partners across Europe, particularly in ICAPS* market segments • Collaboration to accelerate learning, develop novel methods and prove new metrology equipment, methods, algorithms and software

The vehicles of the future will be automated and networked to drive autonomously in road traffic and to relieve the driver. This requires new vehicle architectures and high-performance components. The Fraunhofer IPMS is working on various research projects to create the necessary conditions.

Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS uses optical microsystems to enable fast and high-resolution light control. By using small, movable mirrors, the institute's photonic systems can modulate light to create unique images and structures. The institute's researchers are implementing 1-axis- and 2-axis tilting mirrors as well as piston mirrors. The mirrors are monolithically integrated on so-called CMOS backplanes.