en.Wedoany.com Reported - Quantum Optics Jena GmbH, in collaboration with AIM Micro Systems, X-FAB, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (Fraunhofer IOF), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, and IMMS, has launched the three-year "Photonic Integrated Polarization Analysis Module with Single-Photon Processing (PIC-PAM)" project. Approved by the state of Thuringia and co-funded by the European Union, the project aims to miniaturize and reduce the cost of quantum key distribution (QKD) functions using silicon chip integration technology, making it easier to deploy in data centers, campus networks, and critical infrastructure.
The project brings together expertise in quantum communication, photonics, semiconductor manufacturing, and microelectronics to enhance the cybersecurity of Germany's ICT fiber optic networks through the combination of integrated photonics and quantum communication. Partners will develop compact modules compatible with common network hardware and integrate photonic and microelectronic functions onto a single silicon chip. Chip-integrated components include a polarization analysis module for measuring the quantum state of photons, single-photon detectors for high-sensitivity signal conversion, and electronics for high-resolution time stamping and detection evaluation.
Dr. Kevin Füchsel, Managing Director of Quantum Optics Jena GmbH, noted that quantum computers are expected to crack traditional encryption methods in the coming years, while entanglement-based quantum key distribution is a physically secure technique for generating and distributing encryption keys, with security unaffected by an attacker's computing power. Information is encoded in the polarization state of individual photons, and any eavesdropping alters the photon state, making the attack detectable. Implementing QKD requires three core components: polarization analysis, single-photon detection, and time stamping.
Professor Andreas Tünnermann, Director of Fraunhofer IOF and Head of the Institute of Applied Physics at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, stated that the numerous optomechanical components used in laboratories indicate that miniaturization and photonic integration of QKD represent both a major challenge and an opportunity. Dr. Andreas Fischer, Managing Director of AIM Micro Systems GmbH, added that the goal is to develop a highly integrated solution that can be flexibly deployed in network equipment, much like a small SFP module.
The project will develop a complete analysis unit as a monolithic integrated circuit, integrating photonic and electronic functional units on a single chip measuring just a few millimeters. Dr. Gabriel Kittler, CEO of X-FAB Global Services GmbH, explained that they will further develop CMOS processes specifically for QKD to manufacture photonic integrated chips, enabling future processing of photonic and electronic device layers on a single wafer. Fraunhofer IOF will implement the chip's silicon nitride-based photonic components, including micro-optical components, polarization analysis units, and couplers. IMMS will develop the chip's electronic layer, focusing on integrating detectors based on single-photon avalanche photodiodes (SPADs) and newly developed timing electronics. Martin Eberhardt, Managing Director of IMMS, noted that the path of combining IMMS's existing SPAD-based solutions with Fraunhofer IOF and transferring them to quantum applications in integrated photonics is particularly promising. Friedrich Schiller University Jena will be responsible for the characterization test setups of all photonic modules.
To ensure the chip can be used in small, SFP-like modules, AIM Micro Systems will handle chip assembly, housing installation, and connection of optical and electronic components, considering industrial applicability. Quantum Optics Jena will create photon sources to ensure QKD can use photons visible to SPADs and will build an overall demonstrator to showcase results.
Anke Siegmeier, Managing Director of OptoNet e.V., stated that Thuringia is one of Germany's leading centers for microelectronics and photonics, and six highly innovative members of the organization are working on integrating photonics with quantum communication, all located in Thuringia. She believes that collaboration with regional semiconductor manufacturing partner X-FAB and local research institutions will bring significant benefits to Thuringia, including technology knowledge transfer, strengthened value chains, and transferability of results to cross-industry applications.
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