Fraunhofer IPMS advances quantum computing and microscopy technologies

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS has announced two significant technological advancements in the fields of quantum computing and optical microscopy.

To support the scalability of quantum processors, the institute has expanded its 300-mm technology platform for quantum components with a new Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) system from Polyteknik. This system allows for the development of superconducting thin films on 300-mm wafers under conditions similar to industrial semiconductor manufacturing. Researchers have already successfully developed processes for niobium nitride (NbN) and zirconium nitride (ZrN) that demonstrate superconducting properties consistent with scientific literature.

In the field of biomedical research, Fraunhofer IPMS researchers have developed a micromechanical mirror array designed to improve optical microscope image quality. The technology uses a chip containing approximately 64,000 movable micromirrors to correct optical distortions caused by light scattering in biological tissue. Unlike traditional adaptive optics that require separate measurement and correction steps, this new array performs both tasks simultaneously, allowing for high-resolution imaging of deep tissue layers with minimal delay.