Program 2022

Welcome to Photonics Days Jena 2022! Two days lie ahead of our participants – with a diverse program and many opportunities for networking, exchange and joint creativity. Prof. Dr. Stefan Nolte, Deputy of the Fraunhofer IOF, will welcome you to our international network- and carrer event.

Entangled photons are a key resource in quantum technology. They act as tamper-proof padlocks in quantum cryptography, as low-noise probes in quantum imaging and sensing, or as versatile information carriers in quantum networks. Translating this potential quantum added value from laboratories to practical applications presents several technological and scientific challenges. In addition to the development of system-integrated quantum devices, more efficient methods for the generation, manipulation, and transmission of quantum information over long distances are required.

by Dr. Fabian Steinlechner (Fraunhofer IOF)

Various quantum computing hardware architectures currently compete for being the future quantum computing platform. Their maturity can be compared by the early stages of micro-electronics, thus hardware developments have to address challenges like miniaturization and scalability. Focusing on photonic platforms for quantum computers the talk will provide insights into the typical roadmap from bulk optics, via micro- to integrated optics, illustrating a broad playground for physicists and engineers at the edge of current technology.

by Dr. Erik Beckert (Fraunhofer IOF)

by Dr. Christian Tutschku (Fraunhofer IAO)

Contactless, optical 3D scanning systems are currently widely used for demanding tasks in industri-al quality control, in medical context, as well as in cultural heritage applications. Example use-cases from IOF’s solution portfolio are briefly discussed to contextualize a novel patient surface scanning system, which has proven advantageous for radiation therapy to position the patient prior to treatment and observe patient motion during treatment. We present the characteristics of this patient surface scanning system that uses invisible aperiodic sinusoidal fringes in the near-infrared spectrum as a sensing principle. Strengths of the respective active pattern projection approach are the low measurement uncertainty and fast and dense surface acquisition The 3D scanning system, consisting of three stereoscopic camera and pattern projection systems, is described. Its key bene-fits are irritation-free operation in human interaction, support for medium to large measurement volumes, robustness to occlusion due to multiple viewpoints, and continuous high resolution 3D measurements with low latency. To support these claims, we show measurement results from a sample sensor configuration with 3x 3D sensors, operating at 850 nm, simultaneously capturing a volume of approx. 2 m x 0.8 m x 0.4 m at a 3D rate of ≥ 10 Hz.

by Dr. Peter Kühmstedt and Christoph Munkelt (Fraunhofer IOF)

Join us for a live behind-the-scenes look at the Makeathon and be surprised at what the participants develop there. David Zakoth from the Lichtwerkstatt Jena will give us some insights.

Since the first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015, we have gained an entirely new observation window to the universe – now, we not only have electromagnetic telescopes and neutrino detectors to view astrophysical events, but we can also listen to the cosmos using interferometric gravitational wave detectors. Close to 100 events have already been detected, but to achieve ever-higher detection rates for meaningful gravitational wave astronomy, ever-greater detection sensitivity is required.
In this talk, I will introduce the principle of interferometric gravitational wave detection and highlight some of the advanced technologies employed in Advanced LIGO. The sensitivity of these interferometers is so incredible that quantum effects of the employed light have already become limiting. Using ultra-precisely stabilised lasers is not sufficient; non-classical (fixed-quadrature squeezed) light is already routinely employed in the current (second) generation gravitational wave detectors (such as aLIGO and AdVirgo). And even this will soon not suffice for the next generation of gravitational wave observatories, as quantum backaction noise starts to limit low-frequency sensitivity. I will present some options for quantum noise reduction in laser interferometry and the broader field of quantum optics.

by Prof. Dr. Michèle Heurs (Institute for Gravitational Physics, Leibniz Universität Hannover)

An exciting journey with insights into the applications of the future. „Glass or plastics?“: This question is not only asked in environmental protection, but is one of the central questions in the production of optics. It sounds trivial, but it has a lot of potential for synergies and for a pragmatic approach to looking at existing reservations in optics production from a different perspective. In principle, it is not a question of material. Manufacturing processes, integration, and quality reach their limits as the optics become smaller. Processes and materials are needed that meet the challenges of constant miniaturization and the quality requirements of optics, while at the same time being easily integrated into existing processes. The presentation sheds light on the limitations of existing processes and provides an overview of perspectives, applications, and markets for miniaturized optics.

by Dr. Ruth Houbertz (ThinkMade Engineering & Consulting Dr. Ruth Houbertz)

The „Applied Photonics Award“ is a prize for young scientists. It is awarded by Fraunhofer IOF and honours innovative theses that add real value to society and the economy through the application of optics and photonics. At the award ceremony, the winners will present their excellent work in a short presentation.
Be there and let yourself be inspired for your own theses!

Welcome to Photonics Days Jena 2022! Two days lie ahead of our participants – with a diverse program and many opportunities for networking, exchange and joint creativity. Prof. Dr. Stefan Nolte, Deputy of the Fraunhofer IOF, will welcome you to our international network- and carrer event.

Entangled photons are a key resource in quantum technology. They act as tamper-proof padlocks in quantum cryptography, as low-noise probes in quantum imaging and sensing, or as versatile information carriers in quantum networks. Translating this potential quantum added value from laboratories to practical applications presents several technological and scientific challenges. In addition to the development of system-integrated quantum devices, more efficient methods for the generation, manipulation, and transmission of quantum information over long distances are required.

by Dr. Fabian Steinlechner (Fraunhofer IOF)

At the Makeathon, you will work in small teams on exciting projects. You’ll develop small gadgets or product ideas in the context of photonics and implement them as prototypes using new technologies and tools such as 3D printing or laser cutting. It’s all about creative exchange and contributing your own skills and ideas! The projects are based on local research and industry and can be individually shaped by you.

To participate in the Makeathon, it is necessary to attend the premeeting, where initial ideas will be discussed. The premeeting will take place digitally on 9/28/2022 from 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m (CEST).

organised by Lichtwerkstatt Jena, a photonics makerspace on the Jena campus

Various quantum computing hardware architectures currently compete for being the future quantum computing platform. Their maturity can be compared by the early stages of micro-electronics, thus hardware developments have to address challenges like miniaturization and scalability. Focusing on photonic platforms for quantum computers the talk will provide insights into the typical roadmap from bulk optics, via micro- to integrated optics, illustrating a broad playground for physicists and engineers at the edge of current technology.

by Dr. Erik Beckert (Fraunhofer IOF)

by Dr. Christian Tutschku (Fraunhofer IAO)

Contactless, optical 3D scanning systems are currently widely used for demanding tasks in industri-al quality control, in medical context, as well as in cultural heritage applications. Example use-cases from IOF’s solution portfolio are briefly discussed to contextualize a novel patient surface scanning system, which has proven advantageous for radiation therapy to position the patient prior to treatment and observe patient motion during treatment. We present the characteristics of this patient surface scanning system that uses invisible aperiodic sinusoidal fringes in the near-infrared spectrum as a sensing principle. Strengths of the respective active pattern projection approach are the low measurement uncertainty and fast and dense surface acquisition The 3D scanning system, consisting of three stereoscopic camera and pattern projection systems, is described. Its key bene-fits are irritation-free operation in human interaction, support for medium to large measurement volumes, robustness to occlusion due to multiple viewpoints, and continuous high resolution 3D measurements with low latency. To support these claims, we show measurement results from a sample sensor configuration with 3x 3D sensors, operating at 850 nm, simultaneously capturing a volume of approx. 2 m x 0.8 m x 0.4 m at a 3D rate of ≥ 10 Hz.

by Dr. Peter Kühmstedt and Christoph Munkelt (Fraunhofer IOF)

Join us for a live behind-the-scenes look at the Makeathon and be surprised at what the participants develop there. David Zakoth from the Lichtwerkstatt Jena will give us some insights.

Since the first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015, we have gained an entirely new observation window to the universe – now, we not only have electromagnetic telescopes and neutrino detectors to view astrophysical events, but we can also listen to the cosmos using interferometric gravitational wave detectors. Close to 100 events have already been detected, but to achieve ever-higher detection rates for meaningful gravitational wave astronomy, ever-greater detection sensitivity is required.
In this talk, I will introduce the principle of interferometric gravitational wave detection and highlight some of the advanced technologies employed in Advanced LIGO. The sensitivity of these interferometers is so incredible that quantum effects of the employed light have already become limiting. Using ultra-precisely stabilised lasers is not sufficient; non-classical (fixed-quadrature squeezed) light is already routinely employed in the current (second) generation gravitational wave detectors (such as aLIGO and AdVirgo). And even this will soon not suffice for the next generation of gravitational wave observatories, as quantum backaction noise starts to limit low-frequency sensitivity. I will present some options for quantum noise reduction in laser interferometry and the broader field of quantum optics.

by Prof. Dr. Michèle Heurs (Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics)

An exciting journey with insights into the applications of the future. „Glass or plastics?“: This question is not only asked in environmental protection, but is one of the central questions in the production of optics. It sounds trivial, but it has a lot of potential for synergies and for a pragmatic approach to looking at existing reservations in optics production from a different perspective. In principle, it is not a question of material. Manufacturing processes, integration, and quality reach their limits as the optics become smaller. Processes and materials are needed that meet the challenges of constant miniaturization and the quality requirements of optics, while at the same time being easily integrated into existing processes. The presentation sheds light on the limitations of existing processes and provides an overview of perspectives, applications, and markets for miniaturized optics.

by Dr. Ruth Houbertz (ThinkMade Engineering & Consulting Dr. Ruth Houbertz)

The „Applied Photonics Award“ is a prize for young scientists. It is awarded by Fraunhofer IOF and honours innovative theses that add real value to society and the economy through the application of optics and photonics. At the award ceremony, the winners will present their excellent work in a short presentation.
Be there and let yourself be inspired for your own theses!

Good communication enables inclusion, transparency and participation. It can be used to present political, scientific and social processes in a way that is appropriate for the target group and to build trust in institutions. Digital communication in particular enables a low-threshold, resource-efficient exchange.
The workshop will focus on how humanity and closeness can be created methodically and with high quality, even in the digital space. Participants will also learn how to be present in front of the webcam as well as on small tiles and how to lead really good discussions.

by Merle Becker (Wertschatz Kommunikation)

Online media offer unprecedented opportunities for scientists to actively participate in the public discourse about science. But why should scientists communicate anyway? What are the principles of good science communication? And how can you personally benefit from communicating science to audiences beyond your peers?

by Tobias Maier (NaWik)

Diversity is Key. Studies show that diverse teams are more creative and produce more innovative research results than homogeneous teams. This fact drives Photonics towards more diversity – but the road is long, and many questions are still unanswered. With our panel we therefore ask: Is it enough to just staff research teams diversely (in terms of gender, nationality, and ethnicity) to achieve real equal opportunities and top scientific performance? How do we ensure that old structures do not persist under the guise of diversity, preventing true equality and a corresponding necessary change in the scientific system? And is that even possible, striving for „excellent“ scientific output?  

Let’s tackle these questions together with our panelists and share personal experiences! We are already very excited about what is sure to be a lively discussion. 

with Ruth Houbertz, Sven Schröder, Julia Osten, tbd.

Effective academic communication is the basis of successful scholarly work. Transferring the output of your research to other scholars and practitioners is probably the most important component in academics. But: academic writing and publishing is not like other styles of communication. It has its own conventions that ensure clear, explicit and logically consistent communication.

by Iris Krimmel

In this workshop you will learn how to prepare presentations, how to emphasise your content with body language, voice and speaking technique and how to convince in pitches. You will feel more confident, inspire your audience and achieve your communication goals.

by Steffen Voigt (FON Institut)

by Lichtwerkstatt Jena

Prof. Dr. Andreas Tünnermann, Director of Fraunhofer IOF, will close the event and would like to thank all participants and say goodbye – maybe until Photonics Days Jena 2023? 😉