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This research focuses on developing a fully integrated quantum light source suitable for deployment in real-world optical quantum technology applications.

Photonic quantum technologies hold significant promise for future applications in quantum computing, quantum-secure telecommunications, and quantum metrology. While laboratory-scale systems have advanced rapidly, most current quantum light sources—essential to all these applications—still depend on bulky, external laser systems. This reliance limits their use to controlled environments and poses a major barrier to real-world deployment. To overcome this challenge, we are developing a fully integrated, efficient quantum light source designed for compactness, robustness, and scalable manufacturing—paving the way for field-ready quantum technologies.

This technology field investigates chip-scale fabrication and integration of quartz glass fibers towards fiber-optic integrated circuits.

In this process, quartz glass fibers with light-guiding functionalities are welded onto glass chips. The fiber’s surface is partially melted to fuse it to the glass substrate and create a bond after solidification. A CO2 laser is used for a controlled heat input in order to reach the high processing temperatures of the quartz glass components. By automatically feeding the fiber and synchronizing the movement of the substrate, the waveguides can be deposited in customizable two-dimensional geometries. Creating optical end facets at both fiber ends on the chip in the same process environment using the laser enables an efficient light coupling into the welded fibers. This paves the way for fully integrated, monolithic photonic systems, such as on-chip lasers, consisting of all optical components like active fibers and fiber couplers.

In this technology field, we are using our custom-made, micro-dispensing 3D printing technology, which opens up new possibilities for the fabrication of extremely small and function-integrated optics.

Additive manufacturing is transforming optical component fabrication by enabling complex geometries and high-resolution structures using transparent materials. Needle-based dispensing of photopolymers allows for precise, multi-material 3D printing with micrometer accuracy. It supports a wide range of viscoelastic materials and customizable designs that are difficult to achieve with traditional methods. This approach holds strong potential for compact, integrated optics in AR/VR, LiDAR, endoscopy, and smart wearable technologies. As the technology matures, it is expected to play a key role in next-generation photonic integrated systems.

Precise and automated, pick-and-place technology is critical for the reliable and affordable production of complex, miniaturized photonic devices.


Pick-and-place machines are essential for assembling the tiny, complex components found in today’s advanced photonic devices. These programmable systems can automatically pick up, position, and align delicate optical parts with exceptional precision—tasks that are nearly impossible manually at such scales. By combining intelligent algorithms with precise mechanical control, they help speed up production, improve reliability, and reduce costs. This makes them key to manufacturing advanced technologies like quantum light sources, integrated photonic circuits, and ultrafast lasers.

In order to bring this technology into manufacturing environments, the research focuses on developing robust, feedback-driven alignment techniques suited for complex optical assemblies. Instead of relying on manual adjustments, the goal is to develop procedures that can dynamically respond to component tolerances and positioning errors during the assembly. The prototypes will first be developed and optimized in the laboratory, before being assembled and tested using a commercial robotic assembly platform available at Laser Zentrum Hannover.

Secure communications are a growing challenge in our digital age. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems offer protection based on the laws of quantum physics, making them inherently secure. The focus here is on developing a compact, cost-effective quantum transmitter for real-world applications. Additionally, an innovative micro-optical approach to address size requirements and enable out-of-lab application is intended. To enable mass production, scalable manufacturing techniques, such as pick-and-place assembly of optical components, are applied.

Development status / TRL

The current development has reached TRL 4, with a functional prototype successfully demonstrated in the lab. Ongoing work focuses on improving robustness, durability, and readiness for deployment.

Project Status

The current focus is on aligning spin-off development phases with TRLs and critical decision points. A pilot for matching founding teams with emerging business cases is in development to address the use cases provided by CDT. Additionally, the CDT team is supported in designing co-creation workshops—for example, with researchers from the PhoenixD Excellence Cluster—to generate further use cases that help test and refine the pilot. A legal framework is also being established to formalize and support this innovative transfer model.

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