Quantum Photonic Components

With our Joint Lab Quantum Photonic Components we develope narrow and ultra-narrow linewidth diode laser modules, spectroscopy modules and distribution modules for applications of "Quantum Technology 2.0" (QT 2.0), especially for deployment in space. To this end, we research novel concepts for diode lasers and components. We advance integration technologies such that proof-of-concept demonstrators can be transferred into industry-compatible prototypes.

The Joint Lab Quantum Photonic Components closely co-operates with the Optoelectronics Department and the Joint Lab Integrated Quantum Sensors. Hence the complete technology and value chain - from modeling of photonic components through hybrid micro-integration of electro-optical setups and physics packages to the system design and operation of quantum sensors is covered.

Fields of Application

The technical solutions are used in quantum sensing and in quantum information processing. Narrow-linewidth laser concepts developed for quantum technologies are also applicable to coherent satellite communication.

Quantum Sensing

Photonic modules for application in quantum sensing – compact optical clocks for next-generation global navigation satellite systems

Quantum Computing

Photonic modules for applications in quantum information technology – diode laser-based laser system for application to Ca-ion-based quantum network technology

Fundamental Physics

Photonic modules for fundamental physics research – Bose-Einstein-Condensate-Cold-Atom-Lab (BECCAL) on board the ISS

Optical SatCom

Photonic modules for application to coherent satellite communication – wavelength division mulitplexing with compact diode laser modules

Technology Fields

The realization of photonic solutions for application to the quantum technologies requires diverse expertises: from modelling, simulation and design of monolithically integrated photonic systems and their semiconductor technology-based fabrication through the development of compact photonic modules and their ultra-precise hybride micro-integration to qualification for operation space.

GaAs System-on-Chip

Monolithically integrated active and passive opto-electronic components and systems

Module Development

Mechanical, optical and thermal design of diode laser, frequency reference and distribution modules as well as of components – e.g. optical isolators

Hybrid µ-Integration

Realization of complex active and passive photonic modules – which meet the strenuous requirements of space operation

Deployment in Space

Qualification, product assurance and supply chain management for operation in space

The Joint Lab Quantum Photonic Components was established in 2008 at FBH to foster co-operation with the Optical Metrology Group at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, at that time under the name Joint Lab Laser Metrology. Now renamed, it serves as the nucleus of the Integrated Quantum Technology research area at Ferdinand-Braun-Institute, which was set up in 2019.

Selected Publications

The Bose-Einstein Condensate and Cold Atom Laboratory

EPJ Quantum Technol., vol. 8, no. 1, doi:10.1140/epjqt/s40507-020-00090-8 (2021).

Ultracold atom interferometry in space

Nat. Commun., vol. 12, art. 1317, doi:10.1038/s41467-021-21628-z (2021).

Extended cavity diode laser master-oscillator-power-amplifier for operation of an iodine frequency reference on a sounding rocket

Appl. Opt., vol. 59, no. 2, pp. 253-262 (2020).

Iodine Frequency Reference on a Sounding Rocket

Phys. Rev. Applied, vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 054068 (2019).

Space-borne Bose-Einstein condensation for precision interferometry

Nature, vol. 562, no. 7727, pp. 391-395 (2018).

Quantum Technology: Quantum sensing is gaining (s)pace

Laser Focus World, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 83-85 (2018).

Narrow linewidth diode laser modules for quantum optical sensor applications in the field and in space

Proc. SPIE 10085, Photonics West, San Francisco, USA, Jan 28 - Feb 02, 100850F (2017).

Autonomous frequency stabilization of two extended-cavity diode lasers at the potassium wavelength on a sounding rocket

Appl. Opt., vol. 56, no. 5, pp. 1388-1396 (2017).

Method for in-depth characterization of electro-optic phase modulators

Appl. Opt., vol. 56, no. 4, pp. 1246-1252 (2017).

Space-borne frequency comb metrology

Optica, vol. 3, no. 12, pp. 1381-1387 (2016).

High-power, micro-integrated diode laser modules at 767 and 780 nm for portable quantum gas experiments

Appl. Opt., vol. 54, no. 17, pp. 5332-5338 (2015).

Double-heterostructure ridge-waveguide GaAs/AlGaAs phase modulator for 780 nm lasers

Appl. Phys. B, vol. 116, no. 1, pp. 175-181 (2014).

Micro-integrated extended cavity diode lasers for precision potassium spectroscopy in space

Opt. Express, vol. 22, no 7, pp. 7790-7798 (2014).