Fraunhofer Segment for Defense and Security VVS
Fraunhofer Segment for Defense and Security VVS

GNSS-free positioning with diamond-based quantum sensors

© Keitma – stock.adobe.com, Fraunhofer IAF

Fraunhofer IAF

Semiconductor Technologies for Defense

Semiconductor Technologies for Defense

Fraunhofer IAF specializes in III-V compound semiconductors and synthetic diamonds and conducts application-oriented research and development along the entire value chain — from materials research, design, and processing to the realization of components, modules, and systems as prototypes or small series. The institute’s broad range of topics includes electronics, optoelectronics, and quantum technologies. In each area, research teams are committed to security and defense applications in all dimensions (land, sea, air/space, cyber) and focus on current threat scenarios (e.g., hypersonic weapon systems, drone swarms).

Fraunhofer IAF covers the value chain for compound semiconductors as well as diamond and offers, e.g., tailored epitaxy and technology processes
© Fraunhofer IAF
Fraunhofer IAF offers, for example, application-specific epitaxy and technology processes.
Efficient and robust power amplifier based on the semiconductor material gallium nitride (GaN)
© Fraunhofer IAF
Efficient and robust power amplifier based on the semiconductor material gallium nitride (GaN)
© Bundeswehr, Schneider | SoulMyst, velishchuk – stock.adobe.com | Fraunhofer IAF
At Fraunhofer IAF, researchers are developing SWIR-SPADs for military sensor applications (such as NLOS imaging).

Components for communication, protection, and defense systems

Researchers at Fraunhofer IAF develop, e.g., high-frequency electronic amplifiers for broadband communication links, high-performance radar systems, and jammers in the millimeter wave range. Activities in optoelectronics range from T2SL detectors with SWaP-C advantage or SPADs (in the LWIR, MWIR, SWIR or UV range, depending on the technology and application) for high-resolution and sensitive sensor systems, to infrared lasers that can be used in real-time hazardous substance detection or to implement directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM). In addition, researchers are working on quantum technologies for GNSS-independent navigation, real-time analysis of high-frequency signals (quantum sensing) and information security through quantum key distribution (quantum communication) and quantum algorithms (quantum computing).

Strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty

In its activities, the institute collaborates closely at national and European level with public institutions (German Armed Forces, police, BMVg, EDF) and the security and defense industry. With its unique research infrastructure, which includes a 1,000 m2 clean room, and the excellent expertise of its researchers, Fraunhofer IAF is helping to maintain and expand Europe’s technological sovereignty in defense-related technology areas such as microelectronics and nanoelectronics.

The research and development work carried out by Fraunhofer IAF is certified according to ISO 9001:2015.

Fraunhofer IAF services at a glance:

  • Research, development, and manufacturing services along the value chain for III-V compound semiconductors and synthetic diamond
  • High-frequency and power electronics for secure communications and electronic warfare
  • Photodetectors and semiconductor lasers for high-resolution and real-time sensor systems, directed optical countermeasures, and quantum communication
  • Diamond-based quantum sensors for autonomous navigation, material testing, and signal intelligence
  • Quantum computing hardware and software for cryptography, simulation, optimization, and quantum machine learning.