According to the slogan "Research Together", the newly created project "Next Level Photonics", between the Fraunhofer IMS and the highly endowed Kyoto University from Japan, is being created. A highly professional team that will actively grow together over the next three years.
The subject of the "Next Level Photonics" project is the (further) development of novel methods for the generation and detection of light. For the first time, two powerful "photonic" technologies are combined: Kyoto University's extremely spatially focused, color and temperature stable laser diodes (PCSEL) and Fraunhofer IMS' single photon sensitive photodetectors (CSPAD). They form an ideal symbiosis for use in active, optical distance measurement and are considered drivers for new solutions in compact, imaging 3D sensor technology. The researchers' goal is to make any form of optical bundling or transmitting and receiving optics superfluous.
The project partnership is only possible thanks to funding from the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft under the ICON ("International Cooperation and Networking") program and funding from Kyoto University from the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI) under the Cross-ministerial SIP ("Strategic Innovation Promotion") program "Photonics and Quantum Technology for Society 5.0". These programs are also supported by the National Institute for Quantum Science and Technology (QST).
We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to Mr. Hideya Miki (Office Manager of Fraunhofer Japan) for initiating the cooperation and bringing both partners together.
Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems