Did you know that the Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Festkörperphysik IAF started as the Institut für Elektrowerkstoffe in 1957? It emerged from the University of Freiburg. Now, standing here, we’re about to uncover the story of this remarkable research hub.
The Fraunhofer IAF is part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. It focuses on applied research. Its home is right here in Freiburg im Breisgau. The institute excels in developing electronic and optoelectronic components. These are based on semiconductor materials and even synthetic diamonds.
These technologies are used in many important fields. Think of security, energy, communication, health, and mobility. The Fraunhofer IAF plays a crucial role in advancing these areas.
The Fraunhofer IAF is deeply involved in collaborative networks. It is a member of the Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics. It also participates in the Fraunhofer division for defense, prevention, and security. Since 2017, it has been part of the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany. Since 2020, it has coordinated the “Quantum Computing Baden-Württemberg” competence center.
Originally, the institute aimed to study the physical and chemical properties of materials. These materials were considered for electrical purposes. A second research focus involved semiconductor technology. Luminescence phenomena were also examined.
In 2022, the Fraunhofer IAF had approximately 285 employees. Among them were 182 scientists and engineers. The institute’s total budget was 35.6 million euros. It boasts an 8,000 square meter research building. This includes laboratory and office space. There is also a 450 square meter MOCVD hall. A 1,000 square meter clean room is available for epitaxy and process technology. The institute’s research services are certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015.
Since April 1, 2024, Patricie Merkert and Rüdiger Quay jointly lead the Fraunhofer IAF. Quay previously served as interim director from 2022.
The Fraunhofer IAF conducts research and development. It focuses on III/V semiconductors and synthetic diamonds. It develops electronic and optoelectronic components. The work spans from material research to module and system design.
The Fraunhofer IAF’s research is divided into business units. One area is high-frequency electronics. Their integrated circuits perform at frequencies above 700 GHz. Nanometer-scale technology creates monolithically integrated millimeter-wave circuits on InAs-based layer sequences. These are used in data transfer, radar, communication, and quantum computing.
Another field is power electronics. High-performance transistors and integrated circuits are made using gallium nitride. The Fraunhofer IAF builds power electronics for frequencies from 1 MHz to 100 GHz. These are used in mobile communications, radar, and energy conversion.
The institute also researches photodetectors. They focus on high spatial resolution detectors. These detectors can simultaneously detect infrared radiation. They cover different wavelength ranges. Detectors for the ultraviolet range are also developed. These are used in reconnaissance, thermography, and environmental measurement.
The Fraunhofer IAF develops and manufactures infrared semiconductor lasers. These laser systems cover wavelengths from 2 to 11 μm. Applications include hazard detection, medical diagnostics, and process control.
The institute explores quantum systems. It researches solutions for quantum computing and sensor technology. Single and polycrystalline diamonds are made for hardware components. Applications include quantum computing, medical diagnostics, and magnetometry.
The Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Festkörperphysik IAF continues to drive semiconductor technology. Its innovations enhance various aspects of modern life. From improving communication to advancing medical technology, the Fraunhofer IAF plays a pivotal role.