13 Apr Quantum sensing and beyond at Quantum Photonics in Erfurt
The Quantum Photonics user conference and accompanying exhibition will take place in Erfurt on 5–6 May 2026. According to organiser Messe Erfurt, quantum sensing will be one of the key topics featured in the programme.
Calibration-Free Measurements Based on Quantum Effects
Quantum sensors use phenomena such as entanglement and superposition to measure physical quantities including magnetic fields, time, temperature and pressure with exceptional reliability. However, according to Professor Thomas Ortlepp, Managing Director of the CiS Research Institute for Microsensors, their primary advantage is not necessarily higher accuracy.
“A common assumption is that quantum sensors measure much more precisely. In most cases, that is not true,” says Ortlepp. “Their real advantages lie elsewhere. The first is calibration. Conventional sensors must be calibrated against reference measurements before use, and their signals drift over time. In industrial applications, they often require recalibration every two years.”
Quantum sensors, by contrast, are directly referenced to fundamental constants of nature and therefore provide absolute measurements without calibration. According to Ortlepp, their performance remains stable over many years, delivering consistent measurement signals throughout their entire lifecycle.
“This freedom from calibration is particularly attractive for industrial applications,” he explains. “It also enables measurements in environments where calibration is impractical or impossible, such as remote technical installations or satellites.”
A second major advantage is security: any attempt to manipulate a quantum sensor inevitably alters or destroys the measurement signal itself.
Applications from Communications to Resource Exploration
The conference programme will showcase a broad range of quantum technology applications.
Within the forum Quantum for Instrumentation and Measurement, Professor Ronny Stolz will discuss recent developments in single-photon detection. Stolz heads the Quantum Systems department at the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT) in Jena and is an honorary professor at Technische Universität Ilmenau. His team develops technologies capable of detecting individual photons with high quantum efficiency. Potential applications include satellite communications and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
Quantum sensors are also opening new possibilities in resource exploration. Supracon develops superconducting sensors and circuits and has created a magnetic quantum sensing system for detecting mineral deposits.
According to the company, the technology has been successfully deployed in Canada, where it identified large copper deposits without requiring exploratory drilling. Mounted on an aircraft, the sensor measures subtle variations in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by underground resources. The resulting magnetic maps can reveal geological structures at depths of up to 500 metres and provide insights into subsurface composition.
Supracon states that the system is already in industrial use and delivers a level of precision that allows natural geomagnetic fields and other disturbances to be effectively compensated. According to the company, such measurements would not be possible using conventional sensing technologies. Matthias Meyer, Member of the Executive Board at Supracon, will provide further insights into these applications during the conference.
Thuringia Strengthens Its Position as a Quantum Hub
Thuringia is one of Germany’s key locations for optics and quantum technologies. Jena in particular benefits from a long-standing optics heritage shaped by companies such as Zeiss and Jenoptik, as well as research institutions including Fraunhofer IOF and Friedrich Schiller University Jena.
The region is also recognised as a centre for sensor technologies, with research activities at institutions such as TU Ilmenau and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, alongside companies including UST Umweltsensortechnik.
“Thuringia has the potential to closely integrate microelectronics, optics and photonics, thereby advancing these key technologies for important quantum technology applications,” says Dr Gabriel Kittler, Managing Director of X-Fab Semiconductor Foundries in Erfurt and forum chair of Quantum for Instrumentation & Measurement at Quantum Photonics.
Rapid.tech 3D Runs in Parallel
Running alongside Quantum Photonics, Rapid.tech 3D will take place from 5–7 May 2026 in Exhibition Hall 2 of Messe Erfurt. The event focuses on industrial applications of additive manufacturing.
Additive manufacturing is also increasingly relevant for photonics-based quantum technologies. According to Messe Erfurt, the close integration of both events, including conferences, forums and networking activities, is intended to create synergies for exhibitors and visitors alike.
The full Quantum Photonics conference programme and tickets for the event and exhibition are available at www.quantum-photonics.de.
Image caption: Presentation by the CiS Research Institute for Microsensors at Quantum Photonics 2025. Image: Karina Heßland-Wissel
Source and image: www.messe-erfurt.de