Quantum Effects is being developed as the most important annual event for application-orientated quantum technologies and is intended to further expand the European presence in this future topic. The comprehensive European quantum ecosystem from industry, science and politics as well as networks and investors will be brought together here. The focus areas of computing & enabling technologies, software, sensing and communication will be supplemented by the topics of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing in 2024.

The Quantum Effects Academy will offer workshops and experiments for students and school pupils as well as guided tours for anyone interested. For start-ups, Photonics BW is organising a pitch and networking session with investors together with Quantum BW. The presentation of the Quantum Effects Award, initiated and co-organised by Photonics BW and OptecNet Deutschland, honours outstanding innovations that are used in various industries, enable individual services and open up new perspectives.

This was followed by a discussion with Stephanie Fleischmann (Head of Strategy and International Relations at the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation) about the importance of quantum technologies for the region.

In a video message, Dr Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of the state of Baden-Württemberg, emphasised how important technological development is for Baden-Württemberg: "Quantum technologies offer many opportunities for new applications in industry and society, for example in information processing, for high-precision measurement methods or the simulation of complex systems."

"Quantum technologies will not only help to improve existing processes, but also open up new future opportunities in the fields of MedTech, mobility and many more. They have the potential to change our society and economy. The next step - especially in the field of quantum sensor technology - is to master commercialisation. A comprehensive ecosystem along the entire value chain in Europe is important for this. I am therefore all the more pleased that we are helping to shape the international "Quantum Effects" event, which in its second year has a special focus on application orientation," says Dr Katrin Kobe, CEO of Bosch Quantum Sensing, hosting partner of Quantum Effects.

"The 'Quantum Land' of Baden-Württemberg is in an excellent international position, particularly in the field of quantum sensor technology, with outstanding science, a strong industry and beacons such as QuantumBW and the future cluster QSens," emphasised Prof. Dr Jens Anders, Head of the Institute for Intelligent Sensor Technology and Theoretical Electrical Engineering at the University of Stuttgart.

The launch of Quantum Effects 2023 was extremely successful with 2334 participants, almost one in five of whom came from abroad.

https://www.messe-stuttgart.de/quantum-effects/

Submit your thesis on embedded vision and FPGA technology for the hema visioneers award. hema honours interesting projects and implementations as well as outstanding achievements, selected and evaluated by an independent and high-calibre jury of experts.

For final theses on the subject of embedded vision & FPGA

There are cash and non-cash prizes, winner events and media attention

For students at universities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

What is the visioneers award?

The visioneers award is a young talent competition for students and prospective engineers who creatively tackle a technical task from the world of electronics.

The aim is to promote and recognise outstanding achievements in final theses in the field of FPGA-based embedded vision applications.

The award is named after the hema visioneers; visioneers are committed, curious and technology-orientated. We never shy away from a challenge and always ensure that our partners receive high-tech electronics from us. From trainees to management, we are committed to making hema a welcoming and respectful community.

The award is organised by hema electronic GmbH.

Who can take part?

Students at universities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland who are currently writing their final thesis for the academic year 2024/25 can take part.

What kind of theses can I submit?

Your thesis will be in the field of embedded vision. You will use an FPGA as hardware. Hardware and software topics can be submitted.

It does not matter which industry your project comes from. However, your idea and its realisation should show how innovative electronics can make our lives easier and perhaps even make our world a little bit better and safer.

What can I win?

The three best theses will receive cash prizes, valuable contacts to companies in the industry and plenty of media attention.

• 1st place: €500
• 2nd place: €300
• 3rd place: 100 €
• Special prize: Woman in Technology - €300

The visioneers award will be presented at embedded world 2025 in Nuremberg.

How are the winners determined?

A panel of experts from the electronics industry will evaluate all submitted entries using a standardised matrix to determine the three winners. The following aspects are important in the evaluation:

Idea/creativity: How new and unusual is your idea?

Project description/technical understanding: Is your idea logical and detailed?

Design/quality: What characterises your project result? What does the realisation look like?

Woman in Technology: Special prize for final theses by female students/engineers

Everything clear? Then enter your work! It's very simple!

Submit the title and an abstract of your thesis by e-mail by 31 December 2024. After a short check, you will receive a confirmation of participation within one week of submission. The deadline for submitting the completed thesis is 28 February 2025. Unfinished theses cannot be considered - in this case, please submit your thesis again next year.

Click here to register

The current issue of the brochure "Optical Technologies in Bavaria" provides an overview of the member companies of bayern photonics, as well as their subject areas, fields of application and focal points.d Schwerpunkte.

University President Prof. Dr Clemens Bulitta emphasised the importance of the new Digital Business Campus for OTH Amberg-Weiden's digitalisation activities: "We have been consistently expanding our digital activities for years, from new degree programmes such as Artificial Intelligence and Digital Business to additional professorships and state-of-the-art laboratories. The Digital Business Campus is a further step into the future and expands the spatial capacities for teaching, studying, research and transfer. As a bridge between business and science, we want to make an important contribution to the regional economy."

The construction of the modern and attractive building was financed with 3.35 million euros from the Hightech Agenda Bayern modular construction programme; the total cost of the construction project was 4.75 million euros.

The difference was covered by the university's own funds and donations, such as those from the Maria Seltmann Foundation.The construction work was carried out in close cooperation between the university and the Amberg-Sulzbach State Building Authority.

Active learning environment for sustainable and practice-orientated teachingSimple beauty, modern and highly functional - this is how the new building can be described. Two lecture theatres and the large "Digital Business Lab" laboratory are at the heart of the new building, which covers a total of 876 square metres. "Our aim was to create an active learning environment through the design of the physical space, which will enable sustainable teaching and practice-orientated learning in the long term. The focus is on communication and collaboration between students and lecturers, particularly in the large lecture theatre and laboratory," said Vice President Prof Dr Christiane Hellbach, explaining the concept. In addition, conditions have been created to carry out digital business projects together with companies in the transfer and to promote digital training and start-ups.

Contact:

Sonja Wiesel, M.A.

Head of University Communication and Public Relations

East Bavarian Technical University (OTH)Amberg-Weiden

Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ring 23

92224 Amberg

Tel. (09621) 482-3135

Email: s.wiesel@oth-aw.de

The two-day event was opened by Minister President Winfried Kretschmann and Minister Dr Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Dr Anna Christmann (BMWK) and Dr Anke Pagels-Kerp (DLR). The unique opportunity for Baden-Württemberg to position itself in the burgeoning market at an early stage was particularly emphasised.

Keynote presentations and panel discussions on the applications and challenges of quantum computing then led through two days of intensive dialogue. Political players discussed scaling issues such as standardisation, export guidelines, funding measures and the essential steps on the way to a profitable ecosystem with representatives from industry and science.

In addition to computing, the focus was also on the simulation of physical systems, where quantum computers that are already available today can provide added value, e.g. in battery and materials research. The afternoon of the second day was dedicated to enabling technologies. Organised by QuantumBW, Prof. Tilman Pfau (University of Stuttgart), Prof. Rüdiger Quay (Fraunhofer IAF) and Prof. Kai Bongs (DLR) discussed together with Dr Volkmar Denner (Spokesperson "Economy", QuantumBW) and Dr Michael Marthaler (CEO, HQS Quantum Simulations) which milestones are realistically achievable in the coming years, especially in sensor technology and simulation.

Afterwards, renowned representatives of enabling technologies such as Stuttgart Instruments and IFSW presented themselves in an open dialogue with up-and-coming start-ups in the industry such as Advanced Quantum, Diatope and Quantum Brilliance. Photonics BW was able to represent the interests of its members in this context and expand its contacts in the young ecosystem.

"We are excited about the partnership with International Light Technologies," says Dr Rainer Böhm, Managing Director of SphereOptics. "This collaboration enables us to provide our customers with innovative and high-quality products that meet their requirements for precision and reliability.

reliability. ILT brings extensive expertise and state-of-the-art technology to our product range, which offers our customers significant benefits."

The new product line includes a variety of compact light measurement devices, including radiometers and spectroradiometers, which are used in various industries such as lighting, printing, medical and research. With these new products, SphereOptics can offer customised solutions that are tailored to the specific needs and requirements of customers.

"Our partnership with SphereOptics marks an important step for ILT in expanding our global presence," explains Jill Fowler, Sales Director of International Light Technologies. "We are confident that our high-quality products and SphereOptics' expertise in consulting and sales will be a perfect match to meet the growing demand for precise light measurement solutions in Europe."

SphereOptics and ILT will work closely together to ensure a smooth integration of the new products into SphereOptics' existing portfolio. Customers can rely on the excellent service and support they have come to expect from SphereOptics while benefiting from the expanded product capabilities.

Contact:
SphereOptics GmbH
Gewerbestrasse 13  
82211 Herrsching
E-Mail: info@sphereoptics.de
Internet: www.sphereoptics.de

The date of 16 May was chosen because physicist Theodore Maiman developed the first functional laser on 16 May 1960.

The International Day of Light pursues the following goals:

• Improving public understanding of how light and light-based technologies affect the daily lives of all people.

• Building global educational capacity through activities focussed on promoting young talent, particularly in developing and emerging countries.

• Emphasising the connection between light, art and culture

• Promote international co-operation by using the International Day of Light as a central information resource for activities coordinated by NGOs, government agencies, educational institutions, industry and other partners.

• Strengthening basic research, global professions in this field and promoting investment in light-based technology.

• Promote the importance of light technology and the need for access to light and energy infrastructure for sustainable development and for improving the quality of life in developing countries.

• Raise awareness that technologies can play an important role in achieving greater energy efficiency.

All information about the International Day of Light can be found at https://www.lightday.org/

There you will find numerous materials and inspiration on the subject of light.

1 Funding objective, funding purpose, legal basis

Life science innovations are drivers of social and medical progress. The transfer of ideas from academic basic research to application, for example through the spin-off of a start-up, is of particular importance.

With regard to this transfer, life science research projects face numerous challenges - including long development times, high risk of failure, high regulatory requirements and high capital requirements. Private venture capital is usually not available to a sufficient extent in the early phase.

This is where the guideline comes in, by preparing scientists willing to found a company for the commercial utilisation of their research results and supporting them in the sustainable further development of the research project in a spin-off.

For more informations switch the page on the german version.

On the evening before, 10 June 2024, there will be a get-together from 7 p.m. at Deck 5, Berlin's highest beach bar. You can expect a fantastic view over the city and a summery Berlin sunset. An excellent opportunity for intensive networking in a relaxed atmosphere.

►The detailled programm is here (PDF).

►More informations about the exposition here.

Die Anmeldung ist bis spätestens 3. Juni 2024 möglich.

The first images of the Einstein Probe satellite were presented to the public after the 7th Joint Workshop of the Einstein Probe Consortium, which took place in Beijing from 24 to 26 April 2024. Since the launch, the satellite and its instruments have been put into operation, and functionalities and characteristics have been measured and calibrated.

"The WXT has a unique combination of field of view and high sensitivity, and is designed to make new discoveries in the variable X-ray sky. With these first data, we now know that this promise can be realised," says Arne Rau, astrophysicist at MPE and member of the Einstein Probe Science Management Committee. Calibration has now been completed for 10 of the 12 WXT modules. With a positional accuracy of ~2 arcminutes, an angular resolution of 4-5 arcminutes and a light collection area of about 3 cm2 (at an energy of 1 keV), the instrument not only fulfils the scientific requirements, but even exceeds them in some areas. The performance of the WXT optics in orbit was well predicted by the previous calibration on the ground in the MPE's PANTER facility.
Tests of the FXT in Earth orbit have similarly confirmed the performance of the two units, which were modelled on the design of MPE's eROSITA X-ray telescope. For the Einstein Probe FXT, MPE supplied the replacement mirror module from eROSITA and worked with ESA and industry partners to provide the second mirror module. "It is very pleasing to see that both mirror modules of the FXT in orbit show the performance in terms of resolution and collecting area that we measured in the extensive X-ray optical tests on the ground," says Peter Friedrich, who led MPE's optical contribution to Einstein Probe. "Personally, I am also pleased that the eROSITA replacement mirror module has now also found an appropriate scientific use.

The MPE also contributed the state-of-the-art pnCCD detector modules for both FXT units. As with eROSITA, these are based on a sensor technology developed at the Max Planck Society's Semiconductor Laboratory. "The FXT CCD detector modules developed at MPE for spatially and time-resolved spectroscopy of X-ray photons have fulfilled the high expectations we had of them before the satellite was launched. We are delighted to have made a decisive contribution to the success of the Einstein Probe mission," adds Norbert Meidinger, who was responsible for the detectors at MPE. The mirror-detector combination offers a source positioning accuracy of <10 arcseconds and a light collection area of ~300 cm2 at 1.25 keV, together with excellent performance in terms of energy and time resolution. Like the WXT, the FXT has met and in some areas exceeded its scientific requirements.

Even at this early stage of testing, the Einstein Probe satellite has already made new discoveries. "WXT started finding new variable sources almost as soon as it was switched on. We have since discovered more than a dozen new X-ray transients and over a hundred starbursts in our galaxy," adds Rau. These discoveries were quickly reported in more than 20 telegrams to the global astronomical community, leading to worldwide follow-up observations with ground- and space-based telescopes, including MPE's own GROND instrument at the 2.2 metre MPG telescope in La Silla. These initial results confirm the potential of Einstein Probe to discover new sources and possibly new astrophysical phenomena, in particular high-energy events associated with black holes, neutron stars and their mergers.

The project is the first major collaboration between MPE and CAS in space, combining unique technologies from China and Europe for a common scientific goal. "Einstein Probe utilises the instrument developments we have made for eROSITA to open up new scientific opportunities," says Paul Nandra, Director of the MPE High Energy Group, adding: "The collaboration has worked perfectly - we are already looking forward to the next one!"

In the coming months, the satellite will continue its calibration activities in orbit before starting regular operations around mid-June 2024.

Einstein Probe is a scientific mission in space led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in collaboration with MPE, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French space agency Centre National D'Etudes Spatiales (CNES).

>>More informations

Contact:
Hannelore Hämmerle
Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik
Gießenbachstraße 1
85748 Garching
E-Mail: pr@mpe.mpg.de
Internet: www.mpe.mpg.de

Contact:
Instrument Systems GmbH
Kastenbauerstr. 2
81677 München
E-Mail: info(at)instrumensystems.com
Internet: www.instrument-systems.com

Contact:
Menlo Systems GmbH
Bunsenstr. 5
82152 Martinsried
Germany
Phone: +49 89 189166 0
Fax:     +49 89 189166 111
E-Mail: p.krok(at)menlosystems.com
Internet:www.menlosystems.com

Contact:
Instrument Systems GmbH
Kastenbauerstr. 2
81677 München
E-Mail: info(at)instrumensystems.com
Internet: www.instrument-systems.com

The acquisition of Gray Optics fits into FISBA’s strategy to provide unique photonic solutions directed at improving Health, Productivity and Security. By purchasing Gray Optics, FISBA expands engineering and development skills in North America. This furthers FISBA’s global goals and provides customers with highly skilled local development resources, reducing the distance, time, and cultural impacts of programs. “We expect this acquisition to have an immediate impact on our customers, offering vertically integrated product development and manufacturing capabilities (including AS9100 and ISO13485 production sites) and advanced production technologies to produce the highest quality and highest performance solutions available.” Said Wallace Latimer, President of FISBA North America.

“The combined capabilities of FISBA and Gray Optics along with the existing synergies between the companies, offer fantastic value to our customers. This acquisition completes the product development and manufacturing capabilities that we have been building for the past 5 years in the USA. I’m excited for the future of our team at Gray Optics and the success of the combined companies” said Dan Gray, Founder and President of Gray Optics.

About FISBA
The FISBA Group has a wholly owned subsidiary in North America focused on developing and supporting North American customers with our unique combination of engineering and high-volume production of micro-photonic assemblies and modules. FISBA is one of the world's leading suppliers in the optics industry and stands for excellence from optical design and system engineering to high-precision volume production and advanced optical coating since 1957. The company manufactures micro lenses down to 0.3 mm, complex flat optics, precise optical assemblies, advanced optical systems and compact laser modules, all from one source. FISBA focuses on solutions for Life Sciences, Industrial Applications and Aerospace & Defense. FISBA operates from its headquarters in Switzerland and subsidiaries in Germany, the USA and China. The company is privately owned.

About Gray Optics
Founded in 2018, Gray Optics, located in Portland Maine, has become a leader in developing precision optical systems and early-stage product development for biomedical and industrial applications. Our team consists of highly skilled engineers, program managers, and technicians with years of dedicated product development experience. Together, we provide world-class designs and product solutions for our customers. www.grayoptics.com

Media Contact
Silke Nielsen
Marketing and Communications
silke.nielsen(at)fisba.com
www.fisba.com | www.fisba.us

Contact:
Instrument Systems GmbH
Kastenbauerstr. 2
81677 München
E-Mail: info(at)instrumensystems.com
Internet: www.instrument-systems.com

Contact:
SphereOptics GmbH
Gewerbestrasse 13
82211 Herrsching
E-Mail: info(at)sphereoptics.de
Internet: www.sphereoptics.de