Hannover clusters PhoenixD and Quantum Frontiers win significant investment

26 May 2025

Both LZH-connected groups to receive “several million euros” each for another seven years from funding body DFG.

Two Germany-based photonics clusters, PhoenixD and Quantum Frontiers of Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH), are to receive further funding from the German funding agency German Research Foundation (DFG) for a further seven years. Both clusters are significantly connected with the city’s renowned research center Laser Zentrum Hannover.

“We are very pleased to continue contributing our expertise in photonics to top-level research here at our location,” said Prof. Dr. Stefan Kaierle, Executive Director and Chair of the Board at LZH as well as a member of PhoenixD.

“Over the next seven years, through the clusters several million euros in funding will enter into fundamental research in photonics and quantum technologies. This will significantly drive innovation in both fields,” he said. “This success is made possible by our excellent collaboration with Leibniz University Hannover.”

PhoenixD: new dimensions for optics and photonics

PhoenixD is aiming to make precision optical devices rapid and cost-effective to produce. The LZH is contributing its expertise in order to miniaturize optical assemblies and laser systems, thus making them more widely accessible.

To this end, its scientists are researching new approaches to optical coatings and additively-manufactured optical components, as well as technologies for compactly integrating these elements. These novel photonic systems could have applications in agriculture, such as weed control, as well as in food analysis and quantum and telecommunications.

QuantumFrontiers: high-precision measurements with lasers

The aim of QuantumFrontiers: Pushing the Boundaries of the Measurable is to enable measurements at the quantum frontier with unprecedented precision. The LZH participates in the development of stable laser sources for gravitational wave research. The work on single-frequency, low-noise laser systems is fundamental for new insights into the formation of the universe and for high-precision measurements in basic research on Earth.

“This funding is another milestone for photonics research in Hannover. This is another positive signal, especially for the Optics Campus, which is being created here in Marienwerder with the OPTICUM research building of the LUH, the companies based here and us as the LZH,” said Prof. Dr. Dietmar Kracht, CEO of the LZH and member of the clusters.

“We will be able to integrate the findings from the two clusters into science and industry thanks to our established transfer structures here at the site.”