Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHRPioneers in Knowledge Transfer
Terahertz Sensor Technology: Fraunhofer Institutes in NRW Receive Millions in Funding for Research Center
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institutes IMS and FHR have successfully qualified for the second round of competitions for Fraunhofer Society's high performance centers with their work on "Terahertz Sensor Technology." This participation comes with funding of 3 million euros, spanning from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.
The demand for bandwidth is the main driver for terahertz (THz) technologies, as modern applications like cloud computing and artificial intelligence require ever-increasing data transfer rates. THz frequencies support high data rates and are therefore ideal for these applications, making the frequency range of 0.1 to 10 THz crucial for communication systems and sensor applications in the coming years and decades.
Over the past 10 years, the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS and the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR have invested several million euros in building THz infrastructure through the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD) and have developed significant expertise in this area. With funding from the Fraunhofer Society, the two institutes will establish a center over the next three years focused on chip development and the transfer of all related manufacturing and evaluation steps up to the final MMIC.
This includes contract design, provision of testing services and infrastructure, an IP offering, education, and training at universities, technical colleges, and through corporate continuing education programs. Plans include selling finished MMICs (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits) and providing ISO9001-certified assembly, connection technology, and measurement technology for characterizing internal and external microchips. MMICs will be offered as bare chips, housed chips, or in demonstration modules. The modules serve as finished solutions for industrial measurement technology and as evaluation vehicles for MMICs with corresponding test boards and software. The goal is to economically shape the development steps needed in chip development through marketing models with different transfer mechanisms, establishing, utilizing, and making the holistic ecosystem available to third parties.
Background: High Performance Centers at Fraunhofer
High performance centers are collaborative initiatives initiated by Fraunhofer aimed at deepening region-specific research focuses and increasing the impact of R&D projects in the economy and society. Universities, colleges, Fraunhofer institutes, and other non-university research institutions collaborate with companies and societal actors at a location on specific themes. Their goal is to bring together suitable partners and accompany ideas to market maturity.
The high performance centers have established themselves as pioneers in knowledge transfer and best practice examples. The so-called "Omnibus Model" creates a competitive system with success evaluation. This means that high performance centers compete along their respective strategic impact orientation and the visible successes achieved. Annually, the results from the previous year, the goals and measures recorded in the "Transfer Roadmap" for the current year, and outstanding "Transfer Highlights" are evaluated.
Fraunhofer IMS
Shaping a safe and sustainable future with intelligent sensor systems: At Fraunhofer IMS, over 250 talented researchers and students work in numerous state-of-the-art laboratories on innovative microelectronic solutions.
As a reliable R&D partner for industry, the institute aims to develop customized sensors for specific requirements in biomedical sensors, optical systems, open-source semiconductors, embedded AI, technology services, and even quantum technology. The teams in the four business areas—Health, Industry, Mobility, and Space and Security—are committed to implementing excellent and versatile microelectronics in all projects. These solutions are characterized by high integration capability, enormous energy efficiency, and reliable functionality even under harsh conditions.
Fraunhofer FHR
Fraunhofer FHR is one of the leading and largest European research institutes in the field of high-frequency and radar technology. It develops tailored concepts, processes, and systems for electromagnetic sensing from microwave to terahertz range for its partners.
The core theme of the research at Fraunhofer FHR is sensors for precise distance or position determination, as well as imaging systems with resolutions up to 3.75 mm. The application spectrum of these devices ranges from systems for reconnaissance, surveillance, and protection to real-time capable sensors for traffic and navigation, as well as quality assurance and non-destructive testing. The systems from Fraunhofer FHR are known for their reliability and robustness.