Emmanuel Macron and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Presidents of France and Germany respectively, have been taken on a state tour of optics and photonics as part of a visit to the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) in Dresden.
Coinciding with the signing of a memorandum of understanding, which is intended to strengthen the collaboration between the Fraunhofer Institute and the CEA-Leti in France, the state visit also highlights the two countries’ political intentions to strengthen Europe’s sovereignty of technological development.
Given demonstrations of cutting-edge research in the fields of microelectronics, medical engineering and quantum technology as part of the visit, the two Presidents were shown recently developed semiconductor components, sensor rings used in mechanical engineering and a laser scanning microscope that intends to provide real-time cancer detection in the operating room.
The LSC-Onco project places a portable scanning device with a 488nm blue laser next to the patient during an operation, generating fluorescent light in the target tissue and enabling the imaging of tumour cells beneath the surface.
The focus of the visit, however, was concentrated on improving the collaborative partnership between Fraunhofer and CEA-Leti, in line with the European Union’s Chips Act funding program and strengthening the countries’ combined competitiveness in the semiconductor industry.
Fraunhofer partners with CEA-Leti
François Jacq, President of the CEA, and Professor Axel Müller-Groeling, Executive Vice President for Research and Digital Transformation at Fraunhofer, together signed a memorandum of understanding during the visit, to further commit to the collaboration between the two institutes. “The aim is to initiate closer collaboration and joint initiatives in the strategic areas of microelectronics, quantum technologies, solar and hydrogen technologies, the circular economy of CO2 and critical raw materials as well as state-of-the-art battery technology,” announced Fraunhofer.
“Collaboration across national borders helps to shape our future,” said Müller-Groeling. “Our close links with partners such as the CEA on the one hand and industry on the other, enable us to work together to translate key technologies into practical applications and strengthen our position as a driver of innovation in European industry. Our applied research in particular is making a significant contribution to the technological sovereignty and competitiveness of Europe as a hub of industrial activity.”
CEA-Leti – a key centre for silicon photonics research, will work with Fraunhofer Institute to establish a pilot line for advanced heterogeneous system integration and advanced packaging, under the guidance of the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD).
