Press

Fraunhofer ILT in Aachen has developed a highly complex laser-optical system for a quantum computer currently under construction at the 5th Institute of Physics at the University of Stuttgart. This system enables 2,000 Rydberg atoms to be positioned with sub-micrometer precision in the computer’s highly compact vacuum chamber. To do this, the system projects an array of 2,000 individually controllable laser beams into the chamber. These beams act as optical tweezers and hold the trapped Rydberg atoms precisely at the distance required for them to interact with each other. The computer’s quantum logic processes are based on these interactions.

Regulatory pressure, high-value repair and the need for scalable industrial solutions are pushing laser-based manufacturing processes into new territory. Fraunhofer ILT and Etxetar are responding by expanding the industrial reach of laser metal deposition (LMD) and extreme high-speed laser material deposition (EHLA). Under a memorandum of understanding, the two partners are combining process expertise, industrial engineering and application know-how to address growing demands in aviation, coating and beyond.

Increasing levels of automation and new applications are currently shaping industrial laser technology. High-performance lasers and photonic technologies are opening up new growth prospects, particularly in microelectronics, energy, aerospace, and medical technology. These developments driving the industry were discussed in April at AKL’26 – the International Laser Technology Congress in Aachen. For 30 years now, the AKL has served as the platform where users, manufacturers, and developers exchange information on the current state of the art and the latest trends in industrial laser technology.

Battery manufacturers face mounting pressure to reduce scrap, cut energy consumption, shorten cycle times, make better use of materials and ensure the quality of every connection. At LSE – Laser Symposium Electromobility on September 15 and 16, 2026, in Aachen, experts from the automotive industry, supplier sector, equipment manufacturing, and research will discuss how laser-based processes can make battery production faster, more robust, and more scalable. The symposium program at Fraunhofer ILT combines presentations from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Bosch, and MAHLE with the latest developments from research and equipment manufacturing. Focus areas include process stability, quality assurance, and the challenge of bringing high-precision laser processes reliably into series production.