Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics KSOP (KIT)

Meet Our New Principal Investigator! ⭐

We are delighted to welcome Tina Müller as a new Principal Investigator at KSOP. 🌟

Her work explores semiconductor quantum light sources, photonic hardware for quantum networks, and the optical control of nano-scale systems for sensing and quantum information. By connecting fundamental photonics with emerging technological applications, she addresses key challenges on the path toward next-generation quantum systems.

Welcome to KSOP – we are very happy to have you on board and look forward to the ideas, collaborations, and developments ahead! 🚀

Recognizing Outstanding Research! 🏆

Looking back at the ETIT Award Ceremony hosted by KSOP, we are happy to highlight Valentin Zecevic, recipient of the SUSS MicroTec SE Masteranden-Preis for his outstanding Master’s thesis.

In his thesis, “Design of Output Combining Networks for Q-band Doherty Power Amplifiers in SiGe Technology”, he explored how high-frequency power amplifiers on microchips can be designed more energy-efficiently, developing new approaches to complex circuit design.

One moment stood out in particular:

“A special moment was measuring a chip I had designed myself for the first time and seeing that it actually worked.”
From theory to a functioning chip – a moment that captures what fascinates him about electrical engineering.

Congratulations on this well-deserved award and all the best for what’s next! 🎓

Turning Waste Heat into Power with Origami Inspired Design 📐

What if low grade waste heat could be transformed into a practical source of electricity using printed materials and clever engineering? ♻️⚡

This research demonstrates a fully printed origami thermoelectric generator that converts waste heat into electrical energy with a record high power density of more than 20 W m⁻². By combining advanced material design with a scalable manufacturing process, the team achieved a significant performance boost while maintaining flexibility and low production costs.

The technology opens exciting opportunities for battery free sensors, wearable electronics, and Internet of Things applications that can harvest energy directly from their environment. 🌍🔋📡

More Information: https://bit.ly/4ajcPPR 📖

Can sunlight feed both plants and people? 🌱

As the demand for renewable energy grows, innovative solutions are needed to balance sustainability with agriculture. Dr. Matthias Meier explores how agrivoltaics can create shared spaces where crops and photovoltaic systems thrive together.

In his lecture, "Photon Sharing in Agrivoltaics – How Plants and PV Coexist", he will discuss how smart light management can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Want to discover how photonics can help tackle global challenges?

🌍 Join the KSOP Summer School and be inspired by innovative ideas for a sustainable future ➡️ https://bit.ly/4b2m1a6

Can quantum phenomena become tomorrow's technologies? ⚛️

Quantum science is moving from theory to application, and light plays a key role in this transformation. Prof. Dr. Alexander Kubanek investigates the interaction between light and quantum systems, bringing us closer to new possibilities in communication and information processing.

His talk, "Hybrid, Spin-Based Quantum Photonics", will provide exciting insights into a field that is rapidly evolving and redefining the boundaries of technology.

Want to learn more about the future of quantum technologies? Be there and experience cutting-edge research firsthand.

🚀 Registration for the KSOP Summer School is now open! ➡️ https://bit.ly/4b2m1a6

Curious About Optics & Photonics? Let’s Talk Opportunities at KSOP! 👩‍🔬

Interested in pursuing a Master’s in Optics & Photonics at one of Europe’s top technical universities?
Join us for an online session on July 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM (CEST) to explore the Master’s Program at the Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics (KSOP). 🤩

During this session, you will:
🔹 Get an introduction to the KSOP Master’s Program
🔹 Gain insights into KSOP’s application process
🔹 Learn more about studying in Germany and at KIT
🔹 Take part in a Q&A session to have your questions answered

Hosted by Nina Becker, Master Program Manager at KSOP, this is your chance to get first-hand insights into studying at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

👉 Register now for free and take the first step toward your future in photonics: https://bit.ly/3SpaLQm

Powering the Future of Solar Energy ☀️

What is the best way to create high quality perovskite layers for next generation solar cells? ⚡

The performance of perovskite solar cells depends strongly on how their materials are deposited and processed. This study benchmarks different inorganic deposition routes for hybrid two step fabrication and investigates how these approaches affect film formation, microstructure, and ultimately device performance.

By providing a systematic materials perspective, the research highlights the strengths and limitations of different processing strategies and offers valuable guidance for the development of efficient and scalable perovskite solar cell technologies. 🌍☀️

📖 Read the publication: https://bit.ly/42XVGr7

What if magnetic resonance technology no longer required room-sized equipment? 🤔

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) are working to make that a reality. Their goal is to miniaturize magnetic resonance systems, making this powerful technology more accessible for medicine, materials science, and industrial applications.

That could open up exciting new possibilities—from medical diagnostics and drug development to materials testing and quality control—bringing this technology to places where today's systems are simply too large or too expensive. 🔬

Great news: the German Research Foundation (DFG) has extended funding for KIT's HyPERiON Collaborative Research Centre for another four years, helping to drive this research forward. 🚀

A great example of how fundamental research and engineering can shape the technologies of tomorrow.

Exploring Semiconductor Innovation: Inside Nova 🔬

Last week, our participants had the opportunity to visit Nova (formerly Sentronics) and gain exciting insights into the world of high-precision optical metrology for the semiconductor industry. 💡

The day started with an interactive introduction and a real-world measurement challenge. Participants then joined two hands-on workshops, applying theoretical knowledge to practical engineering tasks while exchanging ideas with Nova's experts. 🛠️🤝

During the guided company tour, they explored Nova's technologies and gained insights into daily operations. 🏭 Over lunch and during the career session, participants connected with engineers, managers, and HR representatives to learn more about career opportunities in the semiconductor industry. 👩‍💼👨‍💻

A big thank you to the entire Nova team for the warm welcome, the engaging workshops, and the inspiring discussions. 🙏 Thank you as well to all participants for your curiosity and active involvement.

We are already looking forward to our next company visit! 🚀