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Dr. Christopher Spiess has been awarded the first place of the prestigious Hugo Geiger Prize for a novel synchronization method for quantum communication networks. The award ceremony took place on March 18 as part of the Fraunhofer Symposium “Netzwert” in Munich. The method developed by Spiess does not require additional synchronization lasers or expensive atomic clocks and opens up application possibilities that extend far beyond quantum communication.
In modern networked systems, precise time synchronization is a fundamental prerequisite for reliable operation. Whether in 5G networks, industrial automation, or smart grids: communication and processes remain stable only when all elements interact with exact timing. This is precisely where the work of Dr. Christopher Spiess, group leader for quantum cryptographic systems at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF, comes in.
In his dissertation, Spiess developed a protocol for the high-precision synchronization of clocks in quantum communication networks. What makes this approach unique is that it uses individual photons—particles of light that are already used in these networks for information transmission—as clock signals. Additional synchronization patterns, separate lasers, or highly stable and expensive atomic clocks are not required for this. At the same time, the method achieves greater accuracy and stability than previous technologies. Christopher Spiess has now been awarded the first place of the Hugo Geiger Prize for his research.
As early as 2024, Christopher Spiess received the “Applied Photonics Award,” a prize for young researchers organized by Fraunhofer IOF, for his dissertation.
Synchronization accurate to the picosecond
Quantum communication is considered particularly promising for eavesdropping-proof data transmission. The reason lies in the properties of the photons used: they are extremely sensitive to interference, so that attempts at manipulation or eavesdropping can be reliably detected. This is a decisive advantage for the security of critical infrastructure, such as in energy or water supply networks.
However, this requires extremely precise temporal synchronization between the transmitter and receiver. “In modern communication systems, synchronization determines whether a network operates reliably and robustly,” says Christopher Spiess. “In quantum communication, this synchronization is particularly challenging because even the slightest disturbances caused by turbulence, vibrations, or temperature fluctuations can impair transmission.”
While today’s systems using GPS or atomic clocks already achieve accuracies in the nanosecond range, many applications in quantum communication demand significantly more. Here, clocks must be synchronized to the picosecond range—that is, to one trillionth of a second. Especially in free-space links, such as those between ground stations, aircraft, or satellites, atmospheric influences quickly lead to disturbances that make the secure exchange of quantum information difficult or even impossible. “High-precision synchronization makes it possible to apply a tight temporal filter to suppress background light and improve the signal-to-noise ratio,” explains the researcher. This is particularly important in free-space links, where light particles are captured directly from the sun or via scattering effects from clouds and interfere with the actual signal.”
Integration into existing systems without additional hardware
In his award-winning doctoral thesis, Spiess addresses this challenge by utilizing the single photons that are already being transmitted, rather than introducing additional hardware into the system. To do this, he measures the arrival times of the photons and evaluates them in real time using specialized algorithms. Fluctuations caused by external influences can thus be continuously detected and compensated for.
It has already been successfully demonstrated that the principle works under real-world conditions: In experiments over a 1.7-kilometer free-space link, synchronization remained stable despite atmospheric turbulence. The method was also integrated into existing infrastructure on a 70-kilometer fiber-optic link between Jena and Erfurt without making any changes to the hardware.
New technological possibilities
The results of the doctoral thesis are already being incorporated into national and European research projects as well as industrial applications. The focus includes secure communication, quantum computing, and satellite-based quantum networks. It also opens up new possibilities for mobile devices such as laptops and smartphones, as the method makes it easy to integrate them into future secure (quantum) communication networks.
Furthermore, precisely synchronized networks are also of central importance for 5G and 6G infrastructures, industrial automation, smart grids, and satellite communications. Additional fields of application include precision measurement technology as well as aerospace. Especially in areas where traditional reference signals cause additional effort or facilitate interference, the method can open up new technological possibilities.
About the Hugo Geiger Prize
The Hugo Geiger Prize is jointly awarded by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy (StMWi) and the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft to recognize innovative solutions developed by doctoral candidates in close cooperation with a Fraunhofer Institute. Submissions are evaluated by a jury comprising representatives from research and industry. The evaluation criteria include scientific quality, economic relevance, novelty, and the interdisciplinary nature of the approaches. The award was presented to the winners on March 18 by Bavarian State Secretary for Economic Affairs Tobias Gotthardt during the Fraunhofer Symposium “Netzwert”.
About Fraunhofer IOF
The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF in Jena conducts application-oriented research in the field of photonics and develops innovative optical systems for controlling light—from its generation and manipulation to its application. The institute’s range of services covers the entire photonic process chain, from opto-mechanical and opto-electronic system design to the manufacture of custom solutions and prototypes. At Fraunhofer IOF, approximately 500 employees generate an annual research volume of 40 million euros.
For more information about Fraunhofer IOF, please visit: http://www.iof.fraunhofer.de
Dr. Christopher Spiess
Fraunhofer IOF
Photonics and Quantum Systems
Phone: +49 (0) 3641 807-211
Email: christopher.spiess@iof.fraunhofer.de
The method developed by Christopher Spiess opens up new applications in secure communication, quantu ...
Copyright: Fraunhofer IOF
The award winners with Bavarian State Secretary for Economic Affairs Tobias Gotthardt (left) and Hol ...
Source: Markus Jürgens
Copyright: Fraunhofer
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