Materials for Tomorrow’s Industry
From environmentally friendly white foil modeled on beetle scales to precise rapid printing processes for microscopically small structures – KIT is developing innovations that redefine materials and technologies. KIT scientists develop nanostructured materials and environmentally compatible technologies from fundamental research to product commercialization, among others. Research teams of natural sciences, engineering, and life sciences cooperate.
Digitalized industry needs new materials and methods for increasingly complex applications. Users from research and industry meet on the MaterialDigital platform that supports researchers in digitalizing materials science.
Research Focus
Nanomaterials
Leveraging our strong expertise in materials sciences, we explore and develop innovative materials and novel synthesis pathways using data-driven and autonomous approaches. These are further enhanced through the use of Materials Acceleration Platforms, which combine data science, automation, and artificial intelligence to significantly increase the speed and efficiency of discovering and optimizing advanced materials.
Our goal is to create selective or multifunctional nanomaterials with tailored properties – including electronic, optical, adhesive, catalytic, and extraordinary mechanical characteristics. These materials open up new possibilities for versatile applications across electronics, chemical engineering, and health technologies.
A particular focus of our research is on 3D additive manufacturing at the molecular scale. This work is at the heart of our Cluster of Excellence 3D Matter Made to Order (with Heidelberg University), where we have achieved world-record print rates of 108 voxels per second at deep sub-μm voxel sizes. Moreover, the materials developed are compatible with other advanced technologies such thin-film printing technology and cell-free biocatalysis.
Research Focus
Quantum Technologies
Our quantum technology research covers a broad spectrum – from fundamental research into quantum materials to the design and realization of application-oriented devices for future technologies. Key areas include quantum spintronics, quantum communication and networking, quantum sensing, and quantum computing. KIT stands out internationally for its pioneering work on superconducting materials and qubits, molecular spin qubits, and hybrid spin systems.
One of the most significant breakthroughs in recent years is the discovery of a novel class of optically addressable molecular spins with exceptional optical coherence. To showcase the potential of these molecular systems in quantum communication, we have established a fiber link between KIT’s Campus North and Campus South. Researchers use this link to transmit, test, and advance the development of quantum keys. In addition, a quantum network is planned that will enable, among other capabilities, the interconnection of quantum computers.
These efforts are further complemented by cutting-edge work on optical read-out techniques for quantum systems and the coupling of molecular nanostructures with photons – essential steps toward scalable quantum architectures.
3D Matter Made to Order
The “3D Matter Made to Order” initiative of KIT and the University of Heidelberg is one of the clusters funded under the current excellence strategy. It pursues a highly interdisciplinary approach combining natural and engineering sciences. The research cluster concentrates on three-dimensional additive manufacturing techniques, from the molecular level to macroscopic dimensions. These methods are to be used to produce components and systems by nano printing at maximum process speed and resolution for novel applications in materials and life sciences.
Quantum Materials Development
Researchers at KIT have discovered a new class of optically addressable molecular spins, featuring unmatched optical coherence in molecular systems. This breakthrough makes it possible to directly address coherent nuclear spins, paving the way for scalable quantum computing and quantum networks.
Researchers have also demonstrated that carbon nanotubes can serve as quantum light sources at telecom wavelengths when electrically driven. This opens the door to compact, efficient quantum light sources ideal for quantum communication. These efforts are complemented by research on optical readout of quantum systems and coupling molecular nanostructures with photons—key steps toward scalable quantum architectures.
Qubit Development
In a first for Germany, KIT researchers have shown how so-called tin vacancies in diamonds can be precisely controlled using microwaves. These vacancies have special optical and magnetic properties and can be used as qubits, the smallest computational units for quantum computing and quantum communication. The results are an important step for the development of high-performance quantum computers and secure quantum communications networks.
Quantum networks are a key technology for secure communication and for Europe’s digital sovereignty. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), working with European partners, are establishing an important basis for quantum networks by connecting a superconducting quantum computer with a spin-based quantum memory. Their work marks a crucial step forward for high-performance quantum technologies.
KIT Materials Center
At the KIT Materials Center, scientists develop nanostructured materials and environmentally compatible technologies, among others. Work covers the complete range from fundamental research to the economically usable product and is characterized by close cooperation of natural, engineering, and life sciences.
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