Markus Krutzik appointed Professor of Integrated Quantum Sensors at HU Berlin
From Earth to orbit: The scientist from the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut is driving forward the development of highly integrated quantum sensors for next-generation devices and applications.
Markus Krutzik, head of the Joint Lab Integrated Quantum Sensors at the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH) in Berlin, has been appointed to the W3-S professorship for Integrated Quantum Sensors at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) as of July 1, 2025. The Joint Lab is operated cooperatively by FBH and HU Berlin and has been combining cutting-edge research on atomic quantum systems with high technological and societal relevance for six years. Quantum sensor technology plays a decisive role in ensuring technological sovereignty for Germany and Europe.
Putting quantum sensors into practice
Quantum sensors are recognized as one of the most important fields of innovation internationally, with a huge range of applications. These include experiments on fundamental physics topics as well as industrial applications, ranging from metrology, navigation, and network synchronization to medical technology. “Quantum sensor technology enables us to perform extremely accurate measurements,” explains Markus Krutzik. “And we are working intensively to translate our research results into practical solutions as quickly as possible.” His research group focuses on the development of compact, robust sensor systems that enable precise atomic measurement methods outside the laboratory. Current projects include optical clocks for the next generation of satellite-based global navigation systems, compact magnetometers for non-invasive measurement of biomagnetic fields in medicine, and mobile quantum memory systems as the basis for future quantum internet infrastructures. His research team cooperates with numerous international partners and a well-established regional network in the field of quantum technologies, including the Berlin QUANTUM initiative and the Leap Innovation Hub at the Berlin-Adlershof site.
Technological foundations: microintegration and semiconductor expertise
These developments require the use of state-of-the-art key technologies, including additive manufacturing, microintegration, and space-grade laser technologies. “With its unique semiconductor process lines and excellent technological equipment, the FBH offers the necessary high-performance infrastructure to realize and further develop such systems,” emphasizes Markus Krutzik. The quantum sensors developed in the Joint Lab are extremely compact and robust, making them ideal for use under challenging conditions such as those encountered in space.
About
Markus Krutzik studied physics at TU Darmstadt and earned his PhD at HU Berlin. His research has taken him to the University of California, Berkeley, and NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, among other places. He is co-founder of a quantum technology start-up and is active as a scientific advisor.
