In quantum computers, ions prefer to be isolated and kept at freezing temperatures because, to achieve optimal performance, they must be as isolated from their environment as possible. Only then can quantum operations be performed on them without perturbation. To this end, the ions are confined in a trap by electric fields, and the entire ion trap is cooled to a temperature of less than 10 Kelvin (just above absolute zero) in a high vacuum. Quantum computers based on such ion traps are currently attracting a great deal of interest in industry and science, particularly with regard to their miniaturization. This requires new concepts, materials, and technologies for heterogeneous system integration. This expertise is a strategic priority of the European Chips Act and will now be further developed in Chemnitz for new areas of application. To this end, Fraunhofer ENAS and the Chemnitz University of Technology, together with the partner institutes of the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD) are creating the conditions with the new “Cryo-Lab for Materials and Electronics Packaging Chemnitz” (CRYME).

On September 2, 2026, the opening of the new laboratory was celebrated together with guests from politics, science, and industry. Among those present were Sven Schulze, Mayor of Chemnitz; Prof. Dr. Thomas von Unwerth, Vice President for Transfer and Academic Qualification of Chemnitz University of Technology; Robert Denk, Head of Department Universities at the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism; Prof. Dr. Oliver Schmidt, Director of the Research Center for Materials, Architectures, and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology; Prof. Dr. Harald Kuhn, Institute Director at Fraunhofer ENAS and Director of the Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies (ZfM) at Chemnitz University of Technology; Prof. Dr. Bernhard Wunderle, Holder of the Professorship of Materials and Reliability of Microsystems at Chemnitz University of Technology, as well as Prof. Dr. Daniel Kriesten, Head of the European Test and Reliability Center (ETRC). The new lab creates the optimal environment for researching and developing materials, components, and systems for future generations of quantum computers, as well as for evaluating their reliability.

Thanks to an investment project by Fraunhofer ENAS, funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR), state-of-the-art equipment was acquired, including two specialized cooling devices known as cryostats, a cryogenic materials testing system for determining thermomechanical properties, and a cryogenic scanning electron microscope for materials analysis at extremely low temperatures. This technology is now jointly operated by Fraunhofer ENAS and Chemnitz University of Technology.

European Test and Reliability Center to Conduct Research at Ultra-Low Temperatures in the Future

With CRYME, the European Test and Reliability Center (ETRC) – Europe’s leading center for testing and reliability assessments of semiconductor components – is expanding its research portfolio with another significant addition. Thanks to cryogenic testing methods, microelectronic components, system solutions, and new materials can now be comprehensively tested and evaluated in environments with extremely low temperatures of up to 4 K (-269 °C). This makes it possible, for example, to characterize electrical and photonic system functions, determine the mechanical properties of materials and composites, and investigate and predict their thermomechanical behavior.

“Today’s quantum computers require cryogenic operating conditions for their highly complex computational operations. These conditions place the highest demands on the integrated microelectronic components and materials. That is why it is essential to test components and materials under realistic conditions to ensure their functionality, robustness, and longevity even at ultra-low temperatures. As part of the ETRC, CRYME is now providing an excellent basis for this in the heart of Chemnitz,” says Prof. Dr. Daniel Kriesten, Head of the ETRC.

At the same time, the new laboratory strengthens the close collaboration between Fraunhofer ENAS and the FMD as well as the Chair of Materials and Reliability of Microsystems, the Center for Micro- and Nanotechnologies (ZfM), and the Research Center for Materials, Architectures, and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN) at Chemnitz University of Technology, where the new laboratory is located. The new helium liquefaction plant at the neighboring Institute of Physics also plays an important role, as some of CRYME’s cryostats are powered by liquid helium.

“As a key technology of the 21st century, quantum computing also stands for technological leadership, high-quality jobs, and cutting-edge research. That is why the Chemnitz researchers involved in CRYME view the new laboratory as a key building block for innovation, new large-scale research projects, excellent teaching, and attracting young scientists,” says Prof. Dr. Bernhard Wunderle, Holder of the Chair of Materials and Reliability of Microsystems at Chemnitz University of Technology. At the same time, he notes that the collaboration taking place here is a prime example of successful cooperation on the “Smart Systems Campus” in Chemnitz – an innovative network in the fields of micro- and nanotechnology, in which science, applied research, and industry work closely together.

Dr. Remi Pantou, head of the “Characterization and Analytics” group at Fraunhofer ENAS and laboratory director of CRYME, adds: “CRYME’s new facilities are a key factor for collaborative projects with industry partners, as the complexity of this specialized research laboratory is unique in Germany and Europe. Several companies have expressed interest in collaborating. Specific collaborative projects have already begun, and additional projects are in the planning stages.”

Do you have any questions or would you like to learn more about our research and development or new testing procedures at cryogenic temperatures? Please feel free to contact us.

Source: Press release from Chemnitz University of Technology dated August 11, 2026