Quantum-Level RF Signals: The Menhir Photonics and QuSine Partnership

In the rapidly evolving landscape of quantum technologies and precision electronics, one partnership is effectively demonstrating the power of collaborative innovation – QuSine, a cutting-edge university spinoff , and Menhir Photonics.

What began as academic curiosity has transformed into a commercial venture poised to revolutionise RF signal generation across multiple high-tech industries.

From Laboratory to Market: The QuSine Genesis

Founded in 2024 as a university spinoff from the Heinz Nixdorf Institut in Paderborn, Germany, QuSine represents the latest generation of deep-technology startups emerging from academic research. The company achieved full independence from its university roots just this past April, making it one of the newest players in the quantum technology space. Despite its youth, QuSine has already demonstrated remarkable potential in developing ultra-low noise RF signal generators that operate at theoretical quantum-level precision.

“Our origins come from a research project driven by curiosity about the best way to generate RF signals based on optical frequency combs or mode-locked lasers,” explains Peter Hertenstein, CEO of QuSine (pictured, below). “But rather than following the traditional academic approach of pursuing the absolute best results that require most expensive and bulky solutions, we took a different path from early on, focusing on extremely low noise with a small form factor and a vision for widespread applications.”

This approach has proven successful. Where academic research typically prioritises performance over practicality, QuSine recognised the commercial potential of combining quantum-level precision with miniaturization and scalability. The result is technology that bridges the gap between laboratory-grade performance and real-world applications.

The Menhir Photonics Partnership: Precision Through Collaboration

The relationship between QuSine and Menhir Photonics embodies how strategic partnerships can accelerate innovation. While the initial connection predates Hertenstein’s involvement with QuSine, the collaboration has deepened significantly over the past 18 months as both companies recognised their complementary strengths.

The partnership began with QuSine using Menhir Photonics’s 250 MHz repetition rate lasers in laboratory settings. However, as QuSine’s commercial vision crystallised, the collaboration evolved into something far more integrated. “We’re now talking about integrating the laser, integrating other technologies from Menhir Photonics, discussing future direction and future packaging, future size, and future repetition rates,” notes Hertenstein.

A pivotal moment came when Menhir Photonics introduced its 1 GHz repetition rate laser into the industrial platform. For QuSine, which works with different harmonics of laser frequencies, this represented both an opportunity and a challenge. “Simulations showed that we can get better phase noise with 1 GHz systems, and initial tests confirmed this,” explains Hertenstein. “However, this also created new challenges for us when generating RF frequencies between the harmonics of the laser.”

The decision to adjust QuSine’s entire architecture around Menhir photonics’ 1 GHz lasers wasn’t taken lightly, it required nine months of careful consideration. This commitment reflects the deep technical trust and strategic alignment between the companies. In addition, both organisations are already looking ahead to even higher frequencies, with the Menhir Photonics roadmap including  10 GHz lasers that align with QuSine’s long-term miniaturisation goals.

Market Applications: From Radar to Quantum Technologies

QuSine’s ultra-low noise RF signal generators address critical needs across multiple industries, with applications spanning from today’s commercial requirements to tomorrow’s quantum technologies. The company has identified several key market segments where their precision technology provides distinct advantages.

Radar Systems and Object Detection: Currently representing QuSine’s highest demand area, radar applications, including drone detection and object identification, benefit significantly from the company’s low phase noise technology. These applications require the precision that QuSine delivers while operating within current commercial constraints, making them an ideal market entry point.

Telecommunications and 6G Development: As the telecommunications industry prepares for 6G networks, the demand for ultra-precise signal generation continues to grow. QuSine’s technology positions them well to support the next generation of wireless communication infrastructure, where timing precision and signal quality will be paramount.

Medical Technology and Non-Invasive Sensing: The emerging field of non-invasive medical sensing represents a significant future opportunity. These applications demand miniaturisation, a key focus area for QuSine, combined with the precision necessary for detecting subtle biological signals. While still in development phases, this market segment could prove transformative for both companies.

Quantum Technologies: Perhaps the most forward-looking application area, quantum technologies represent the ultimate expression of QuSine’s precision capabilities. From quantum radar to quantum sensing applications, this field demands the theoretical quantum-level precision that QuSine’s technology can provide. While commercial applications remain years away, the foundational research happening today will define tomorrow’s quantum technology landscape.

The Deep Tech Challenge: Building Tomorrow’s Technologies Today

Operating in the deep tech space presents unique challenges, particularly for a startup less than two years old. “It’s super deep tech, and we’re not always sure if there’s truly interest beyond academic curiosity for this level of precision,” admits Hertenstein. This uncertainty is characteristic of companies working at the technology frontier, where potential applications may not have clearly defined commercial markets.

However, QuSine’s approach of focusing initially on R&D centres and development organisations provides a strategic pathway to commercialisation. By supporting researchers and developers who are creating tomorrow’s technologies, QuSine establishes itself as an essential partner in the innovation ecosystem. These relationships often evolve into commercial opportunities as research projects mature into products.

The company’s exhibition strategy reflects this approach. At trade shows such as the European Microwave Week, QuSine focuses on demonstrating their technology capabilities while identifying applications they hadn’t previously considered. “We have many conversations and a lot of interest, and we’re also identifying areas that we didn’t even have on the radar,” notes Hertenstein.

Looking Ahead: Five-Year Vision and Market Leadership

QuSine’s ambitions extend well beyond their current startup status. “In five years from now, we want to be the leader in low phase noise RF signal generation,” states Hertenstein. “And we want to have our technology integrated into at least one application, not just in test and measurement equipment, but implemented into one commercial product.”

This vision requires more than just technological excellence; it demands strategic partnerships and market development. QuSine is actively seeking partners who can integrate their precision signal generation technology into commercial products, moving beyond the test and measurement field into applications that directly serve end users.

The partnership with Menhir Photonics represents a model for these relationships. By aligning development cycles and product roadmaps, both companies can optimize their technologies for mutual benefit. Menhir Photonics’ laser miniaturization efforts complement QuSine’s size reduction goals, while QuSine’s application development provides market validation for Menhir’s advanced laser technologies.

European Microwave Week: Showcasing Innovation

The upcoming European Microwave Week (September 21-26 in The Netherlands) represents a significant opportunity for both companies to demonstrate their collaborative capabilities. As Hertenstein notes, “This is, for us, the largest trade show this year.” The event provides a platform to showcase how their partnership translates academic research into commercial solutions.

For attendees, the joint exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see cutting-edge quantum-level precision technology in action. Visitors can experience firsthand how the integration of Menhir Photonics’s advanced lasers with QuSine’s signal generation technology creates capabilities that would be more challenging for either company to achieve independently.

The Future of Precision: Collaborative Innovation

The QuSine-Menhir Photonics partnership illustrates how modern technology development increasingly depends on collaborative relationships between specialised companies. Rather than attempting to develop every component internally, both organisations focus on their core competencies while leveraging their partner’s expertise.

This approach accelerates innovation while reducing risk. QuSine can focus on RF signal generation and system integration while relying on Menhir Photonics’ laser expertise. Similarly, Menhir Photonics benefits from QuSine’s application development work, which provides real-world validation of their laser performance in demanding applications.

As quantum technologies, advanced radar systems, and next-generation telecommunications continue to evolve, partnerships like this one will likely become increasingly important. The companies that can effectively collaborate while maintaining their individual excellence will be best positioned to serve markets that demand both specialization and integration.

For the broader technology ecosystem, the QuSine-Menhir Photonics partnership demonstrates how university research can successfully transition to commercial applications through strategic collaboration. Their success could serve as a model for other research-based startups seeking to bridge the gap between academic innovation and market reality.

The quantum precision revolution is just beginning, and partnerships like this one are laying the groundwork for technologies we can barely imagine today. In an industry where precision is measured in quantum levels and success is measured in breakthrough applications, collaborative innovation may be the key to unlocking tomorrow’s technological possibilities.

Come and see the QuSine and Menhir Photonics team at European Microwave Week (September 21-26 in The Netherlands). You can find them at Booth B103