The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light covers a wide range of research, including laser spectroscopy, quantum optics, nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, photonic crystal fibers, integrated optics, optomechanics, laser interferometry, quantum technologies, biophysics and – in collaboration with the Max Planck Zentrum für Physik und Medizin – the connections between physics and medicine. The MPL was founded in January 2009 and is one of over 80 institutes of the Max Planck Society that conduct basic research in the natural, biological, human and social sciences in the service of the general public.

Culinary Delights at MPL: New Canteen Team and Coffee Lounge

The cafeteria and the Coffee Lounge at MPL are open to the public. Our cafeteria not only offers culinary delights, but also provides an easy opportunity to interact with our institute staff. It is run by “Kochhandwerk” , serving lunch from Monday to Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

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Wanted: Research Group Leader at MPZPM

Apply now to join our science community at the interface of physics and medicine with your own research group.

Find all the information in our jobportal.

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light honored as DPG Quantum Location

In the context of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025, the German Physical Society (DPG) designated MPL a “quantum location". These locations are intended to raise public awareness of the scientific, technological, and economic significance of quantum physics.

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Symposium Celebrating the 75th Birthday of Professor Gerd Leuchs

To mark the 75th (+1) birthday of Professor Gerd Leuchs, founding director of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and Head of the Leuchs Emeritus Group, a scientific symposium will be held from June 25 to 26, 2026.

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Serving science, serving business: The Chamber of Industry and Commerce learns about basic research

Cutting-edge research requires a strong network of leaders from all sectors of society. Conversely, the transfer of scientific knowledge is a central task for every researcher. Given that findings from basic research are indispensable drivers of innovation for industrial progress, the rapprochement…

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Of the Geometry of Light

Quantum geometry is a mathematical tool that describes how quantum states change with the parameters of a system. This abstract geometric description helps researchers, for example, to better understand the properties of quantum materials or to improve the fundamental limits on measurement precision…

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Explore, marvel, understand: Highlights from Girls' Day 2026 at MPL and MPZPM

On yesterday’s Girls’Day, girls in grades 5 through 10 at our two locations – the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Light (MPL) and the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZPM) – gained extensive insights into our research and work environment. Also present were the Equal Opportunity…

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MPL press team

Please feel free to contact us if you require information about our institute, press photos, or background information for a press release. We can arrange for our scientists to be interviewed by your experts.

Edda Fischer

Head of Communication and Marketing
Phone: +49 9131 7133 805
MPLpresse@mpl.mpg.de

For further information about specific press enquiries or the latest press releases and pictures, please visit our press page.

Contact

Managing Director
Prof. Florian Marquardt


Please contact:
Anna Gesine Murphy (PA)
Email: marquardt-office@mpl.mpg.de
Phone: +49 9131 7133 401

 

Head of Infrastructure
Dr. Dorothe Burggraf

Please contact:
Lisa Spann (PA)
Email: lisa.spann@mpl.mpg.de
Phone: +49 9131 7133 801

Upcoming Events

Symposium Celebrating the 75th Birthday of Professor Gerd Leuchs

Symposium Celebrating the 75th Birthday of Professor Gerd Leuchs | 25–26 June 2026

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MPL Research Centers and Schools