At a glance - The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) focuses on basic research into all aspects of the interaction between light and matter, from modern optics to photonics, quantum effects and their applications in the real world. Our research aims to extend the realm of the possible in the science and technology of light.
MPL was founded in 2009 and is one of the more than 84 institutes making up the Max Planck Society (MPS). The research spectrum of the MPS is divided into three sections: the chemical-physical-technical, biological-medical, and humanities sections.
The history of the Max Planck Institute
How the MPL came to be: the first decade
The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) is a 'spin-off' from the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). Its beginnings date back to the spring of 2000 when, on the recommendation of an external committee, the chair of the optics institute, Prof. Gerd Leuchs, was tasked with finding more sustainable ways of supporting optics research in Erlangen. He succeeded in convincing the FAU leadership to establish a “Centre of Modern Optics”.
Subsequently, Prof. Gerd Leuchs persuaded the Max Planck Society (MPS) to support optics research in Erlangen. In 2003 this resulted in the establishment of the Max Planck Research Group (MPRG) for Optics, Information and Photonics. Just five years later, following three positive external evaluations, the MPS took the decision to transform the MPRG into a full-blown Max Planck Institute, culminating in the founding of MPL on the 1st of January 2009.
Optimal conditions for the pioneers of light
At our institute, top scientists are provided with ideal conditions for researching the fundamentals of the physics of light and understanding its hidden complex phenomena: a hotspot of like-minded people. This unique environment of experts in their field enhances individual knowledge and fuels the creative development of novel research approaches.
To support the realization of research projects, our institute provides excellence at every level – scientific, technical, and administrative. This ranges from the high-end equipment in our research laboratories and the highly skilled support of our technical service units, to our state-of-the-art cleanroom facility and the personalized support provided to our scientists by the administrative team. What defines us is our relentless and collaborative passion for research.
For the people, source and focus of our research
Welcome Center
Researchers from all over the world come to the MPL in Erlangen. Our Welcome Team strives to make the arrival of new colleagues at the institute as comfortable as possible and offers a wide range of support services. Read more
Light and Healthy
The MPS promotes workplace health management (BGM). In cooperation with a health insurance provider, we organize BGM for all employees at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light. Take advantage of our extensive offers. Read more
Equal opportunities at MPL
The MPS and each of its institutes support employees regardless of gender, nationality, religion, disability, age, cultural background and sexual identity. The diversity of our employees is an important factor which inspires cutting-edge research at our institute. Read more
How to Find Us
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
Staudtstr. 2
91058 Erlangen (Germany)
phone: +49 9131 7133 0
Erlangen
Erlangen is one of the best-preserved Baroque cities in Germany and has a remarkable, vibrant history. The city is home to over 110,000 residents and gained its reputation as an open-minded city in the 17th century when the Huguenots made it their second home. Today, Erlangen is an important high-tech location and a renowned center of medicine. Global companies, the university, the university hospital and internationally renowned research institutes characterize the cityscape and attract scientists and specialists from all over the world to Middle Franconia.
