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.

When Cells Reveal Their Inner Workings

Every human cell is surrounded by a sugar coating called the glycocalyx, which interacts with its environment and reflects internal cell states. Using high-resolution microscopy, scientists at MPL have mapped these sugar structures and correlated their spatial arrangement to specific physiological cell states — potentially opening new diagnostic avenues, such as tumor detection.

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Fluorescence microscope image of cells with irregular edges, labeled in green, red, and blue/violet against a black background. / Fluoreszenzmikroskopische Aufnahme von Zellen mit unregelmäßigen Rändern, markiert in grün, rot und blau/violett auf schwarzem Hintergrund.

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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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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When Cells Reveal Their Inner Workings

Every human cell is surrounded by a sugar coating known as the glycocalyx. It not only interacts with its environment but also reveals a great deal about cells’ internal states. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) have mapped sugar structures on cell surfaces using…

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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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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

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