In the first lecture block, science enthusiasts and scientists alike were enthusiastic about the extraordinary popular science lectures by MPL Research Group Leader Dr. Hanieh Fattahi and Dr. Leonhard Möckl. This was followed by a new series of seminars by the MPL Associated Groups with contributions from Prof. Christoph Marquardt and Prof. Dr. Peter Hommelhoff from Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg.

Dr. Hanieh Fattahi: “Solar lasers – highly energetic and sustainably produced”

The independent head of the “Femtosecond Fieldoscopy” research group dedicated her lecture to the current and prospective possibilities of using solar energy as a long-term renewable energy source. She emphasized the enormous energy demand of mankind until the end of the century and contrasted this with the gigantic amount of solar energy that is radiated unused from the sun to the earth every day. Despite its huge potential, the contribution of solar energy to meeting global energy needs is currently surprisingly small. In her lecture, Fattahi explained the reasons for this, the challenges facing science and technology and provided information on current research at the MPL into the use of sunlight.

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Dr. Leonhard Möckl: “Synaesthesia – when sound and color interact”

In his lecture, the head of the independent research group “Physical Glycosciences” explained the fascinating phenomenon of synaesthesia. This is a perceptual phenomenon in which a specific stimulus triggers a second sensory impression, such as a specific acoustic stimulus (sound) causing the simultaneous perception of a specific color. Leonhard Möckl addressed the topic from the perspective of both epistemology and neuroscience. The audience was given a brief introduction to the theories of synaesthesia with a focus on its relevance for the philosophy of mind.

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Prof. Dr. Peter Hommelhoff: “Ultra-fast control of electrons with light”

In his overview lecture, Prof. Dr. Peter Hommelhoff from the Chair of Laser Physics at Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen- Nuremberg, Department of Physics, presented his latest research activities, which focus on new ways of controlling electrons using light. His group conducts research chip-based laser particle accelerators and on the quantum coherent coupling of electrons and light. His activities include studies on ultrafast electron emission and correlation measurements, in cooperation with the Chekhova group at the MPL, as well as attosecond physics on the surface of solids. In a third line of research, his team is working on optical field-based control of electrons inside graphene. The lecture gave an overview of the latest activities of Hommelhoff's research groups.

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Prof. Christoph Marquardt: “Quantum communication from space and on the ground”

In recent years, the use of quantum mechanics to improve information processing has been investigated at both a fundamental and technical level. This involves the ability to solve complex problems with quantum computers or to improve the sensitivity of sensors. The transmission of quantum states is important for most of these applications. Prof. Christoph Marquardt, Chair of Optical Quantum Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Department of Physics, explored this topic in his lecture. Specifically, he highlighted the challenge of quantum communication, as quantum states tend to decay as soon as they interact with their environment. He pointed out that quantum communication not only offers the connection of future quantum computers, but also a new possibility in cryptography. The advantage of the method, according to Marquardt, is the option of additional quantification of security. In his lecture, Christoph Marquardt presented conceptual and experimental progress toward a quantum-secure infrastructure on the ground and explained how the use of satellite-based quantum key distribution enables quantum communication from space as a global, long-term secure communication method. The physicist outlined his current research projects, including the first German quantum communication satellite, which is due to be launched in July this year.

About the Day of Light

The exploration of light has led to promising alternative energy sources, life-saving medical advances in diagnostic and treatment techniques, the Internet at the speed of light and many other discoveries that have revolutionized society and shaped our understanding of the universe. These technologies were developed through centuries of fundamental research into the properties of light – starting with Ibn Al-Haytham's seminal work Kitab al-Manazir (Book of Optics), published in 1015, through to Einstein's work in the early 20^th Century that changed the way we think about time and light.

Celebrating the International Day of Light

The International Day of Light is celebrated on 16 May each year, the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. This day is a call to strengthen scientific cooperation and harness its potential to foster peace and sustainable development.

(Source: source: www.unesco.org/en/days/light)