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.

DLS at MPL 2025

Next lecture on June, 26 with Prof. Laura Waller

The Distinguished Lecturer Series brings leading minds in all areas relevant to the science of light to Erlangen.
Here you will find an overview of our speakers for 2025.

We look forward to our next speaker, Prof. Laura Waller, who will be giving a lecture entitled ›Computational Aberration Correction‹.

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MPL celebrates quantum sciences on the Day of Light

Science pulsated in Erlangen’s city center: On the occasion of ›International Day of Light‹ and the ›International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025‹, school classes, science enthusiasts, families, and passers-by gathered at the activity stands. Together, scientists and museum staff explained exciting facts about the physics of light and its significance tor quantum science in a variety of formats.

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New research group ‘Topology and Neuromorphic Computing’ headed by Dr Clara Wanjura at the MPL

Dr Clara Wanjura has been selected for the Minerva Fast Track Programme of the Max Planck Society and has founded her own research group ‘Topology and Neuromorphic Computing’. She explores research questions at the interface of quantum optics, solid-state physics and machine learning.

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New association to strengthen science and research at the MPL

The MPL founded an association to actively support scientific exchange among its researchers and networking with the public. The association “Verein der Freunde und Ehemaligen des Max-Planck-Instituts für die Physik des Lichts e. V.” aims to promote science and research at the MPL.

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Promoting excellent research at MPL: Dr. Ashley Shin receives MSCA postdoctoral fellowship

For her project ›Atomically-precise control of Strong Coupling In Molecular dimERs (SCIMER),‹ young scientist Dr. Ashley Shin from the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) has been awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship. With the two-year…

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Using machine learning to understand fundamental structures of quantum mechanics

Quantum systems can exhibit correlations significantly stronger than those in classical systems. This ›spooky action at a distance‹ is referred to as ›nonlocality‹ in modern physics. Scientists in the Theory Division at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) have recently published…

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DLS talk by Giulio Cerullo: “Novel approaches to broadband coherent Raman microscopy”

In our fourth event of 2025’s Distinguished Lecturer Series (DLS), Giulio Cerullo gave his talk “Novel approaches to broadband coherent Raman microscopy”. He is a Full Professor with the Physics Department, Politecnico di Milano, where he leads the Ultrafast Optical Spectroscopy laboratory, and a…

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Contact

Managing Director
Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar, Ph.D.


Please contact:
Julia Graßer (PA)
Email: sandoghdar-office@mpl.mpg.de
Phone: +49 9131 7133 301

 

Head of Infrastructure
Dr. Dorothe Burggraf

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

MPL Research Centers and Schools