Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light is a publicly funded photonics research institute in Erlangen, Germany, conducting fundamental research in quantum optics, nanophotonics, biophysics, and specialty fibers within the Max Planck Society and serving the global scientific community.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersErlangen, Germany
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light does
The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) is a publicly funded basic-research institute headquartered in Erlangen, Germany, founded in January 2009 and operating within the Max Planck Society. Its mandate is fundamental and applied photonics research, with active programs in laser spectroscopy, quantum optics, nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, photonic crystal fibers, integrated optics, optomechanics, laser interferometry, quantum technologies, biophysics, and specialty fiber fabrication. The institute is organized into three core divisions (Cell Physics, Theory, and Nano-Optics) plus multiple independent research groups, and operates in-house technology platforms including a glass facility for fiber drawing and cleanroom infrastructure for nanofabrication.
MPL's underlying technology stack combines experimental laser and optical-metrology systems, theoretical modeling, nanofabrication in cleanrooms, and in-house specialty-fiber drawing. Research outputs are disseminated through peer-reviewed publication, doctoral training (largely in conjunction with Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg), and collaborative projects with applied-research partners such as Fraunhofer ILT and the University of Ulm.
The institute does not sell commercial products and has no product-style pricing model. Its operating budget is funded primarily through the Max Planck Society's institutional budget (drawn from German federal and Bavarian state appropriations), with competitive overlays from the European Research Council (ERC) and joint grants with partner institutions. Its "customers" are the global scientific community, doctoral trainees, and—through technology transfer—industrial collaborators. The institute employed roughly 253 staff at the time of the input snapshot.
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
- Legal name
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
- Website
- https://mpl.mpg.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light is a publicly funded photonics research institute in Erlangen, Germany, conducting fundamental research in quantum optics, nanophotonics, biophysics, and specialty fibers within the Max Planck Society and serving the global scientific community.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Fundamental Photonics Research Institute
- NAICS
- Research and Development in Nanotechnology (541713), Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing (335921)
- SIC
- Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Quantum Materials, Qubits & Device Physics Research (HDAGAMAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Quantum Sensing, Metrology & Imaging Research (HDAGAMAJ), Quantum Photonics & Quantum Imaging (Single-Photon, Lidar, Ghost Imaging) (HDAGAHAF), Photonic (Optical) QPU Systems (HDAGAAAD), Optoelectronic / Photonics Foundries (Silicon Photonics/LED/Laser) (HDAHACAG), Quantum Sensor Components & Subsystems (Lasers, Vacuum, Photonics, Diamond/NV, MEMS) (HDAGAHAM)
Keywords
Where Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Erlangen
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Others
Revenue model
- Government Research Funding: Funded by the Max Planck Society, which is itself funded by the German federal and state governments. The institute conducts basic research in the service of the general public.
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels12 records
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light conducts fundamental scientific research in photonics, quantum optics, nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, photonic crystal fibers, integrated optics, optomechanics, laser interferometry, quantum technologies, and biophysics across three divisions (Cell Physics, Theory, Nano-Optics) and numerous independent research groups. It operates two technology service units — a cleanroom Micro- & Nanostructuring facility and a Fibre Fabrication & Glass Studio capable of custom photonic crystal fiber and soft-glass manufacturing — and provides graduate and postdoctoral training via the Max Planck Graduate Program, IMPRS, and Max Planck School of Photonics.
Product overview
The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light is a fundamental research institute offering no commercial products but providing research infrastructure services. Its technology units include Micro- & Nanostructuring (cleanroom and microfabrication) and Fibre Fabrication & Glass Studio (photonic crystal fibers, optical glass manufacturing, additive manufacturing). The institute conducts research across laser spectroscopy, quantum optics, nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, photonic crystal fibers, integrated optics, optomechanics, laser interferometry, quantum technologies, and biophysics through three main divisions (Cell Physics, Theory, Nano-Optics) and numerous independent research groups.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Micro- & Nanostructuring Technology Unit Cleanroom-based service unit providing lithography, focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), coating, dry etching, analysis equipment, and small laboratory equipment for micro- and nanostructuring research, available to internal and external research users.
- Fibre Fabrication & Glass Studio Technology unit offering photonic crystal fiber fabrication using stack-and-draw methods, soft-glass photonic crystal fibers, supercontinuum generation research, optical glass manufacturing (lead-silicate, tellurite, phosphate, germanate, ZBLAN, chalcogenide), inverse laser drilling of preforms, and additive manufacturing for fiber and preform production.
- Research Facilities and Equipment Access Access to advanced research equipment including fiber drawing towers for silica and soft-glass fibers, metal 3D printing (TRUMPF TruPrint1000 with 200W Yb-fiber laser), polymer FLM printing (Ultimaker 3 extended), glass characterization (UV/Vis/NIR/FTIR spectrometers, prism couplers), and cleanroom facilities.
- Max Planck Graduate Program / IMPRS Photonics Training Structured doctoral and postdoctoral training programs in photonics, quantum optics, and related fields, offered jointly across multiple Max Planck Institutes and partner universities including FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, with international research opportunities.
Quantifiable outcome
- Founded in January 2009 as part of 80+ Max Planck Society institutes
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature11 records
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Max Planck-uOttawa CentrecoreInternational research collaboration between Max Planck Society and University of Ottawa, focusing on advancing research at the intersection of physics and related fields.
- Max Planck Quantum AlliancecoreNetwork of Max Planck institutes working together on quantum science and technologies research initiatives.
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZPM)coreDedicated research center connecting physics and medicine, featuring multiple divisions and core facilities including In Vivo Model Systems, Microscopy, and Cell Culture.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT)coreCollaboration under the highly selective Fraunhofer-Max-Planck cooperation funding program to explore inverse laser drilling for preform fabrication with structures impossible through traditional methods.
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)coreMPL originated as a spin-off of FAU. Ongoing collaboration includes use of advanced equipment at FAU (DTA, DMA, photoluminescence and Raman spectrometers) and joint research groups. FAU provides teaching and joint supervision of students.
- University of UlmcoreCollaborated on development of UV-guiding hollow-core fibers achieving 0.13 dB/m loss at 300 nm with excellent single-mode profile (M2 = 1.03).
- Second Fraunhofer Institute (unnamed)coreCollaboration under Fraunhofer-Max-Planck cooperation program for inverse laser drilling research.
- Max Planck Graduate ProgramcoreGraduate program offering structured doctoral education across multiple Max Planck Institutes and universities.
- International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS)coreStructured doctoral program providing comprehensive training and research opportunities for graduate students.
- Max Planck School of PhotonicscoreNational school dedicated to photonics research and education across multiple German institutions.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT): Aachen-based applied photonics research institute. MPL's documented Fraunhofer-Max-Planck cooperation partner on inverse laser drilling; comparable scale, overlapping laser/photonic fabrication expertise, but with a stronger applied/industrial translation mandate.
- Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ): Sister Max Planck institute in Garching focused on quantum optics, laser physics, and quantum information science. Directly comparable as a public German research lab with overlapping quantum-photonics research themes, similar funding model, and comparable headcount.
- Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies (IPHT): Jena-based Leibniz Institute conducting research in photonic technologies including fiber-based systems, biophotonics, and quantum sensing. Directly comparable as a German public research institute in photonics with similar headcount and funding profile.
Broad incumbents
- Thorlabs: Large US-based photonics equipment and components manufacturer offering fibers, lasers, and optomechanics. Broad incumbent supplying the commercial ecosystem around the same photonic crystal fiber and quantum optics research MPL conducts.
- NKT Photonics: Commercial global leader in photonic crystal fibers, supercontinuum sources, and ultrafast lasers. Broad incumbent that industrializes the same PCF and hollow-core fiber concepts MPL researches, providing the market translation path that MPL itself does not pursue.
- Hamamatsu Photonics: Japanese photonics and optoelectronics manufacturer with deep involvement in single-photon detection, photomultipliers, and quantum optics instrumentation. Broad incumbent spanning components that underpin the quantum-photonics research MPL performs.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): US federal agency operating major quantum optics, laser metrology, and photonic sensing programs. Broad incumbent and the closest international analogue to MPL in mission scope (precision measurement, quantum sensing, fiber-based standards) and institutional scale.
Others
- Lumentum: Global photonics company commercializing lasers, photonic components, and optical modules for communications, sensing, and quantum applications. Broad incumbent commercializing quantum optics hardware concepts that MPL researches in non-commercial settings.
- University of Oxford - Department of Atomic and Laser Physics: Leading academic research group in atomic physics, laser spectroscopy, and quantum optics. Comparable in research scope to MPL's independent groups (e.g., Chekhova, Fattahi), serving as a UK peer institution and collaboration counterpart rather than a direct competitor.
Regional players
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR): Large German Helmholtz research center with photonics, laser, and accelerator-driven research programs. Operates in a similar German public-research framework and pursues overlapping photonics and quantum research, though with a different geographic and application focus.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light social profiles
Digital presenceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light
What does Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light do?
The Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light conducts fundamental scientific research in photonics, quantum optics, nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, photonic crystal fibers, integrated optics, optomechanics, laser interferometry, quantum technologies, and biophysics across three divisions (Cell Physics, Theory, Nano-Optics) and numerous independent research groups. It operates two technology service units — a cleanroom Micro- & Nanostructuring facility and a Fibre Fabrication & Glass Studio capable of custom photonic crystal fiber and soft-glass manufacturing — and provides graduate and postdoctoral training via the Max Planck Graduate Program, IMPRS, and Max Planck School of Photonics.
Is Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light a public or private company?
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light founded?
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light was founded in 2009. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light based?
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light is headquartered in Erlangen, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light make money?
One revenue line is on record: government Research Funding.
Who are Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT), Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) and Leibniz Institute for Photonic Technologies (IPHT). Broad incumbents are Thorlabs, NKT Photonics, Hamamatsu Photonics and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Others are Lumentum and University of Oxford - Department of Atomic and Laser Physics. Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) is listed as a regional player.
Does Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light have an API?
No public API is recorded for Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light.
What industry is Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light in?
Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light's product category is Fundamental Photonics Research Institute. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAGAMAA, Quantum Materials, Qubits & Device Physics Research, with a secondary code of HDAGAMAJ, Quantum Sensing, Metrology & Imaging Research. Its NAICS code is 541713 and its SIC code is 3827.