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International Max Planck Research School for Advanced Photon Science

Scientists in protective clothing behind an optical setup.

Exploring the Frontiers of Light-Matter Interaction

The International Max Planck Research School for Advanced Photon Science (IMPRS-APS) is a graduate school dedicated to the advancement of photon science, spanning areas such as ultrafast laser science, attosecond physics, high-precision spectroscopy, biomedical applications of advanced spectroscopic methods, data science, and laser particle acceleration. Doctoral candidates benefit from extensive training opportunities, including interdisciplinary scientific knowledge, soft skills, industry exposure, and more.

Latest News

portrait photo of Maximilian Binzer: white male, brown hair and beard, glasses with a black frame, white and blue-striped shirt with dark blue pullover over it

At the border of physics and chemistry

February 04, 2026

Meet our doctoral candidate Maximilian Binzer.

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Yang Gui wearing a dark blue lab coat, laser googles and white gloves. He is standing next to an optical table with optical setup. In the background, one can see several devices and a computer screen, as well as a transparent plastic curtain.

“Communication and teamwork are the best ways to stay efficient”

January 14, 2026

Meet our doctoral candidate Yang Gui.

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A male person with laser goggles, hair net and blue lab coat hunched over an optical table, adjusting some optical components.

“Science, especially experimental science, is not just about being smart”

January 07, 2026

Meet our doctoral candidate Wei Liang (梁崴)!

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About IMPRS-APS

Established in 2006 at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) and directed by Nobel Laureate Prof. Ferenc Krausz, the IMPRS-APS provides a unique and stimulating environment for PhD students who are passionate about exploring the frontiers of light-matter interaction.

This initiative is part of a network of 68 International Max Planck Research Schools, which have become central to the Max Planck Society’s efforts to promote excellent doctoral education since 2000. Together, they provide talented German and international junior researchers with outstanding conditions to complete their doctorates.

Program Highlights

▶ Interdisciplinary collaboration
▶ Cutting-edge facilities
▶ Comprehensive training
▶ Career development

Student Experience

▶ Annual meetings
▶ Soft-skills courses
▶ Special lectures

Events

February 2026

Online Workshop: Effective Visual Communication of Science

Feb 6, 2026 from 09:00 AM to 01:30 PM (Local Time Germany)

Presentation Skills for Junior Researchers

from Feb 23, 2026 09:30 AM to Feb 24, 2026 03:30 PM (Local Time Germany)

Presentation Skills for Junior Researchers

from Feb 23, 2026 09:30 AM to Feb 24, 2026 03:30 PM (Local Time Germany)

Save the Date:

March 25 - 27, 2026: IMPRS-APS Annual Meeting 2026

Upcoming Events

Presentation Skills for Junior Researchers

Feb 23, 2026 09:30 AM (Local Time Germany) - Feb 24, 2026 03:30 PM

Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, Hans-Kopferman-Straße 1, 85748 Garching, Room: Herbert Walther Lecture Hall

Media Training: Writing Short News Items

Mar 12, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Local Time Germany)

Am Columbwall 1, 85748 Garching, Room: Small Lecture Hall, MPQ

Annual Meeting 2026

Mar 25, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026

Schloss Ringberg

Upcoming Talks

"Ultrashort Mid-Infrared Pulses for Vibrational Spectroscopy and Molecular Control" (Prof. Satoshi Ashihara)

Mar 2, 2026 09:15 AM - 10:00 AM (Local Time Germany)

Am Coulombwall 1, Room: LMU lecture hall

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IMPRS-APS on Social Media

YouTube

Find interviews with our doctoral candidates and alumni and impressions from our events on our YouTube channel.

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LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn to always stay up to date with the latest news and events from the IMPRS-APS.

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Join our community!

As an IMPRS-APS member or alumnus, feel free to join our exclusive LinkedIn group - a place to exchange and connect.

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Image of an electron and a laser wave passing through each other

Attosecond Atomic and Solid-State Physics – Theory

Prof. Joachim Burgdörfer (TU Wien)

Graphic of an atom with two electrons spinning very fast.

Ultrafast Light Manipulating Spin- and Charge: Transient States of Matter

Prof. Martin Schultze (TU Graz)

Graphic of a microchip hit by a laser and information flowing through it.

Attosecond science (theory)

Apl. Prof. Vladislav Yakovlev (MPQ, LMU)

Attosecond physics in atoms and molecules

Prof. Abdallah Azzeer (KSU) - associated

Attosecond science (experiment)

Attosecond science (experiment)

Dr. Nicholas Karpowicz (MPQ)

a light pulse hits a molecule in the blood

Ultrafast metrology for shaping the future of healthcare

Prof. Ferenc Krausz (MPQ, LMU)

Data-driven Optimization of Laserplasma Physics & Interaction

Dr. Andreas Döpp (LMU)

Photo of an optical setup in the laboratory

Dynamic Spectroscopies

Prof. Jürgen Hauer (TUM)

Graphic showing how a laser passes through a blood cell

Broadband infrared diagnostics

Dr. Mihaela Žigman (LMU)

Graphic showing how a broadband mid-infrared femtosecond enhancement cavity is used for field-resolved spectroscopy of gases.

Field-resolved spectroscopy and cavity enhancement

Dr. Ioachim Pupeza (LMU)

Picture of the ATLAS Ti:Sapphire amplifier crystal

Generation of ultra-high intensity laser pulses, laser-based particle acceleration

Prof. Stefan Karsch (LMU)

Laser-driven ion acceleration

Prof. Jörg Schreiber (LMU)

graphic of a human head and lasers

Medical Physics

Prof. Katia Parodi (LMU)

Precision metrology for fundamental research

Prof. Thomas Udem (MPQ)

Ultrafast quantum physics and nanophotonics

Ultrafast quantum physics and nanophotonics

Prof. Peter Hommelhoff (LMU)