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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

A timer in form of a tomato sharp in the front, in the back: Chairs, people standing next to a whiteboard, discussing.

“Eat the frog!”

December 02, 2025

Last week, we had a workshop on time and project management with trainer Alexander Britz.

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Four red, twisted candles on a rack. The first candle is glowing. Fir branches and red berries are lying on the table.

Happy first of Advent!

November 30, 2025

We’re lighting the first candle on our scientific Advent wreath.

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Alexander Britz in a suit next to a white board talking.

The art of landing a job

November 27, 2025

Yesterday, our IMPRS-APS students learned how to master a job interview.

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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

December 2025

“Automating physics - Insights on measurement, modeling and optimization” (Dr. Andreas Döpp)

Dec 1, 2025 at 09:15 AM (Local Time Germany)

Save the Date:

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

Upcoming Events

Annual Meeting 2026

Mar 25, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026

Schloss Ringberg

Upcoming Talks

“Lightwave choreography of electrons in real and momentum space” ( Prof. Rupert Huber)

Wednesday 15:00!

Jan 21, 2026 03:00 PM (Local Time Germany)

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