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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · 12h

With deep sadness, we share that Prof. Jochen Guck, Director at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light passed away on October 3. His visionary work bridged physics and medicine. We have lost a brilliant scientist and dear friend.

mpl.mpg.de/news/article...
@fau.de

📸 Stephan Spangenberg

Professor Jochen Guck, Director at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL), He headed the division “Cell Physics” at MPL and the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZPM).

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · 7d

The coupling of invisible light in silicon nitride chips results in new frequencies or wavelengths that become visible to the naked eye. #MPL Scientists from #Microphotonics RG study microresonators on integrated platforms to explore optical effects.

👉 mpl.mpg.de/research-at-...

📸 Alekhya Ghosh

The image shows an integrated ring resonator that can store light and generate light pulses. The wide range of colors results from optical nonlinearities. Scientists from the #Microphotonics research group at #MPL study microresonators on integrated platforms to explore linear and nonlinear optical effects.

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · 8d

The female reproductive tract transports eggs and sperm, protects embryos, and renews tissue. Many processes involve mechanical forces. Dr. @stephmoellmert.bsky.social #research group at #MPZPM studies these forces to explore their role in e.g. female health.

👉 mpzpm.mpg.de/news/news-de...

📸 MPL

Dr. Stephanie Möllmert is starting her research group “Reproductive Mechanobiology” at MPZPM.

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · 8d

The #NdW25 is a unique opportunity to get up close with researchers. The press conference will take place at #MPZPM. Representatives of Kulturidee & from the program partners @fau.de, UTN, & TH Nürnberg recently met to clarify the last remaining questions.

👉 mpl.mpg.de/events/event...

📸 MPL

In the picture are sitting representatives of the organizer Kulturidee and communicators from the participating universities and colleges, from left to right: Matthias Wiedmann (TH Nürnberg), Agnes Pelzl (UTN), Laura Kneppe (FAU), Anna Gerkens (Kulturidee), Nadine Ballenberger (Kulturidee), Edda Fischer (MPL/MPZPM)

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · 8d

If you haven't submitted your abstract for the BioBrillouin Conference yet, you still have the chance to do so for one more week!

International BioBrillouin Society @biobrillouinsoc.bsky.social · 9d

Deadline extended ‼️
The abstract submission deadline of the 9th International BioBrillouin Meeting (Berlin, 25-27 Nov 2025) is now extended to Oct 7, 2025.

Don't forget to submit your contribution: www.biobrillouin25.com

Looking forward to seeing you in Berlin!
@mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · 13d

Researchers from #MPZPM and @mpiib-berlin.mpg.de have now compared the ratio of nuclear and cytoplasmic density in different organisms and come to a surprising conclusion: the cell nucleus in eukaryotes is less dense than the rest of the cell.

👉 mpzpm.mpg.de/news/news-de...

#Physics #Medicine

$A cell nucleus reconstituted in vitro in Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog) egg extract. Left image shows a fluorescence image where DNA has been stained and right image shows a density map of the same nucleus aquired using Optical Diffraction Tomography (ODT).$

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · 19d

We’re in! – The Long Night of Science 2025

We’re participating in #NdW25 in the #IYQ2025 with double the energy: both at #MPL and #MPZPM, we’re opening our (laboratory) doors and letting anyone interested experience research up close.

📆 Oct 25, 5:00 p.m.
📍 MPL & MPZPM
👉 mpl.mpg.de/events/event...

Visual of the Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften 2025.

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · 21d

We are already looking forward to the BioBrillouin Conference, organized by MPL and MPZPM!

International BioBrillouin Society @biobrillouinsoc.bsky.social · 26d

Don't forget to submit your abstract until October 1, 2025 to join this amazing lineup of speakers at the 9th International BioBrillouin Conference from Nov 25-27 in Berlin! Looking forward to seeing you there 🤩

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · 28d

Lectures on Physics and Medicine

Prof. Frauke Gräter, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, will give her fascinating talk on September 18 at 3 pm CET.

👉 Zoom access:

eu02web.zoom-x.de/j/6249564969...
Meeting-ID: 624 9564 9691
Identification code: 582716

The lecture will take place at MPZPM. It will also be streamed via Zoom, as well as recorded and added to our YouTube channel for anyone who misses the talk.

▶️ Radical bursts from tissue stretch? New mechanobiology uncovered by experiments and AI
🕒 Thursday, September 18 at 3 pm CET
📍 Seminar Room 0.125 at the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Sep 1

Division Vahid Sandoghdar ›Nano-Optics‹

This image shows cultured cells infected with Vaccinia virus. Cells (magenta) express a fluorescent protein (cyan) when infected successfully and begin to fuse into syncytia, large multinucleated cell aggregates.

Learn more 👉 mpl.mpg.de/divisions/sa...

Scientists at the MPL investigate different routes by which poxviruses spread. These include cell-cell contacts and cell merging by virus-mediated fusion of neighboring cells.

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 29

In a new work that appeared in ›Science Advances‹, scientists at the MPL show that optical microscopy under cryogenic conditions can resolve specific sites within the mechanosensitive protein PIEZO1 with Ångström precision – even within native cell membranes.

👉 mpl.mpg.de/news/article...

Ångström-scale optical microscopy deciphers conformational states of single membrane proteins

Our remarkable ability to perform complex tasks—such as thinking, observing, and touch—stems from proteins, the tiny nanometer-sized molecules in the body. Despite decades of research, our understanding of the structure and function of such molecular machines within the cellular environment remains limited. In a new work that appeared in ›Science Advances‹, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) show that optical microscopy under cryogenic conditions can resolve specific sites within the mechanosensitive protein PIEZO1 with Ångström precision – even within native cell membranes.

Fluorescent image of PIEZO1 in native cell membrane (left) and an artistic representation of its conformational states resolved with Ångström precision (right). © Hisham Mazal

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 28

With a special microscopy technique, different colors and brightnesses of the pDCB become visible. These reflect the microscopic orientations of the molecules. Dye molecules are doped into these transparent crystals and serve as the basis for highly efficient single photon sources.

📸 Siwei Luo

Some organic hydrocarbons form crystals at room temperature. The image shows structures of the chemical compound 1,4-dichlorobenzene (pDCB) in an etched cross-shaped channel. In this channel – with a depth of only one micrometer – the previously melted crystals recrystallize and form variously oriented domains. With the help of a special microscopy technique, cross-polarization imaging, different colors and brightnesses become visible. These reflect the microscopic orientations of the molecules in the domains of the crystal structure. Dye molecules are doped into these transparent crystals by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light and serve as the basis for highly efficient single photon sources.

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 27

Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar shares in a recent interview what makes the two Symposia unique and introduces the concept of ›near-field cell biology‹.

🧬 ›Symposium on Virus Entry and Egress‹
👉 indico.mpl.mpg.de/event/21/

🧬 ›Symposium on Near-Field Cell Biology‹
👉 indico.mpl.mpg.de/event/23/

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 26

Curiosity and science are inseparable – this was impressively demonstrated to 10th grade students from the Emil-von-Behring-Gymnasium in Spardorf (Erlangen-Höchstadt district) during their visit to the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light.

👉 mpl.mpg.de/news/article...

With a keen interest in science and many thoughtful questions, they immersed themselves in the fascinating world of modern basic research on the subject of light – from the fiber optics laboratory to the institute’s infrastructure.

Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 22

Two related symposia will bring together experts at the interface of virology, cell biology, and biophysics to explore fundamental processes at the cell surface.

Symposium on Virus Entry and Egress
👉 indico.mpl.mpg.de/event/21/

Symposium on Near-Field Cell Biology
👉 indico.mpl.mpg.de/event/23/

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 21

Meet Arghadeep — Exploring the Nonlinear World of Light

Arghadeep Pal is a 4th-year PhD student in the Del’Haye group (Microphotonics). Within the Del’Haye group he contributes to the design and characterization of resonators.

👉 Learn more about the Research Group: mpl.mpg.de/research-at-...

Arghadeep Pal is a 4th-year PhD student in the Del’Haye group (Microphotonics). Originally from India, he completed his Master’s in Advanced Optical Technologies (MAOT) at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and his Bachelor’s in Electronics at Calcutta University. During his Master’s studies, he received the ›Deutschlandstipendium‹. He first joined the Del’Haye group in December 2020 as a Master’s student and began his PhD in June 2022. His research focuses on microresonators—micron-scale cavities that confine light—to investigate their nonlinear dynamics.

What fascinates him most is how microresonators act like magicians, transforming light beyond the visible spectrum into vivid new colors. These nonlinear interactions have the potential to advance optical computing, offering faster and more energy-efficient alternatives to conventional electronics. Arghadeep’s interest in physics began during school and deepened during his Bachelor’s studies in optoelectronics, which ultimately drew him toward optics and photonics.

Within the Del’Haye group he contributes to the design and characterization of resonators ranging from ultrahigh-quality crystalline glass rods to integrated microresonators on different platforms. The group explores novel nonlinear phenomena such as ›frequency comb generation‹ and ›spontaneous symmetry breaking‹, with broad applications in spectroscopy, ›LiDAR‹, optical communication, and all-optical circuits.

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 20

Molecular hybridization through vacuum 🔬

Using an optical resonator which strongly alters the quantum vacuum, scientists at the MPl have succeeded for the first time in optically “bonding” several molecules at greater distances.

👉 mpl.mpg.de/news/article...

📸 (generated by ChatGPT-4o)

Molecular hybridization through vacuum 🔬

Interactions between atoms and molecules are facilitated by electromagnetic fields. The bigger the distance between the partners involved, the weaker these mutual interactions are. In order for the particles to be able to form natural chemical bonds, the distance between them must usually be approximately equal to their diameter. Using an optical resonator which strongly alters the quantum vacuum, scientists at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light have succeeded for the first time in optically “bonding” several molecules at greater distances. The physicists are thus experimentally creating synthetic states of coupled molecules, thereby establishing the foundation for the development of new hybrid light-matter states.

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 19

🧬 Symposium on Near-Field Cell Biology

The symposium will review recent advances in the precise and controlled administration of biological materials to individual live cells.

👉 indico.mpl.mpg.de/event/23/

⚠️ Space is limited, so please register sooner than later!

🧬 Symposium on Near-Field Cell Biology

Starts: Sep 11, 2025, 9:00  A.M.
Ends: Sep 12, 2025, 4:00 P.M.

Venues:
Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin
Seminar Room
Kussmaulallee 2
91054 Erlangen

Max-Planck-Institut für die Physik des Lichts
Staudtstraße 2
91058 Erlangen

🎤 The event features an outstanding group of speakers:
Assoc. Prof. Paolo Actis, Prof. Ünal Coskun, Prof. María García-Parajo, Prof. Reinhard Jahn, Asst. Prof. Gavin Jeffries, Prof. David Juncker, Dr. Govind Kaigala, Dr. rer. nat. André Nadler, Prof. Leonhard Möckl, Prof. Gerhard Schütz, Assoc. Prof. Kevin Welsher, Prof. Yohei Yamauchi, Prof. Tomaso Zambelli

Look forward to dynamic poster sessions and interactive roundtable discussions, where pressing questions in ›near-field cell biology‹ will be explored and innovative approaches to addressing them will be developed collaboratively.

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 18

🧬 Symposium on Virus Entry and Egress

This two-day symposium will focus on virus entry and egress, with an emphasis on the critical steps that dictate host specificity, infectivity, and spread.

👉 indico.mpl.mpg.de/event/21/

⚠️ Space is limited, so please register sooner than later!

Engage with leading experts in virology, biophysics, and theoretical sciences for in-depth discussions and knowledge exchange.

🎤 Featured speakers who will share valuable insights through their presentations:  Assoc. Prof. Marta Bally, Prof. Jens Bosse, Prof. Petr Chlanda, Prof. Urs Greber, Prof. Kay Grünewald, Prof. em. Ari Helenius, Dr. Hannah Itell, Prof. sergi padilla-parra, Prof. Christian Sieben, Assoc. Prof. Kevin Welsher, Prof. Yohei Yamauchi, Dr. David Albrecht.

Venue:
Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin
Seminar Room
Kussmaulallee 2
91054 Erlangen

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 15

Eleni Dalaka researches how physical forces and mechanical properties of cells influence cancer, from its initiation to its invasion and metastasis.

Read more about Eleni Dalaka and her research group ›Cancer Biomechanics‹ here: 👉 mpzpm.mpg.de/news/news-de...

New research group at MPZPM investigates cancer biomechanics
Eleni Dalaka researches how physical forces and mechanical properties of cells influence cancer, from its initiation to its invasion and metastasis. In this context, she wants to understand why some cells metastasise and others don’t, and what the mechanical properties of these aggressive cells are, among other things. With that, she aims to develop new therapeutic approaches based on cancer biomechanics.

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 13

Viola Introini is conducting research into the disease Malaria caused by Plasmodium parasites. The aim is to gain new insights which can be applied to future treatments for vascular diseases.

Read more about her and her research group ›Vascular Infections‹ here.
👉 mpzpm.mpg.de/news/news-de...

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 12

On 25 September 2025 at 3:30 p.m., our research group leader Prof. Christoph Marquardt will speak in the online series ›Wissenschaft LIVE!‹ on ›Quantum Cryptography‹.

👉 www.jugend-forscht.de/service/vera...

📸 MPL, Stephan Spangenberg

🌍 ›International Youth Day‹ – 12 August 2025

›International Youth Day‹ was established by the United Nations to draw attention to the significance, opportunities, and challenges faced by young people worldwide. Young people, with their questions, ideas, and creativity, shape the science of tomorrow. This is precisely where the ›Stiftung Jugend forscht e. V.‹ comes in, fostering the spirit of discovery in school students and opening doors to current scientific topics.
In this context, we would like to highlight an exciting event organised by the Foundation:

📅 On 25 September 2025 at 3:30 p.m., our research group leader Prof. Christoph Marquardt will speak in the online series ›Wissenschaft LIVE!‹ on ›Quantum Cryptography‹. Prof. Marquardt will explain cryptographic methods and technologies for transmitting quantum keys via satellites.

The event is aimed at interested school students and adults. The event will be held in German.

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Reposted by Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL)

Condensed Matter Physics Center (IFIMAC) @ifimacuam.bsky.social · Aug 5

🤔 Have you heard about polaritons? Do you know what they are? Vahid Sandoghdar @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social explains it to us. @cienciasuam.bsky.social @uam.es youtube.com/shorts/uh_OS...

What is a polariton? #science #physics

YouTube video by IFIMAC – Condensed Matter Physics Center

youtube.com

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 5

#MPL This image highlights the optical mode distribution in a silica rod microresonator, as observed in the scattering profile captured via an infra-red camera.

👉 mpl.mpg.de/research-at-...

📸 MPL, Arghadeep Pal

Light is scattered from a microresonator as it interacts with its material (in this case glass). The distribution of the optical field within the resonator is visualized using an infrared camera. These microresonators have diverse applications in sensing, astronomy, and all-optical devices. Researchers at the MPL confine light in these microstructures to explore their nonlinear effects.

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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) @mpi-scienceoflight.bsky.social · Aug 1

From July 21 to 24, 2025, MPL hosted the 11th Annual Meeting of the Max Planck uOttawa Centre for Extreme and Quantum Photonics in Erlangen. More than 80 participants, including 18 researchers from Ottawa 🇨🇦, came together for four days of scientific exchange.

👉 mpl.mpg.de/news/article...

Beyond presenting the latest research, the meeting aimed to spark new collaborations.

Prof. Gerd Leuchs, Prof. Robert Boyd, Prof. Pierre Berini, Prof. Florian Marquardt, Prof. Christoph Marquardt, Prof. Birgit Stiller, Prof. Flore Kunst, Prof. Nicolas Joly, Prof. Maria Chekhova, Dr. Nicholas Karpowicz, Prof. Peter Hommelhoff, Assoc. Prof. Jeff Lundeen, Prof. Ebrahim Karimi, Prof. Claudiu Genes

Read more about the Meeting here 👉 https://mpl.mpg.de/news/article/advancing-quantum-photonics-11th-annual-meeting-of-the-max-planck-uottawa-centre-at-mpl

Informal discussions, networking opportunities, and the invitation to extend stays in Erlangen encouraged participants to deepen scientific connections onsite.

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