Experimental setup for the generation of THz radiation.

About

The long history of outstanding research in optics and photonics has led to Jena's high international reputation as the CITY OF LIGHT. In this rich tradition, the Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP) is the academic center of scientific activities in optics and photonics at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena.
Experimental setup for the generation of THz radiation.
Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)

The fields of optics, photonics and quantum technology are at the heart of research, education and industry in Jena, Germany. Nowadays, there is no other city worldwide in which photonics play such a dominant role as here. The long history of outstanding research in optics and photonics has led to Jena's high international reputation as the CITY OF LIGHT. In this rich tradition, the Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP) is the academic center of scientific activities in optics and photonics at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena de. LIGHT is distinguished as one of the University's key research areas within the triad LIGHT - LIFE - LIBERTYExternal link, which represents the university's long-term institutional strategy, with ACP being the key player of LIGHT within the University. As an interfaculty university center, ACP comprises more than 60 high-profile scientists from various university faculties specializing in a wide range of research fields within the areas of modern optics and photonics, as well as scientists from Jena's non-academic research institutes. Moreover, the integrated Abbe School of Photonics (ASP) also runs internatioally recognized academic programs for early-career scientists.

ACP fosters and sustains strong links with our local industry partners as well as with the international scientific community. Research is conducted in joint cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute JenaExternal link, the Helmholtz Institute JenaExternal link, the Leibniz Institute of Photonic TechnologyExternal link, and the Deutsches Optisches MuseumExternal link. As one of its basic goals, ACP strives for synergetic effects between FSU's university institutes, its associated non-university research institutes and partner member companies. In this way, our research and education network creates a scientific, economical and sustainable added-value.

  • Vision and mission

    We are following the vision of positioning ACP as one of the leading European centers for research and education in optics, photonics and quantum science, as well as in the development and transfer of optical and quantum technology.

    Laser setup in the Institute of Optics and Quantum Electronics.
    Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)

  • Institutions

    ACP is an interfaculty center spanning four Departments of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena and collaborating strongly with non-university optics and photonics institutions in the Jena region.

    High Harmonic generation laboratory.
    Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)

  • Facilities

    Significant parts of our research are hosted in the ACP research building located at Albert-Einstein-Str. 6, 07745 Jena.

    Aerial view on the Beutenberg campus in 2019.
    Image: Dr. Jörg Müller.

  • About Ernst Abbe

    The namesake of our Center, Ernst Karl Abbe (23 January 1840 - 14 January 1905), was a German physicist and professor at the University of Jena.

    Bust of Ernst Abbe in Jena.
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)

  • Jena's history of photonics

    Physics and particularly optics owe their status at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena to three personalities of unique and lasting significance: Otto Schott, Carl Zeiss and Ernst Abbe.

    Color pattern recognition.
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)

  • In the media

    The ACP press release list is based on the idw scientific information service, which distributes information on science and research to over 50,000 subscribers, including more than 10,000 journalists.

    Jena's historical physics lecture hall.
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
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