Researchers from the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT) and the University of Jena – shown here in a laboratory at the Abbe Center of Photonics on the Beutenberg Campus.
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Researchers from the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (Leibniz IPHT) and the University of Jena – shown here in a laboratory at the Abbe Center of Photonics on the Beutenberg Campus.
Image: Sven Döring / Leibniz-IPHT

Abbe Center of Photonics

Front facet of the ACP building in 2019.

Front facet of the ACP building in 2019.

Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)

The Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP) is the leading academic hub for optics, photonics, and quantum technology at Friedrich Schiller University Jena de. 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 Museum (D.O.M.)External link. ACP brings together several institutes, over 60 research groups, and more than 300 state-of-the-art laboratories. It is recognized as one of the premier European centers for research and training in these fields, with a strong focus on knowledge transfer and innovation. ACP also plays a key role in the education of early-career scientists through its integrated Abbe School of Photonics. The center maintains close ties with local industry partners and the international scientific community.

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News

  1. Call for a Junior Research Group Leader in Nano & Quantum Optics 2026

    Call for an exceptional candidate to establish an independent research group! While this is an open topic call, connections to Nano & Quantum Optics are explicitly desired. This call is focusing on strengthening diversity in science.

    • Light
    Works on Laser adjustment in the ACP Lichtwerkstatt lab.
    Image: Lichtwerkstatt MINT Makerspace

  3. Jena is celebrating 225 years of UV radiation

    The University of Jena commemorates the discovery of UV radiation and its significance for modern key technologies.

    • Light
    • Life
    • Liberty
    In a darkened room, minerals can be seen under ultraviolet light at the Mineralogical Collection of the University of Jena.
    Image: Nicole Nerger (University of Jena)
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Key Research Areas

  • Lasers & Photonic Systems

    Coherent Light Sources, Photonic Instrumentation, and Optical Systems.

    PhD student in one of ACP's laser labs.
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)

  • Biophotonics & Optical Health Technology

    Advanced Spectroscopic Methods for Biomedicine, Multimodal Bioimaging & AI-assisted Spectroscopy, Integrated Photonic Diagnostics & Smart Lab-on-a-chip.

    Spectroscopic analysics of a bacteria culture in the lab
    Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)

  • Strong Field Physics

    Ultrahigh Peak Power Lasers, Nonlinear and Relativistic Laser Physics, and X-ray Optics.

    Penultimate stage of the one-of-a-kind POLARIS laser in Jena
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
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Testimonials

  • "I valued enormously during my stay the interaction with about 80 students integrated at the Abbe Center of Photonics who were attending my lectures."

    Prof. Dr. Javier Aizpurua, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastián, the Basque Country, Spain

    Prof. Dr. Javier AIZPURUAL
    Image: Private

  • "The combination of Jena University and Fraunhofer in optics is really unique in Europe. The integration in Jena looks seamless."

    Prof. Dr. em. Hans Bachor, The Australian National University, Canberra.

    Prof. Hans Bachor
    Image: Australian Academy of Science

  • "I think that the level of research and teaching makes the ACP one of the best places to pursue a career in optics."

    Prof. Dr. Igal Brener, Sandia National Laboratories and Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

    Prof. Igal Brener
    Image: Private

  • "I have seen many places worldwide: the Abbe Center is really a world-class operation, that’s for sure."

    Prof. Dr. Federico Capasso, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

    Prof. Dr. Federico Capasso
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)

  • "My stay at ACP was very enjoyable and stimulating and a great foundation for future collaboration and partnership."

    Prof. Benjamin Eggleton, University of Sydney, Australia

    Prof. Benjamin Eggleton,
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)

  • "I believe the Abbe Center of Photonics has the largest number of enthusiastic young researchers I ever met in any place of the world."

    Prof. Yuri S. Kivshar, Australian National University, Canberra

    Prof. Yuri S. KIVSHARL
    Image: Private

  • "I find my visit to Jena most productive, intellectually stimulating and hope to develop long-term collaborations based on new contacts made here."

    Prof. Dr. Igor Lednev, State University of New York, Albany, USA

    Prof. Dr. Igor Lednev
    Image: Private

  • "The ASP guest-professor program has been a wonderful platform for me to engage in both young-researcher training and in research collaborations."

    Prof. Dr. Asger Mortensen, Department of Photonics Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

    Prof. Dr. Asger MORTENSEN
    Image: Private

  • "The MSc Photonics program at the Abbe School of Photonics in Jena is in my opinion the strongest anywhere."

    Prof. Martin C. Richardson, Director of the Townes Laser Institute, College of Optics & Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA

    Prof. Martin C. Richardson
    Image: Private

  • "There is nowhere else in the photonics world like Jena."

    Prof. David D. Sampson Winthrop Professor and Director of the Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation & Analysis (CMCA), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia

    Prof. David D. SAMPSON
    Image: Private