The Institute of Photonics at Leibniz Universität Hannover was founded in late 2020. It’s aim is pursuing research and teaching in the growing interdisciplinary field of photonics. The Institute of Photonics deals with basic and application-oriented research of photonic effects and systems, using both experimental and numerical theoretical methods. The research ranges from the study of new photonic phenomena to the design of optical fibre-based and integrated systems and photonic nanostructures. Here effects and structures are taken into account that are on the order of the wavelength of the light. Another focus of the institute’s research is the application of these new systems in e.g. sensor technology and information processing.
The institute currently has three professorships. Prof Xiaoying Zhuang is involved in the development and application of machine learning methods and numerical mechanics to calculate and design novel nanostructures, metamaterials and photonic systems. Prof Michael Kues is involved in research into photonic quantum systems with a focus on technology development. Examples include the implementation of quantum-enhanced measurement methods, e.g. improved resolution, and the realisation of quantum information processing systems, e.g. the implementation of optimisation algorithms. Prof Birgit Stiller is working on the interaction of light waves with sound waves. This research leads to new types of data processing with sound waves, to applications for secure quantum communication and to the storage of light information. All three professors have been awarded an ERC Starting Grant and have excellent national and international networks throughout the institute. The institute is significantly involved in the ‘PhoenixD’ Cluster of Excellence and has collaborations with universities in Germany (e.g. KIT, Ruhr University Bochum, University of Leipzig) and with research institutions worldwide (e.g. Glasgow University, Aarhus University).
