Abbe School of Photonics 3.9

ABOUT THE ABBE SCHOOL OF PHOTONICS

The Abbe School of Photonics was founded in July 2008 at the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena and contains a combined distinguished M.Sc. program and a wide-ranging PhD program in Optics & Photonics. This project is funded in public private partnership by the German Federal and State Goverments, the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, and the German optical industry to promote training and research in optics. It is supported by 16 professors and other senior researchers from the university, scientific institutes and the industry.
Based on the photon concept introduced by Einstein in 1905, the invention of the laser in 1960 paved the way for a new era in research in Optics & Photonics with the consequence that the properties of light can now be manipulated on a wide scale. Because optics is an enabler and catalyst, the invention of photonic technologies has deep consequences and triggers a revolution in many fields of science, medicine, and technology. Prominent examples are microscopy and imaging, spectroscopy, medical treatment, life sciences, astronomy, biology, chemistry, and communications. In the 20th century, electronics was the dominant technology having lost this position to Optics & Photonics in the 21st century, which is frequently termed the "Century of Light". Both great challenges in fundamental research and a huge market for optically dominated products drive the evolution in Optics & Photonics.
The Jena area has a long-standing tradition for a symbiosis between academic research and a fast developing optical industry with a unique potential for innovation documented by pioneers such as Carl Zeiss, Otto Schott and Ernst Abbe. It has been a source of innovation in humanities and science since the 17th century. The multidisciplinary approach, which has become common among Jena researchers, and the international acceptance of its top research areas are key advantages.

Dr. Dorit Schmidt
ASP Coordinator
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena