Structures in Confined Light - from Topology to Microscopy

The ability to shape light has revolutionised imaging, optical trapping and both quantum and classical communication. The simultaneous control over both spatiotemporal intensity and polarization structures requires new approaches to optical devices such as metamaterials and -surfaces while at the same time the handedness of structured light lends itself to imaging, probing and manipulating the geometry and potentially chirality of matter. In addition, the generation, propagation and interaction of structured light with matter is governed by topological invariants and conservation laws, which add a complex mathematical component to this exciting and interdisciplinary field. This is why we would like to bring together both young scientists and established, world leading experts from different areas such as mathematical optics, chemistry, microscopy, material science and biomedical physics.

Further information about the International Max Planck Partnership between Scottish Universities and Max Planck Institutes can be found at this website