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Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light


Quantum properties of multimode light observed despite extreme losses

A team of scientists has developed a method to measure multiple quantum channels of light simultaneously, even when almost all the light is lost before reaching the detector. This breakthrough enables the detection of complex quantum states and provides a practical route toward real-world high-dimensional quantum technologies.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026

When cells reveal their inner workings

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light create a 'map' of glycocalyx by mapping individual sugar structures using super-high-resolution microscopy technology. The results show that the spatial arrangement of sugar structures relates to cell physiological state, providing a structured display to the outside world.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2026

Of the geometry of light

A German-Japanese research team applies quantum geometry to non-Hermitian photonic systems, introducing a new degree of complexity. They develop a method to measure the quantum metric directly, enabling the creation of programmable artificial potentials for light and new design possibilities for photonic systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2026

Intelligent hydrogel microstructures enable the precise application of force to cellular systems

Scientists at Max Planck Institute develop a novel lab-on-a-chip system using intelligent hydrogel structures to simulate spatially and temporally controlled mechanical perturbations of biological polymer networks. The system applies precise pressure forces to cellular microenvironments, enabling research into biomechanical interaction...

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2025

Is shaping brain activity a mechanical process? An international research team provides new insights

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that the mechanical properties of the developing brain play a significant role in synapse formation and electrical signal emergence. The researchers found that softer regions exhibit higher synapse densities, while stiffer regions show lower densities.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2025

Ångström-scale optical microscopy deciphers conformational states of single membrane proteins

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light developed a new method to resolve specific sites within mechanosensitive protein PIEZO1 in its native cell membrane state. The technique, using cryogenic conditions and rapid freezing, sheds light on how the protein flexes and expands in response to mechanical stimuli.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 21, 2025

Molecular hybridization through vacuum

Researchers at Max Planck Institute successfully couple spatially separated molecules via a modified vacuum field in an optical microresonator. This breakthrough enables the creation of synthetic states of coupled molecules, with potential applications in quantum technology and information processing.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 13, 2025

Structure meets function: Glycocalyx analyzed at the molecular level for the first time

Researchers at Max Planck Institute successfully image individual sugars within the glycocalyx at molecular resolution, linking their spatial arrangement to biological function. This breakthrough enables functional conclusions about cellular processes and opens new avenues for clinical applications.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2025

Photonic computing needs more nonlinearity: acoustics can help

Scientists have developed an all-optical activation function based on sound waves for photonic computing, enabling the creation of energy-efficient artificial intelligence systems. This breakthrough could potentially facilitate the scaling up of physical computing systems and pave the way for more efficient optical neural networks.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNanophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2025

Neighborhood dispute among cells: Whichever successfully exerts force wins

Researchers discovered a previously unknown mechanism in mechanical cell competition, where stronger "winner" cells exert more mechanical forces to outcompete weaker "loser" cells. The finding challenges classical interpretation of cell competition and suggests that active resistance to elimination is the key factor in survival.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Materials·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2025

Physical signals as fate deciders: How mechanical forces extrude cells from tissues

Physical signals from mechanical forces play a crucial role in determining the fate of cells being extruded from tissues. The study reveals that the intensity and duration of these forces determine whether dead or live cells are eliminated, with implications for tissue homeostasis and cancer progression.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2025

10,000 times faster than traditional methods: new computational framework automatically discovers experimental designs in microscopy

Researchers have developed an AI framework called XLuminA that autonomously discovers new experimental designs in microscopy. The framework performs optimizations 10,000 times faster than well-established methods, opening the path for exploring completely new territories in microscopy.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 10, 2024

Ytterbium thin-disk lasers pave the way for sensitive detection of atmospheric pollutants

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light create a novel laser system that can detect a wide variety of atmospheric compounds with minimal interference. The system's ability to target the short-wave infrared range and generate high-power, stable pulses enables unprecedented detection sensitivity and accuracy.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalAPL Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2024

Neural networks made of light

Researchers at Max Planck Institute propose a new method for implementing neural networks with optical systems, which could lead to faster and more energy-efficient alternatives. The approach allows for parallel computations in high speeds limited by the speed of light, and can be applied to various physically different systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024

μkiss-and-tell: A new method for precision delivery of nanoparticles and small molecules to individual cells

Scientists create 'μkiss' technique for precise delivery of materials to individual cells, offering new possibilities in single-cell science and next-generation therapeutic applications. The method provides full control over location, time, and scale of material application, enabling detailed studies of cellular processes.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Creating an artificial pathologist

A team of scientists at Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light developed a method to quickly and accurately diagnose cancer using artificial intelligence and real-time deformability cytometry. The method reduces analysis time from hours to under 30 minutes, enabling faster decision-making during surgery.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023