Optical Technologies: International Symposium „Future Optics“ in Hannover

The 21st century will be the age of optics: Optical fibre networks are the backbone of modern mobile communication technology. High-resolution camera systems are the prerequisite for autonomous driving, and laser technology replaces the scalpel in many medical procedures.

At the international symposium “Future Optics” on 25 and 26 September 2019 in Hannover, approximately 180 scientists will discuss how optical technologies can shape the future.

The keynote lecture “Photonics for Mass Applications: Highlights, Trends, Visions” will be held by Prof. Dr. Karl Ebeling from University of Ulm on Wednesday 25 September 2019, 4.30 p.m. at Herrenhausen Palace (Herrenhäuser Straße 5, 30419 Hannover).

Björn Thümler, Minister for Science and Culture in Lower Saxony, and Prof. Dr. Volker Epping, President of Leibniz University Hannover will officially open the symposium at 4 p.m.

The Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD (Photonics, Optics, and Engineering – Innovation Across Disciplines) at Leibniz University Hannover organises the symposium in collaboration with Volkswagen Foundation.

“The 20th century was the age of electrical engineering, the 21st century is the age of optics,” says Prof. Dr. Uwe Morgner, PhoenixD spokesperson and professor at the Institute of Quantum Optics at Leibniz University Hannover.

“We are delighted to welcome over 180 scientists from Germany, Asia and the United States at the opening symposium in Hannover. Here in Hannover, all the important work areas for research on novel optical systems are present: materials research, simulation technology, metrology and manufacturing.

Therefore, Hannover is the only interdisciplinary location worldwide where physicists, engineers, computer scientists and mathematicians work together to develop new applications in optics.“

Between 2019 and 2025, the Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD will receive 57 million euros of funding from the federal government and the state of Lower Saxony via the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Collaboration partners include Technische Universität Braunschweig, Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute), Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt and Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.

More than 100 scientists from the disciplines of physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics work together in the cluster.

The cluster explores opportunities provided by digitalisation for novel optical systems, as well as their production and application. Possible fields of application include small medical diagnostic devices that can replace expensive and time-consuming laboratory diagnostics.

For further information about the conference, the complete conference programme and the Cluster of Excellence, please visit our website at www.phoenixd.de

Note to the editors:
Media representatives should contact Sonja Smalian for accreditation at sonja.smalian@phoenixd.uni-hannover.de or by telephone at +49 176-294 585 67. Interviews are possible on 25 September 2019 from 5.30 p.m. on-site and by appointment.

A more comprehensive press release including quotations from the keynote speaker and the other speakers will be sent out together with a press photo on Wednesday, 25 September 2019, around 5 p.m.