About CeOPP

Since 1989 the University of Paderborn is constantly promoting research and development in the fields of modern optical technologies. Over the years, this topical focus within our University was continuously developed into the fields of optoelectronics, photonics, and integrated optics, in accordance with the mission statement of the University of Paderborn as “University of the Information Society”. An important prerequisite for this concept was the formation of an interdisciplinary group of designated researchers from the departments of physics, electrical engineering and information technology, and chemistry. Already in 1997 the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) started to support the activities in Paderborn with the establishment of the coordinated research unit “Integrated Optics in Lithium Niobate“. In the year 2006, the central research facility “Center for Optoelectronics and Photonics Paderborn” (CeOPP) was founded on the basis of initially ten designated research groups. In the same year, the new building for optoelectronics, integrated optics, and photonics became available for the CeOPP researchers. Excellent clean room facilities, as well as top quality lab and office space can be since then used for corporate research and development. 2008 marks the starting point of our joint research activities on “Micro- and Nanostructures in Optoelectronics and Photonics” within the framework of the recently established DFG Research Training Group GRK 1464. In April 2014, we were able to start the new DFG-funded collaborative research center SFB TRR 142 on “Tailored nonlinear photonics” together with our colleges from the TU Dortmund University. With this pronounced focus on research in the field of novel optical technologies the CeOPP at the University of Paderborn has become an important player in the field of optoelectronics, photonics, and emerging quantum technologies word-wide. The support by the DFG was in 2018 extended into 2021.

For teaching and education, the interdisciplinary structure of the CeOPP offers unique opportunities for Bachelor-, Master-, and PhD-students to acquire a broad and profound knowledge in the most important key technologies for the next century. Therefore, a Master program for Optoelectronics and Photonics was established between with the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Physics Department. No matter whether the individual interests are oriented towards fundamental or applied aspects, towards theory, experiment, or technology, the appropriate lecture or internship is readily found in the Bachelor and Master programs of our departments. The mission of the CeOPP to promote the best possible professional qualification for the students is supplemented by the organization of graduate lectures about hot topics in the field, presented by distinguished external speakers and guest scientists.
By now, 21 designated members from the University of Paderborn and 5 associated members join the CeOPP. Together they cover important areas of the innovative optical technologies of today.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Zentgraf, Chairman of CeOPP
September 2021