Spark curiosity for photonics
Show what optics can actually do in the real world.
- Host events on lasers, quantum tech and sensing
- Deconstruct recent research papers and share insights
- Build up an interdisciplinary community
About photum
What we stand for
A student community bridging photonics theory and real world practice, and why Munich is a strong place to do it.
What we stand for
Our Mission
We bridge the gap between academic theory and real world photonics, building skills, community, and hardware that matters.
Learn beyond the lecture halls
Build up practical skills and insights.
- Organize lab tours at TUM labs, institutes and companies
- Offer hands on workshops (e.g. optical design software)
- Connect to local photonic startups and researchers
Turn theory into hardware
Work on actual projects and participate in competitions.
- Kick off student led hardware prototypes from scratch
- Compete as a team in industry challenges and hackathons
- Building a functional laser communication demonstrator
Academic advisors
photum is supported by two professors at the Walter Schottky Institute, giving our student initiative a direct link to world class photonics research at TUM.
Prof. Dr. Kai Müller
Associate Professorship of Quantum Electronics and Computer Engineering, TUM
His group develops building blocks for photonic quantum technologies, from single photon sources to quantum photonic circuits. That makes him an ideal advisor for a club that wants to connect students with hands on optics, current research, and real hardware.
Prof. Dr. Mikhail Belkin
Chair of Semiconductor Technology, TUM
His research spans mid infrared and terahertz photonics, optoelectronics, and integrated photonic systems. He brings deep expertise in semiconductor devices and applied photonics, exactly the perspective we need when turning student ideas into working prototypes.
The field we care about
Where Photonics Matters
From quantum networks to medical imaging, light plays a central role in many technologies we're curious about.
01
Quantum technologies
Photons act as essential qubits for secure networks and computing.
02
Semiconductor manufacturing
Advanced optics enable EUV lithography for next gen chip production.
03
Green photonics
Optical solutions reduce energy in data centers and monitor emissions.
04
Autonomous systems
LiDAR and smart sensors provide the 'eyes' for future mobility.
05
Optical computing
Light based processing overcomes the speed and heat limits of electronics.
06
Biophotonics & health
Precision lasers and imaging enable non invasive medical care.
Learn
Why Munich is a Strong Photonics Hub
Munich brings together strong universities, active deep tech startups, and major industry R&D, a rich environment for anyone interested in photonics.
Research landscape
Fraunhofer, Max Planck, TUM, and LMU form a dense research cluster, with thousands of researchers working across optics and related fields.
Deep tech founders
Munich born ventures like Black Semiconductor, Linque, and Akhetonics turn cutting edge optics research into commercial products.
Global R&D presence
Major tech and automotive companies run R&D hubs here, alongside photonics leaders like Mynaric, TOPTICA, and ZEISS.
Startup infrastructure
UnternehmerTUM supports early stage founders and connects students with Munich's startup scene.
Students at TUM
A large, international student body with growing activity in photonics, optics, and deep tech.
Researchers
Across TUM's photonics related institutes and partner organizations in the Munich area.
Reach out
Get in touch
Whether you want to join, collaborate, sponsor an event, or just say hello, we'd love to hear from you. No prior experience needed.
photum.studentclub@gmail.com