Spin - Light - Matter, this is the comprehensive theme of the research center OPTIMAS at the Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU). Within OPTIMAS, the cutting edge research topics optics and material sciences are studied across the borders of the traditional research fields of sciences and engineering. For advancing the research topics, the scientists contribute their expertise in quantum optics, applied optics, magnetism, surface physics, molecular and material sciences and benefit from the exchange of ideas. The research projects range from basic research - for example on spin dynamics in theoretical spin chains - to application-oriented issues such as the development of new types of storage materials.

OPTIMAS consists of research groups from the university departments of Physics, Chemistry, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical and Process Engineering. In addition, the Nano Structuring Center (NSC) of RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, the Institut für Oberflächen- und Schichttechnik GmbH (IFOS, Institute for Surface and Thin Film Technology), and the "Center for Material Characterization and Testing" of the Fraunhofer ITWM are partners of OPTIMAS.

OPTIMAS' high-ranking scientific potential becomes apparent from the many research networks OPTIMAS scientists are part of. Among those coordinated research programs are the Collaborative Research Centers (Sonderforschungsbereiche) "Open System Control of Atomic and Photonic Matter" (SFB/TRR 185 OSCAR) and "Spin in its collective environment" (SFB/TRR 173 Spin+X). The Rhineland-Palatinate Quantum Initiative (QUIP) and the UpQuantVal project as part of the European funding program for cross-border projects on the Upper Rhine are also part of the network.

A particular objective of OPTIMAS is to further advance research and education at RPTU in Kaiserslautern with a particular focus on photonics, spintronics, molecular and magnetic functional materials, as well as nano structures. The state research center played a central role in setting up the Laboratory of Advanced Spin Engineering (LASE) on the RPTU campus in Kaiserslautern. In the new research building, around 100 scientists from the fields of physics, chemistry and engineering are working together on fundamental and technical issues relating to spin - including many students.

With its funding by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, OPTIMAS supports current research infrastructure, as well as new appointments of internationally acclaimed scientists at the RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau.