Master in Light Sciences and Technology

The international Master in Light Sciences and Technologies is part of the University of Bordeaux Graduate Research School.

Selected as a French Initiative of Excellence, the program focuses on knowledge and innovation in light sciences and technologies, providing a multidisciplinary environment for first-class research and education.

The Light Sciences and Technologies Graduate program is an integrated, interdisciplinary program, provided by both academic and industrial experts. The Master is embedded in a cross-fertilizing research environment, adapted to future professions within photonic industries.

The generation, transport, manipulation, detection, and use of light are at the heart of the multidisciplinary Science of Photonics. Today, Laser and photonics is not solely a driver for innovation in manufacturing; the photonic technologies, laser tools, and process systems are themselves becoming products.

Scientific scope

• Laser & Photonics
• Extreme regimes of light
• Materials for photonics
• Quantum sciences & Quantum technologies
• Condensed matter
• Nanosciences
• Optoelectronics
• Photochemistry
• Molecular photonics
• Biophotonics & Imaging

Strengths of the program

• Integrated and interdisciplinary education program provided by academic and industrial experts
• Immersive training in research laboratories and the industrial R&D centers
• Extensive hands-on training is given in state of the art research facilities and infrastructures
• Transverse skills modules
• International mobility and/or training in industry

The interdisciplinary graduate program in Light Sciences and Technologies focuses on three domains of excellence of the University of Bordeaux:

Light Generation, Manipulation and Detection

The generation, transport, manipulation, detection and use of light are at the heart of the photonics domain of excellence. The development of laser systems has led to expertise in nonlinear-optical phenomena and exploitation of these effects for nonlinear-optical devices and optimized laser systems. The optical materials design involves state-of-the-art knowledge on the synthesis, structure, characterization tools, properties (including optical properties) and application (including luminescence) of functional materials. Photonics, micro- & nano-optics local expertise addresses various research fields such as: Plasmonics, Photonic nanomaterials/metamaterials/meta-surfaces, Optical nano emitters and nanoantennas. The light and energy domain covers expertise on low-energy light sources, intelligent lighting controls and solar energy conversion (photovoltaics and other solar energy harvesting technologies). Light detection research includes advanced detection systems for sensing and imaging and photo-detection architectures.

Extreme regime of light

The heralding of a new paradigm in the application of high power lasers is enabling a unique range of fundamental and applied sciences, and new technologies, including novel particle accelerators, light initiated nuclear reactions research, laboratory astrophysics, condensed matter under high pressure, novel x-ray sources, and strong-field QED, amongst others. At the same time, the complementary development of Nanosciences and quantum physics has allowed making tremendous progress in the mastering of electronic excitations in nanostructured materials and devices and on the quantum properties of matter at ultra-low temperatures. Strong synergies are now expected from the mustering of both approaches to Extreme Regimes of Light. This specialty will require a good knowledge of mathematics, optics, electrodynamics, experimental physics and basics of quantum mechanics.

Light imaging and biophotonics

Concepts in light imaging are often approached from the angle of methodology which reflects the duality of this broad field of science and engineering: the constant need for development of new investigation methodologies for pushing the limits of current performances, and the clever application of state-of-the-art methods for specific (bio)applications. This duality, however, requires the acquisition of common basic knowledge: a set of multidisciplinary skills in physics, chemistry and biology to understand and master the different aspects of light imaging.

The University of Bordeaux, heir to a history of nearly six centuries, is a multidisciplinary university with deep regional roots that reach out to the European and international levels. It is now striving to rise to the challenge of environmental and societal transitions and improve the well-being of its entire community.

Missions and values

By its very nature, the university is open to the world and the place for learning, innovation, and the transmission of knowledge.

By linking research and education together, the University of Bordeaux is preparing the citizens of tomorrow and helping them become successful in both their personal and professional lives. Thanks to the lifelong learning opportunities it provides, the university continually enriches employees' skills and transforms companies and communities.

Recognised for its capacity for innovation and awarded the "Initiative of Excellence" label, the University of Bordeaux regularly contributes to major scientific advances with its academic and socioeconomic partners in France and abroad. It ensures their transmission and facilitates their transfer to society, in line with its commitment to environmental and societal transitions.

The university has participated in building the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and Research Area (ERA), while developing actions of international cooperation.

Throughout, the University of Bordeaux has remained loyal to the intellectual and cultural values as well as the open-mindedness and freedom of thought inherited from the great figures of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment.

A multidisciplinary university

The wide range of fields available at the University of Bordeaux is a guarantee of interdisciplinarity.

The university's educational components cover practically all fields of knowledge. They are grouped into 4 colleges:

• Law, Political Science, Economics and Management
• Health Sciences
• Human Sciences
• Science and Technology

This interdisciplinarity is also illustrated by its 8 doctoral schools, also grouped into a Graduate Research School, and its 11 research departments, bringing together 90 laboratories, institutes, and technical platforms in nearly 50 fields.

Last but not least, the University of Bordeaux is home to 3 institutes dealing with more specific fields of study:

• University of Bordeaux Institute of Technology (IUT)
• Institute of Vine & Wine Science (ISVV)
• Institute of Education (INSPE).

Key figures

• 52,000students
• 6,100 staff members including nearly 3,260 lecturer-researchers and researchers
• 90 research facilities including 65 in co-supervision with research organizations
• 50 fields of research and education
• 27,000 scientific publications from 2015 to 2020, including 18% in the top 10% of the world's most cited publications
• 130 joint European research projects within Horizon Europe and other programs
• 1rd French university at national level
• 2nd place at regional level, behind Safran
• 570 million-euro budget in 2022
• 18 campus sites in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
• 187 hectares of campus grounds including 140 hectares of green spaces

Discover the campus

Wherever you study, in the Bordeaux metropolitan area or in one of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine locations, all our campus sites greet you in the best possible conditions, but that’s not all! There are great sports facilities, artistic and cultural activities, and historical heritage, and the ocean is less than an hour-drive away... Welcome to a region that fosters a balanced lifestyle.