The field of light–matter interaction, which has been at the center of physics and engineering since the invention of the laser is entering a new era. Electromagnetic fields and quantum degrees of freedom of matter are being engineered with unprecedented control. Across nanophotonics, metamaterials, ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum materials, a powerful scientific convergence is underway. Photons are increasingly used to steer matter, energy flow and information across multiple time and length scales.
The 2026 Workshop on the Frontiers in Light–Matter Interactions brings together a uniquely broad group of internationally recognized speakers working at the intersection of:
- Nanophotonics, metasurfaces, and resonant photonics
- Quantum materials, polaritonic systems, and emergent phenomena in light matter hybrids
- Ultrafast science and nonlinear/strong-field optics
- Near-field nano-optics and next-generation spectroscopy
- IR, mid-IR and THz physics for control and sensing
This is an interaction-first workshop, intentionally designed to favor depth over breadth. Talks will follow a tutorial-style format (45 minutes each), leaving ample space for real discussion, scientific exchanges, and collaboration-building.
On August 1, we will conclude the workshop with a one-day special meeting honoring Prof. Albert Polman for his 65th birthday, with several other talks honoring Prof. Polman's scientific contributions and a special dinner.
A Special Invitation to Early-Stage Researchers
A core goal of this workshop is to create an environment where graduate students and postdocs can play an active scientific role, not simply attend. We warmly encourage early-stage participants to present their work through posters and short communications. If your research touches any aspect of modern light–matter interaction, this workshop offers an unusually high-quality setting for feedback, visibility, and new collaborations.
Registration & Fees
Please register on the corresponding subpage by April 30.
Registrations made by March 31 will be treated as early bird registrations. The registration fee will increase by 50 euros after the early-bird deadline.
The early bird registration fee is 300€ for invited speakers and 150€ for early stage researchers and students. Please use these payment links:
Important Information:
Associazione NanoPlasm will be in charge of the registration process. It is a No-profit Cultural Association, registered with the Direct Tax Office (Ufficio delle Imposte Dirette), C.F. 98120770783, which does not carry out business activities and therefore does not have a VAT ID. VAT is required only if any type of commercial activity is conducted (DPR 633/72 art 1 and 5).
Associazione NanoPlasm, on the basis of collections for membership fees and contributions for non-commercial activities, may issue a receipt upon request. According to the laws in force this receipt is exempt from stamp duty (Article 7, table B, comma 16 of DPR 642/72 as amended by Presidential Decree No 55 of December 30, 1982).
The payment of the registration fee has to be considered as a membership fee to the Associazione NanoPlasm, and this makes the participant a supporting associate of the Association for this event and for the current year.
Venue
The workshop will take place at the Grand Hotel San Michele (Cetraro).
Since rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and a special discount is offered for all participants, it is highly recommended to book your room as early as possible and in all cases before March 31. Space is limited, and rooms may not be available after March 31. For booking, please see the "Accommodation" subpage.
Abstracts
All speakers must submit a 1-2 page abstract describing the approach and main findings of the work to be presented on the corresponding subpage by March 31.
Organizers
Speakers