The institute is based on the Max Planck Research Group "Optics, Information and Photonics", which was founded in 2004 at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, as a precursor.

The institute researchers are supported by several scientifically active technology development and service units.

The MPL hosts an International Max Planck Research School Physics of Light [1].

The winner of the prestigious Körber European Science Prize was awarded the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach chair with his move from the University of Bath to Erlangen.

Sandoghdar, previously working at ETH Zurich, was awarded the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Professorships at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.

The project was made by the Munich architecture bureau Fritsch + Tschaidse Architekten GmbH.