The Institute of Condensed Matter Theory and Optics (IFTO) is known as a centre for the development of theoretical and numerical methods and their application in condensed matter and materials science, linear and nonlinear optics and plasmonics.

Research activities comprise the investigation of traditional and new materials, including nano- and metamaterials with particular emphasis on a comprehensive understanding of light-matter interactions on both microscopic and macroscopic levels. There is a long-standing experience in many-body quantum physics, in the theoretical description of nanostructures and functionalized surfaces and in the analysis of the nonlinear dynamics and self-organization of light in optical systems.