What we deal with in our team:
- We develop and apply coherent light-matter interactions to provide new tools for storage of optically encoded information in robust, scalable, and integratable solid-state quantum memories. Such memories are central components for any optical quantum information technology, e.g., in quantum computers or quantum communication networks. In this research area, our team achieved world record results for stopping and storing of light pulses, e.g., with regard to storage times or storage efficiencies, recently also on the level of single photons.
- In related projects we deal with coherent interactions in cold atomic media at extreme optical depth, i.e., when the medium is highly opaque and incoming photons are fully absorbed. Such media enable nonlinear interactions between single photons – which serves to implement switches with single photons. Towards this goal, our team demonstrated a world record of huge optical depth in cold atoms, the preparation of “stationary light pulses” (i.e., pulses caught in a medium without moving anymore), and new concepts for a single photon source. The latter is essential to provide quantized carriers of information for quantum technology.
- Moreover, we run experiments on coherent, nonlinear optics with intense, short or ultra-short laser pulses. Our objective is to apply coherent light-matter interactions to enhance frequency conversion processes of highly intense, ultra-short laser pulses towards extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) radiation, at wavelengths below 100 nm. This serves to extend the accessible spectral range of laser wavelengths. As another important aim in this research activity we develop new methods for nonlinear optical spectroscopy. This enables sensitive and selective detection of molecular species, with applications in environmental sensing, gas analytics, or imaging/microscopy.
Specific topics of BSc/MSc theses projects in the above research sections range from experimental studies in quantum memories (e.g., to store optically encoded information by novel protocols or novel types of media, and to increase their storage capacities, storage times or efficiencies,…) via technological developments (e.g., design and setup of appropriate cw or pulsed laser systems for our experiments) towards applications (e.g., demonstrations of novel tools for highly performant spectrometry or laser-based analytics). This highlights only a few of the many options for BSc/MSc projects, which are running or planned in our team. In joint discussion with you, we can surely define a topic, which fits your experiences and expectations.
What we expect from you:
You should be motivated, curious to learn and participate in state-of-the-art experimental work in laser-based science and (quantum) optics, and show ability to work and communicate with a research team. You should have knowledge of modern optics, on a level as it is typically provided by the standard optics courses in our physics department, during your BSc and MSc studies.
What we offer to you:
You will find with us a lively and stimulating research environment in a modern laser laboratory, in cooperation with a communicative team, involving scientific coworkers/students and international guest scientists. Working with lasers is probably one of the most attractive activities in physics. We apply a large variety of different laser systems (cw or pulsed), with intensities from the micro-Watt to the Tera-Watt regime, and with wavelengths from the far-infrared via the visible towards UV and XUV. We run experiments in atoms and molecules, in gases, liquids, and solids. In your thesis project you will collect knowledge and experiences in broad areas of physics (optics, laser technology, atomic/molecular/solid-state physics,…), modern lab technology (electronics, vacuum physics, process control, data acquisition and processing…), numerics/simulation, as well as valuable “soft skills” (project management, time planning, communication/presentation,…). Last-but-not-least, a sound education in optics and lasers will enable you, after your studies and exams, to establish yourself in photonic/optics technologies. The latter is among the biggest job sectors for physicists, with large growth rate year by year.
Send us an email to make an appointment and learn about specific BSc/MSc projects in our team.
