Chair for Laser Physics
Welcome to the website of the Chair for Laser Physics!
At the moment we work in three main branches of research that combine the topics of laser physics, quantum, electron, and nano optics, strong-field and attosecond physics, plasmonics and solid state research. We investigate the wave and particle properties of electrons in ultrafast processes in and at nano objects; we develop new particle traps to create quantum optical systems in order to build a quantum electron microscope; we use laser pulses at photonic nanostructures to look into novel concepts for particle acceleration.
The main part of our laboratory is centered around light-matter interaction on fastest time scales, namely the femtosecond and attosecond time scale (1 fs = 1 millionth of a billionth of a second, 1 as = 1 billionth of a billionth of a second). This allows us, to put it a bit more abstractly, to work towards understanding und utilizing photon-electron coupling in various systems. A part of this is based on highly advanced methods to control electrons, often with light fields, which requires building new laser sources and amplifiers.
The second now again public defense at our chair after some years - and also at this one everybody was not only enthusiastic about another outstanding lecture, but also about the wonderful atmosphere: Tobias Weitz defended his thesis with waving flags -- congratulations! For all who don't know him p...
SCHOOL ON THE FRONTIERS OF LIGHT: Photonics with free electrons -- this summer school will take place at ICFO close to Barcelona at the beginning of July. Apply here by May 14.
Attosecond physics, also called strong field physics, is based on the fact that electrons are emitted from something on the attosecond time scale and are accelerated thereon in the intense optical field. Some of the electrons are even driven back and collide with the body emitting them. For about 30...
Another highly interesting ACHIP collaboration meeting is behind us - this time in Stanford and with the hottest results from there and from Erlangen. Was this really the last meeting? Unfortunately, after more than seven years of generous support, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation cannot contin...
For more than ten years, we and other research groups worldwide have been working on strong-field physics on solids - which until now could only ever be observed on nanometre-sharp needle tips. In terms of the driving optical wavelength, these tips are zero-dimensional objects. We wondered if we cou...
After several Corona-related years without a public part, Philip Dienstbier was able to defend his dissertation this time - for the first time with us again - with an audience. So, finally, not only the three examiners were able to follow another outstanding defense lecture - congratulations, Dr. Di...
The Falling Walls Science Summit takes place every year around 9 November, the day then the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, and discusses breakthroughs of all kinds - in Berlin. This year, one hour was reserved for the particle accelerator on the nanophotonic chip: Here, Dr Marija Vranic discusses w...
