Institute for Experimental Physics
In the teams of the institute, we work on experimental quantum optics and on quantum metrology, a subfield of quantum technology. We investigate how we can prepare fundamental particles, atoms and molecules in special states, by means of cryogencis and lasers, and how to use the particles for addressing questions in fundamental physics.
These include:
How do atoms interact in highly excited states?
How can molecules with extremely low kinetic energy be produced?
What is the nature of dark matter?
Are there other forces besides the four known forces of nature?
Are the established symmetries of Physics (CPT symmetry, Lorentz Invariance) exactly or only approximately valid?
Is standard quantum mechanics theory complete?
Answering these questions requires, in particular, developing and refining new experimental techniques.
2022/11: Christian Wellers receives the degree "Dr. rer. nat." after passing his oral examination. A large audience attended his presentation on the development and characterization of an ion trap apparatus for spectroscopy of single atomic and molecular ions. We are happy that he successfully completed a most difficult project!
2022/10: Jianwei Shen obtains the Ph.D. degree, based on his research on optical and THz spectroscopy of trapped ions.
2022/05: Michael Hansen passes the Ph.D. oral examination on the topic "Frequency metrology tools for high-precision spectroscopy of molecular hydrogen ions". It is the first live oral since the pandemy. Congratulations!
2021/08: Eugen Wiens graduates with a dissertation on cryogenic optical resonators. Congratulations!
2020/08: Soroosh Alighanbari obtains his Ph.D. degree summa cum laude.
2019/05: Interview with Prof. Schiller about the ERC project "PREMOL" (in German, starts at 1:50 min)