Theodor Hänsch - Laser Spectroscopy (VIDEO PORTRAIT)

Theodor Hänsch is one of the five scientific directors at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) in Garching by Munich, a world leading institution for fundamental research on photonics and quantum science and technology. For his ground breaking invention of the laser frequency comb Theodor Hänsch was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2005. In his Laser Spectroscopy group at MPQ and , Theodor Hänsch uses modern tools from laser science, nonlinear optics and photonics to open a sharp window into the microcosmos and gain new and fundamental insights into atomic and molecular physics, and the physics of light. Are the constants of nature really constant? Are there detectable differences between matter and antimatter? How well does quantum mechanics describe hydrogen-like atoms and ions? Are there any fundamental limits to the accuracy of optical atomic clocks? These are only some of the questions Theodor Hänsch and his group are investigating.

The interview and lab tour with Theodor Hänsch was recorded in November 2021 at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics. The video was produced with the support of ScienceRelations.

Camera: Franz Lindinger
Editing: Krischan Dietmaier
Concept: Katharina Jarrah, Dirk Hans

Copyright: Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics