Experimental quantum optics / Precision measurement
I build and study optical instruments at the quantum limit
Permanent researcher at the Institute for Quantum Physics, University of Hamburg. My work connects squeezed light, quantum interferometry, quantum foundations, and the design of gravitational-wave observatories.
Selected research
My research connects quantum-optical theory, tabletop experiments, and interferometric design: finding where quantum correlations fail, how to recover them, and how to use them in real instruments.
We identified and experimentally demonstrated a hidden decoherence mechanism: coherent spatial-mode mixing can erase quantum enhancement far more severely than ordinary loss models predict. An 8% mode mismatch at each of two nodes erased 5.8 dB of observable squeezing; phase tuning recovered most of the correlations.
Nature CommunicationsA program exploring how quantum light generated inside a detector becomes a resource for precision measurement: beating the standard sensitivity-bandwidth limit, expanding detection bandwidth, and mitigating quantum decoherence.
Leadership across LIGO quantum noise and Einstein Telescope observatory design connects quantum metrology with detector-wide noise budgets and engineering choices.
Current rolesIndividual distinction
Awarded for outstanding scientific achievements in experimental physics.
Award announcementCollaboration recognition
As a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, I received collaboration-level honors including the Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, the Gruber Cosmology Prize, and the Einstein Medal.
Awards in CVCurrent directions
Leadership
Connect
I help supervise research across ten laser laboratories in Hamburg and work internationally across physics, instrumentation, and research communities.
01 / Academic
Joint work in quantum optics, precision interferometry, gravitational-wave instrumentation, and sensing.
Propose a collaboration02 / Technical
Independent review of optical concepts, noise budgets, sensitivity models, and quantum-technology feasibility.
Discuss a technical problem03 / Research
For students and researchers drawn to quantum measurement, optomechanics, detector physics, or scientific software.
Introduce yourselfDirect contact