August 21st, 2009
Laying the Foundation Stone for
the Center of Optical Quantum Technologies (ZOQ)
The University of Hamburg's research campus in Bahrenfeld, Hamburg is being expanded to house the Center of Optical Quantum Technologies (ZOQ). The foundation stone for the new Center was laid down on August 21st, 2009, by Hamburg's Senator of Science and Research, Dr. Herlind Gundelach, the Acting Deputy President of the University of Hamburg, Prof. Dr Gabriele Löschper and the future director of the ZOQ, Prof. Dr. Klaus Sengstock from the Institute of Laser Physics at the University of Hamburg.
The 1280 square meter building is part of an effort to place Hamburg at the center of cutting-edge physics and to shift focus to top research in the field of laser physics. Construction should take 20 months, with completion set for December 2010.
The University of Hamburg's expertise in the areas of laser physics and photonics will be collected and combined with an innovative, international visiting scientist program. The development and possible application of optical quantum technologies contribute to the investigation, control and manipulation of atomic, molecular and solid-state systems.
The innovative visiting scientist program will give 60 to 80 international top researchers an opportunity to work on experimental projects with Hamburg-based scientists for a limited time. This will enable scientists to develop and pursue new, forward-looking projects on the manipulation of atomic and molecular constellations at the very limits of quantum mechanics.
Acting Deputy Vice President of the University of Hamburg, Prof. Dr. Gabriele LÖSCHPER: "The area of laser physics and photonics is an important part of our research focus 'Material and the Universe,' the further development of which we have anchored in our Structure and Development Plan. Our scientific work in this field is already internationally recognized. Further expansion requires, of course, appropriate facilities. That's why I'm especially happy that today, by laying the foundation stone, we have taken a big step towards realizing the Center for Optical Quantum Technologies. I am certain that exemplary conditions for interdisciplinary cooperation and international exchange in research and teaching will be created here. We look forward to the Center's opening.“
Prof. Dr. Klaus SENGSTOCK, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences as well as the future director of the ZOQ: "With its cutting-edge laboratories, our Center for Optical Quantum Technologies will facilitate cooperation among top researchers and young scientists and students at the University of Hamburg. Our visiting scientist program, designed specifically for this purpose, is unique. Students can work with top scientists and meet them face-to-face. This leads to a unique environment conducive to innovative, forward-looking projects. Research and teaching go hand in hand.“
Science and Research Senator Dr. Herlind GUNDELACH: "The ZOQ combines cutting-edge research with theoretical and experimental methods and creates a working environment charged with special energy. I expect completely new and unique developments and applications in the area of optical quantum technologies. Furthermore, the research facility's concept constitutes an internationally unique model of a 'user's facility' in this area of physics. It enables us, above all, to promote young scientists. With the Center of Optical Quantum Technologies, Hamburg can further expand its hitherto extraordinary place in the field of physics and develop Hamburg's reputation as an excellent place for the pursuit of physics."
Photo: UHH/PSQuestions can be addressed to:
Pressestelle der Universität Hamburg
Birgit Kruse
Tel.: +49 (0) 40 42838-2968
e-mail:
presse@uni-hamburg.de
Prof. Dr. Klaus Sengstock,
Institut für Laserphysik
Universität Hamburg
Tel.: +49 (0)40 8998-5201
e-mail:
klaus.sengstock@physnet.uni-hamburg.de
