Georg Raithel

Georg Raithel is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he has been a faculty member since 1997 following postdoctoral research at NIST as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow. His research focuses on experimental atomic, molecular, and optical physics, specializing in Rydberg atom systems for quantum sensing and precision measurement applications.

His academic background includes:

• Habilitation, University of Munich, Germany (1995)
• Ph.D., University of Munich, Germany (1990)
• Diploma, University of Munich, Germany (1987)

Raithel's work centers on Rydberg atoms and their applications in quantum sensing, precision spectroscopy, and quantum information. His group investigates electromagnetically induced transparency in vapor cells, atom interferometry, ultracold plasmas, and Rydberg-atom-ion molecules. Recent breakthroughs include tractor atom interferometry for rotation sensing and SI-traceable electric field probes, bridging fundamental physics with practical quantum technologies.

His publication trends show increasing focus on applied quantum systems, particularly Rydberg-atom-based sensors for electromagnetic field measurement, quantum communication protocols, and precision metrology devices. This evolution reflects a strategic shift from fundamental Rydberg physics toward engineered quantum solutions for real-world measurement challenges.

Major scientific recognitions include:

• Fellow of the American Physical Society
• Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship

Raithel has mentored approximately thirty Ph.D. students who now hold positions across academia, industry, and government laboratories. His research has been supported by sustained funding from the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy, enabling development of advanced laser systems for cold atom manipulation and quantum control.

The Raithel laboratory, housed in Homer A. Neal Laboratory (rooms SB149, SB283, SB290), maintains multiple experimental setups for laser cooling, optical trapping, and vapor-cell spectroscopy. His group actively collaborates with industry through Rydberg Technologies Inc., which he co-founded to commercialize atom-based sensing technology.