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Antonino Di PiazzaView profile

Professor

• Quantum Electrodynamics
• Strong-Field QED
• High-Energy Physics
• +12 more

Antonino Di Piazza is a Professor of Physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, and a Distinguished Scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). He is also a Guest at the Theory Division of the Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik (MPI-K), where he previously served as a Group Leader from 2009 to 2023. His academic journey includes a PhD from the University of Trieste and habilitations in both Germany and Italy, establishing his expertise in theoretical physics. His research interests lie at the forefront of quantum electrodynamics, particularly in strong and ultra-intense laser fields. He investigates fundamental phenomena such as radiation reaction, vacuum polarization, nonlinear Compton scattering, and Breit-Wheeler pair production. His work often bridges classical and quantum electrodynamics, exploring the limits of theoretical models like the local constant field approximation and developing new frameworks for tightly focused and flying-focus laser pulses. The 15 most recent publications highlight a consistent focus on strong-field QED processes. Key themes include the behavior of particles in flying focus pulses, quantum vacuum effects like birefringence, and the analytical and numerical modeling of radiation processes. His work combines deep theoretical insight with relevance to cutting-edge experimental facilities, aiming to test QED in previously inaccessible regimes. He has not received any scientific awards listed in the provided text. Dr. Di Piazza is an active educator, currently teaching Quantum Mechanics II at the University of Rochester. He has a history of lecturing and tutoring at Heidelberg University and leading numerous doctoral schools and workshops on strong-field physics. He has secured research support through collaborations with major institutions like LLE, ELI-NP, and MPI-K, enabling his theoretical work to inform and be informed by high-power laser experiments. His extensive list of invited seminars and conference talks underscores his leadership in the field. He leads the 'High-Energy Quantum Electrodynamics' research group, which is affiliated with the University of Rochester and the Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik. This group focuses on theoretical investigations of quantum vacuum and particle dynamics in extreme electromagnetic fields, contributing significantly to the global effort in high-field science.

• Dark Matter Research
• Particle Physics
• Plasma Physics
• +3 more

Prof. Dieter H.H. Hoffmann is a distinguished academic in the Department of Physics , specializing in high-energy physics, dark matter detection, and plasma-based fusion research. His work focuses on particle astrophysics, including axion searches via helioscopes like CAST, nuclear fusion mechanisms (particularly proton-boron reactions), and plasma dynamics in extreme conditions. He collaborates on major projects such as the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) for gamma-ray astronomy and heavy-ion beam experiments at facilities like FAIR. Research interests include: Dark matter axion detection and theoretical modeling Proton-boron fusion as an alternative energy pathway Plasma interactions in high-intensity laser and beam experiments Stopping power and beam transport in dense matter High-energy-density physics for inertial confinement fusion Recent work highlights advancements in: CAST experiment sensitivity improvements for solar axions Experimental validation of proton-boron fusion yields in dense plasmas Development of NectarCAM cameras for CTA's gamma-ray detection Simulation of proton beam dynamics in solid-state materials His contributions bridge fundamental physics with applied research in energy and detector technology, with active involvement in international collaborations like CTA and FAIR experiments.

• Quantum Electrodynamics
• Laser-Matter Interaction
• Atomic Physics
• +1 more

Christoph H. Keitel is a Professor and Director at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, with an honorary professorship at Heidelberg University. His research spans quantum electrodynamics, laser-matter interactions, and precision atomic physics. He leads investigations into radiation reaction, particle acceleration, and fundamental symmetries using high-intensity lasers and atomic spectroscopy. Keitel has received the Willis E. Lamb Award and Gustav Hertz Prize for pioneering contributions to laser science and quantum optics. His group develops advanced theoretical frameworks for testing QED and particle physics through high-precision experiments.

Zoltán HarmanView profile

Researcher

• Quantum Electrodynamics
• Atomic Physics
• Highly Charged Ions
• +12 more

Zoltán Harman is a Leading Scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics (MPIK) in Heidelberg, Germany, and is affiliated with Heidelberg University. He conducts cutting-edge research in atomic physics, quantum electrodynamics, and precision measurements, particularly using highly charged ions and Penning trap techniques. He holds a habilitation in physics from Heidelberg University and regularly lectures there on advanced topics such as quantum electrodynamics and theoretical physics. Research Interests: Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) in strong fields Precision spectroscopy of highly charged ions g-factor measurements and tests of fundamental physics Development of atomic clocks using highly charged ions Determination of fundamental constants (e.g., electron mass, fine-structure constant) Searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model, including fifth forces Neutrino mass determination via Penning trap measurements His recent publications (2024–2025) focus on high-precision g-factor measurements in ions like tin and beryllium, two-loop QED calculations, King plot analyses for new boson searches, and neutrino mass studies. These works appear in top journals such as Nature , Physical Review Letters , and Science , reflecting his leadership in precision atomic physics. Scientific Awards and Grants: Postdoctoral scholarship from the Max Planck Society (2005–2007) EMMI Visiting Professor Scholarship (2012, 2013) Erasmus student scholarship (1999–2000) Primary investigator of the ISOQUANT Collaborative Research Centre (SFB1225) Teaching and Advising: Harman has been a regular lecturer at Heidelberg University since 2008, teaching courses in quantum electrodynamics, theoretical physics, and experimental physics. He co-organizes advanced lecture series and supervises student research projects, including poster sessions and talks. He is also a lecturer in the International Max Planck Research School on Quantum Dynamics. Research Group and Collaborations: Harman is a key member of the quantum dynamics group at MPIK, led by Prof. Christoph H. Keitel. His work involves close collaboration with experimental teams at MPIK, GSI, and Heidelberg University, combining theoretical and experimental efforts in precision physics. He is actively involved in major projects such as PENTATRAP and ALPHATRAP, which aim to push the limits of atomic and nuclear measurements.

Matteo TamburiniView profile

Researcher

• Quantum Plasma Physics
• Strong-Field Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
• High-Intensity Laser Physics
• +3 more

Matteo Tamburini is a Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics (MPIK) in Heidelberg, leading the Extreme Field Quantum Plasma Dynamics and Relativistic Laboratory Astrophysics group. He also serves as a Lecturer at the International Max Planck Research School in Quantum Dynamics (IMPRS-QD). His academic journey includes a PhD in Physics from the University of Pisa, Italy, and postdoctoral research at MPIK. Research Interests: Tamburini specializes in quantum plasma dynamics, strong-field quantum electrodynamics (QED), and high-intensity laser-plasma interactions. He focuses on topics such as radiation reaction effects, relativistic astrophysical simulations, and the generation of ultra-high energy particles and gamma-ray bursts. His work bridges theoretical modeling with experimental validation at facilities like FACET-II (SLAC), Gemini (UK), and DESY. Experimental Contributions: Key projects include devising experiments to probe quantum radiation reaction (E-332, E-320, E-305), developing the SFQEDtoolkit for QED simulations, and advancing polarized laser-wakefield acceleration. His research often involves close collaboration with international teams and leverages cutting-edge facilities like the Gemini laser and FACET-II. Awards & Service: Tamburini is recognized as an IOP trusted reviewer for peer review excellence. He organizes the Seminar Theoretical Quantum Dynamics and contributes to reviewing for journals like Physical Review Letters and Nature Physics. He has secured significant funding, including a 4-year scholarship for student Michael Quin. Lab/Teams: Leads the Extreme Field Group at MPIK, focusing on advancing understanding of quantum plasma phenomena and relativistic astrophysical processes through theoretical and computational approaches.

• laser-plasma physics
• laser-driven ion acceleration
• X-ray polarimetry
• +1 more

Dr. Hans-Peter Schlenvoigt is a researcher at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), working in the Department of Laser Particle Acceleration. His research focuses on experimental and theoretical aspects of high-intensity laser-matter interactions, with emphasis on advancing laser-driven particle acceleration techniques. Research Interests: Dr. Schlenvoigt's work spans laser-plasma physics, laser-driven ion acceleration, X-ray polarimetry, and strong-field quantum electrodynamics. Key themes include: Development of diagnostic methods for relativistic plasmas Optimization of laser-driven proton/ion sources Applications in radiobiology and fundamental physics Advanced laser technologies for extreme conditions Publication Trends: His recent articles (2023-2025) demonstrate a focus on laser-driven particle acceleration mechanisms, plasma diagnostics using X-ray techniques, and quantum electrodynamics in strong fields. The research integrates experimental work at major facilities like J-KAREN-P and theoretical modeling, with growing emphasis on medical applications of laser-accelerated particles. Facilities and Tools: He utilizes HZDR's DRACO-PW laser system and collaborates on projects at international facilities including the Helmholtz International Beamline for Extreme Fields (HIBEF).

Markus RothView profile

Professor

• Laser and Plasma Physics
• Energy Loss in Plasmas
• Laser Ion Acceleration
• +7 more

Prof. Markus Roth is a leading plasma physicist at the Technische Universität Darmstadt , heading the Laser and Plasma Physics Group within the Department of Physics . His research focuses on experimental investigations of laser-plasma interactions, particularly in developing novel radiation sources and advancing inertial fusion technologies. Research Interests : Energy loss mechanisms in laser-generated plasmas Laser ion acceleration (TNSA, BOA, and relativistic transparency) Laser-driven neutron sources for radiography Warm dense matter generation and diagnostics Target development for high-energy experiments Integration of laser-accelerated ions into accelerators Scientific Awards : APS Fellow (2013) Defense Physics Award of Excellence (2014) Rosen Scholar Award (2012, 2016) Collaborations : Active in international projects including FAIR, ELI-NP, and LIGHT collaboration. His group develops detectors for laser-driven neutron sources and contributes to fusion research.

• Quantum electrodynamics
• Strong-field physics
• Laser-matter interactions
• +5 more

Christoph Helmut Keitel is an honorary professor at Heidelberg University's Faculty of Physics and Astronomy and serves as Director at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics (MPIK) in Heidelberg, Germany. His research spans quantum electrodynamics, strong-field laser physics, atomic and nuclear physics, with a focus on precision measurements and quantum dynamics. Director at Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics (2004-present) Managing Director of MPIK (2006-2008, 2024-present) Founding Speaker of the International Max Planck Research School for Quantum Dynamics (2005-present) Advisory Board member of ELI (Extreme Light Infrastructure) (2008-present) Keitel's research interests focus on the interaction of intense laser fields with matter, quantum electrodynamics in strong fields, precision measurements of fundamental constants, and nuclear physics. His work bridges theoretical and experimental physics, developing advanced theoretical frameworks to interpret cutting-edge experiments in strong-field physics. His research group investigates phenomena such as radiation reaction, quantum tunneling in strong fields, electron-positron pair creation, and precision spectroscopy of highly charged ions. He has made significant contributions to understanding the dynamics of particles in extreme electromagnetic fields and developing novel methods for precision measurements that test the limits of quantum electrodynamics and search for physics beyond the Standard Model. His scientific work has been recognized with numerous awards including the Willis E. Lamb Award for Laser Science and Quantum Optics (2023), APS "Outstanding Referee" Award (2008), Fellowship in the Optical Society of America (2006), and the Gustav Hertz Prize of the German Physical Society (2003). Keitel has supervised numerous doctoral students through the International Max Planck Research School for Quantum Dynamics and has been involved in major collaborative research projects including the SFB 1227 DQ-mat. His research has practical applications in developing novel light sources, precision measurement techniques, and advancing our understanding of fundamental physical processes that could lead to breakthroughs in quantum technologies.

• Accelerator Physics
• Beam Dynamics
• Radio-Frequency Photoinjectors
• +5 more

Thorsten Kamps is a Professor of Physics at Humboldt University of Berlin and Head of the Department of High-Brilliance Electron Beams at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin . He is also Deputy Project Manager for the Superconducting RF Electron Accelerator Laboratory SEALAB . Education: Graduate Physicist (Dipl.-Phys.) from TU Dortmund (formerly University of Dortmund), Doctor rerum naturalium (Dr. rer. nat.) from Humboldt University of Berlin Research Interests: Particle accelerator beam dynamics, diagnostics, superconducting radio-frequency photoinjectors (SRF photoinjectors), photocathode growth, instrumentation for bright electron beams, free-electron lasers, ultrafast scattering sources, and future trends of accelerator-driven light sources Expertise: Accelerator physics, beam physics of electron beams, photoinjectors, storage rings, electron beam diagnostics, free-electron lasers, and project management of large-scale accelerator projects Labs/Teams: Involved with SEALAB (Superconducting RF Electron Accelerator Laboratory), BERLinPro (Berlin Energy Recovery Linac Project), and collaborations with institutions like Royal Holloway University of London, DESY, and DELTA/University of Dortmund Publications Trends: Thorsten Kamps’ recent works focus on SRF photoinjectors, beam diagnostics, photocathode development, and thermal load studies. His research spans applications in ultrafast electron diffraction, laser-driven acceleration, and energy-recovery linacs, with collaborations across Europe and the US. Topics include interferometric beam monitoring, multi-alkali antimonide materials, and solenoid alignment for beam control. Teaching: Promotes education in accelerator physics through BSc and MSc courses, and supervises BSc, MSc, and PhD students. Develops practical experiments for internships in accelerator physics.

• Laser-Plasma Physics
• Quantum Electrodynamics
• High-Intensity Laser Experiments
• +3 more

Prof. Thomas Cowan is the Director of the Institute of Radiation Physics at the Helmholtz Center Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR). His research focuses on high-intensity laser-matter interactions, quantum electrodynamics (QED) under extreme conditions, and plasma diagnostics. He leads projects involving ultra-short pulse lasers, vacuum birefringence experiments, and advanced X-ray scattering techniques. Key collaborations include the Helmholtz International Beamline for Extreme Fields (HIBEF) and the European XFEL facility. Research interests include laser-driven proton acceleration, solid-density plasma dynamics, and material behavior under megabar pressures. His work bridges fundamental physics with applications in radiobiology and advanced diagnostics. Notable projects involve developing spatio-temporal diagnostics for solid plasmas and exploring QED effects in strong electromagnetic fields. Publications highlight advancements in X-ray Thomson scattering, femtosecond temperature measurements, and vacuum birefringence experiments. His group uses facilities like the DiPOLE laser and ELBE radiation source to study ultrafast phenomena. Ongoing efforts focus on optimizing laser-driven proton beams for medical applications and improving the theoretical understanding of relativistic plasma interactions.

Giuseppe SansoneView profile

Professor

• Attosecond Spectroscopy
• Ultrafast Molecular Dynamics
• Free-Electron Lasers
• +4 more

Giuseppe Sansone is a full professor of experimental physics at the University of Freiburg, leading the Attosecond and Strong Field Physics group. He holds an Internal Senior Fellow position (Sep 2024–Apr 2025) and previously held postdoctoral fellowships at RIKEN (Japan) and the Max-Planck-Institute (Germany). His work focuses on attosecond metrology at free-electron lasers and ultrafast molecular dynamics using coincidence spectroscopy. Key contributions include the development of the Extreme Light Infrastructure Attosecond Light Pulse Source (ELI-ALPS) in Hungary. His research spans attosecond pulse characterization, quantum control in extreme UV domains, and coherent control mechanisms in molecular systems. Education: PhD in Physics (2004, Politecnico Milano), career progression from assistant to associate professor at Politecnico Milano before joining Freiburg in 2016. Research interests include: attosecond temporal structure analysis, nonlinear XUV applications, wave-packet manipulation in Rydberg states, and femtosecond polarization shaping. His experimental setups leverage seeded free-electron lasers and advanced spectroscopic techniques. Publications highlight advancements in photoelectron interferometry, resonance dynamics, and ultrafast nuclear motion studies. His work bridges atomic/molecular physics with cutting-edge laser technologies. Awards: JSPS Short-Term Postdoc Fellowship (2007), Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (2009-2010). Lab leadership: Director of the Attosecond and Strong Field Physics group at Freiburg, contributing to ELI-ALPS infrastructure development. His team focuses on time-resolved XUV-IR coincidence spectroscopy and novel attosecond timing tools.

Matthias SchnuererView profile

Researcher

• High Field Physics
• Laser-Driven Matter Acceleration
• Plasma Dynamics
• +4 more

Dr. Matthias Schnuerer is an acting Department Head of B3 (Laser Development) and Project Coordinator at the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy in Berlin. His research focuses on high-field physics, laser-driven matter acceleration, and plasma dynamics. He has pioneered proton imaging techniques for studying relativistic plasma behavior and contributed to advancements in laser systems for coherent X-ray generation. **Education**: PhD in Physics (1984), Humboldt-University Berlin Diploma in Physics (1982), Humboldt-University Berlin Habilitation (2001), Technical University Wien **Research Interests**: His work spans laser-plasma interactions, ultrafast laser systems (OPCPA, fs pulses), and applications in X-ray spectroscopy. Key areas include energy transformation in plasmas, coherent soft X-ray generation beyond the water window, and relativistic electron dynamics. Recent projects involve developing high-average-power MIR laser systems and studying magnetization dynamics via soft X-ray techniques. **Labs/Teams**: Leads the Laser Development department at MBI, coordinating projects like the Application Laboratories and Technology Transfer initiative. Collaborates on advanced X-ray optics and plasma diagnostics for material science and energy research.

Nina RohringerView profile

Professor

• X-ray Physics
• Quantum Optics
• Atomic Physics
• +5 more

Nina Rohringer is a Professor of Physics at the University of Hamburg and a Leading Scientist at Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), a Helmholtz Research Centre. Her work focuses on the interaction of ultrafast X-ray pulses with matter, particularly using free-electron X-ray lasers like FLASH and the European XFEL to study electronic structures and develop nonlinear X-ray spectroscopic methods. She leads the Max Planck Research Group "Quantum Optics with X-Ray Light" at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Structure of Matter (CFEL) in Hamburg. PhD in Physics (2005) and Diploma in Technical Physics (2000) from the Vienna University of Technology Two one-year study visits at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland Her research aims to unravel electron and core motion in materials through stimulated emission and nonlinear scattering processes, enabling novel imaging and spectroscopic techniques for physical and chemical dynamics such as phase transformations, catalysis, and photosynthesis. She has contributed extensively to attosecond science, X-ray superfluorescence, and warm dense matter diagnostics via X-ray absorption. The 15 most recent publications highlight advancements in stochastic modeling of superfluorescence, attosecond inner-shell lasing, vacuum birefringence experiments, and transient absorption spectroscopy of warm dense matter. These works bridge quantum optics, nonlinear X-ray physics, and ultrafast electronic dynamics. Scientific awards: Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) since 2023 Rohringer’s career spans leading roles at DESY, Max Planck Institute, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, with expertise in theoretical and experimental X-ray science. She has published groundbreaking studies on X-ray parametric down-conversion, quantum stochastic trajectories, and extreme ultraviolet polaritons.

Patrik VagovicView profile

Researcher

• X-ray Imaging
• Phase Retrieval
• Coherent Diffractive Imaging
• +4 more

Patrik Vagovic is a Staff Scientist at the European XFEL GmbH, affiliated with the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science (CFEL), a collaborative research center between DESY, the University of Hamburg, and the Max Planck Society. He leads research in the Coherent Imaging Team, focusing on advanced X-ray imaging techniques using X-ray free-electron lasers. His work bridges the gap between fundamental physics and practical applications in materials science, biology, and fluid dynamics. Dr. Vagovic's research interests center around developing and applying cutting-edge X-ray imaging methodologies, particularly high-speed and phase-sensitive techniques. His work encompasses X-ray phase contrast imaging, coherent diffractive imaging, tomography, and advanced data processing methods. He has pioneered MHz frame rate X-ray imaging capabilities at the European XFEL, enabling unprecedented observation of ultrafast phenomena previously impossible to capture with conventional X-ray sources. Analyzing his recent publication record reveals a strong focus on pushing the temporal and spatial boundaries of X-ray imaging. His work demonstrates a consistent progression from developing fundamental imaging techniques to applying them to complex scientific problems across multiple disciplines. The research shows increasing sophistication in both hardware development (optical systems, detectors) and computational methods (phase retrieval, machine learning). Dr. Vagovic actively collaborates with international research teams across Europe and beyond, contributing to numerous high-impact publications in top journals including Optics Express, Journal of Synchrotron Radiation, and Nature Communications. His work on MHz X-ray microscopy has particularly advanced the field of time-resolved imaging of irreversible phenomena. As part of the Coherent Imaging Team at European XFEL, Dr. Vagovic works with state-of-the-art instrumentation including the SPB/SFX instrument, where he has developed pump-probe capabilities and advanced diagnostics for megahertz pulse trains. His research group utilizes advanced computational approaches alongside experimental innovations to solve complex imaging challenges.

• Atomic Physics
• Molecular Physics
• Optical Physics
• +3 more

Claus Peter Schulz is a Researcher at the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI Berlin). His work focuses on atomic and molecular physics, particularly laser-matter interactions with nanoscale systems like fullerenes (C 60 ) and clusters. He has pioneered studies in ultrafast dynamics, femtosecond spectroscopy, and coherent control of molecular motion using tailored laser pulses. Key research areas include the photoionization of sodium-water clusters, the excitation of giant breathing motion in C 60 , and the theoretical modeling of highly charged fullerene cations under intense laser fields. Schulz has authored influential textbooks such as Atome, Moleküle und optische Physik , providing foundational knowledge in atomic and molecular physics. His publications span experimental and theoretical investigations into ultrafast phenomena, including coherent phonon generation in doped fullerenes and attosecond-scale electronic dynamics. Schulz's work bridges fundamental physics with applications in nanotechnology and ultrafast laser science.