Ingrid Wilke

Ingrid Wilke serves as a Professor in the Department of Physics, Applied Physics & Astronomy at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's School of Science, where she has been a faculty member since 2002. Her research focuses on experimental terahertz (THz) wave science and ultrafast laser applications, with particular emphasis on THz radiation sources, detectors, and systems for spectroscopy, imaging, and sensing applications.

Her educational background includes a Habilitation in Experimental Physics and Certificate in Higher Education from the University of Hamburg (Germany), a Ph.D. in Physics from ETH Zürich (Switzerland), a Diploma in Physics from the University of Würzburg (Germany), and an M.Sc. in Physics from SUNY Albany (USA). Prior to joining RPI, she conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Wilke's research explores the interaction of THz waves with natural and artificial materials including clay minerals, biological tissues, semiconductors, superconductors, and ceramics. Her experimental methods encompass time-domain THz spectroscopy, phase-sensitive measurements, and femtosecond optical techniques. She is affiliated with RPI's Center for Materials, Devices, and Integrated Systems (CMDIS) and the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on THz gas sensing applications, particularly in the 220-330 GHz frequency range for industrial chemicals, refrigerants, and volatile organic compounds. Her work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between physics, electrical engineering, and analytical chemistry, with increasing emphasis on microelectronic implementations of THz detection systems.

Her teaching portfolio includes core physics courses such as PHYS 1100 (Physics I), PHYS 2350 (Experimental Physics), and PHYS 4210 (Electromagnetic Theory), reflecting her commitment to both foundational and advanced physics education.